Thinking Of Professor LEI Genping in Treating Severe Strain Injury Due To Masturbation From Phlegm Dampness Ⅱ
Mar 13, 2025
3 Case Studies
3.1 Case 1: Mr. He, Male, 42 years old, First Consultation on November 12, 2020
Chief Complaint: "Diarrhea accompanied by general fatigue for 3 years."
The patient reported a constitutionally warm body since childhood, with a preference for cold foods, often eating up to five ice creams at a time. He began sexual activity at the age of 14, engaging 3–5 times per week, with each session lasting 2–4 times. Eight years ago, due to marital discord, he started masturbating and has continued to do so.
Current Symptoms:
Irregular monthly episodes of vomiting clear saliva and watery diarrhea, occurring simultaneously. After vomiting and diarrhea, he experiences general weakness, which resolves on its own after three days. Symptoms include mental fatigue, extreme drowsiness, soft and weak muscles that are tender to touch, unsteady walking with a dragging gait, inability to squat, intermittent urination, weak defecation, and multiple subcutaneous nodules on the upper limbs, lower limbs, buttocks, and abdomen. The nodules range from the size of soybeans to quail eggs, with visible pigmentation. The patient also reported cold feet, mild numbness below the knees, hardness and coldness in the lower abdomen, cold semen, ejaculation difficulty (lasting up to 3 hours), pale and swollen tongue with a white slippery coating, and a deep pulse.
Herbal Cistanche Supplements for Severe deficiency and damage Caused by Maturbation
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis:
Severe deficiency and damage. Syndrome differentiation: exterior deficiency and instability.
Treatment principle: Tonify qi, warm the middle, and balance the spleen and kidneys.
Prescription:
Raw Astragalus (Huangqi) 60 g
Stir-fried Atractylodes (Baizhu) 15 g
Siler (Fangfeng) 10 g
Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) 15 g
Rhizoma Atractylodis (Cangzhu) 30 g
Epimedium (Yinyanghuo) 20 g
Goji Berries (Gouqizi) 20 g
Licorice (Gancao) 15 g
Psoralea (Buguzhi) 20 g
Dodder Seed (Tusizi) 20 g
Figwort Root (Xuanshen) 30 g
Chinese Yam (Shanyao) 15 g
Salvia (Danshen) 20 g
Kudzu Root (Gegen) 20 g
Raw Ephedra (Sheng Mahuang) 5 g
Centipede (Wugong) 2 pieces
Raw Dragon Bone (Sheng Longgu) 20 g
Raw Oyster Shell (Sheng Muli) 20 g
7 doses, decocted in water, 1 dose daily.
Follow-Up on December 1, 2020:
The patient reported that after taking the medicine, his abdominal area became warmer and softer, with accompanying sensations of pricking and airflow. His spirit improved, fatigue lessened, and he experienced mild sweating. Pigmentation began to fade, but bad breath and body odor appeared.
Modified Prescription:
Amomum Fruit (Sharen) 10 g
Tsaoko Fruit (Caoguo) 5 g
Raw Astragalus (Huangqi) 90 g
Stir-fried Atractylodes (Baizhu) 15 g
Siler (Fangfeng) 10 g
Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) 15 g
Rhizoma Atractylodis (Cangzhu) 30 g
Epimedium (Yinyanghuo) 20 g
Goji Berries (Gouqizi) 20 g
Psoralea (Buguzhi) 20 g
Dodder Seed (Tusizi) 20 g
Figwort Root (Xuanshen) 10 g
Chinese Yam (Shanyao) 15 g
Salvia (Danshen) 20 g
Kudzu Root (Gegen) 20 g
Centipede (Wugong) 2 pieces
Scorpion (Quanshe) 5 g
Arborvitae Seed (Baiziren) 15 g
Schisandra (Wuweizi) 10 g
Floating Wheat (Fuxiaomai) 30 g
Rehmannia (Shudihuang) 30 g
Cinnamon Bark (Rougui) 5 g
7 doses, decocted in water, 1 dose daily.
Follow-Up on December 22, 2020:
The patient reported that the nodules near his genital area had mostly disappeared.
Further Modified Prescription:
Stir-fried Dodder Seed (Tusizi) 20 g
Psoralea (Buguzhi) 20 g
Goji Berries (Gouqizi) 20 g
Epimedium (Yinyanghuo) 20 g
Chinese Yam (Shanyao) 15 g
Salvia (Danshen) 20 g
Kudzu Root (Gegen) 20 g
Licorice (Gancao) 50 g
Raw Astragalus (Huangqi) 60 g
Rhizoma Atractylodis (Cangzhu) 30 g
Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) 15 g
White Peony (Baishao) 15 g
Stir-fried Atractylodes (Baizhu) 15 g
Siler (Fangfeng) 10 g
Raw Ephedra (Sheng Mahuang) 10 g
Raw Dragon Bone (Sheng Longgu) 15 g
Raw Oyster Shell (Sheng Muli) 15 g
Centipede (Wugong) 2 pieces
Figwort Root (Xuanshen) 30 g
Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang) 15 g
Chinese Date (Dazao) 15 g
7 doses, decocted in water, 1 dose daily.
The patient's condition gradually stabilized, and he was prescribed self-prepared pills for long-term care.
Analysis:
The patient reported a preference for cold foods since childhood, often consuming large amounts of ice cream at once, which damaged the yang energy of the middle burner (spleen and stomach). This impaired the spleen and stomach's ability to transport and transform water and dampness, leading to water retention and nodules under the skin. The imbalance in ascending and descending functions caused symptoms such as vomiting of clear saliva and watery diarrhea. Repeated exposure to cold also damaged the yang of the spleen and stomach, leading to chronic diarrhea.
At 42 years old, the patient was in the "five-eight" stage of life, where kidney qi naturally begins to decline. He began sexual activity at 14, causing premature depletion of kidney essence. Additionally, masturbation over the past eight years led to the frequent loss of kidney essence, leaving the lower burner deficient. Symptoms such as unsteady walking, intermittent urination, and mental fatigue were manifestations of kidney qi deficiency.
The root cause of this case was kidney qi deficiency, with the damage to the middle yang and accumulation of phlegm and dampness as secondary manifestations. Treatment focused on tonifying the spleen yang, resolving dampness, consolidating and astringing, and replenishing kidney essence.
The prescriptions included ingredients like Astragalus to strengthen the middle burner, Atractylodes to fortify the spleen, and Cinnamon Twig to warm the yang and promote water metabolism. Additional herbs such as Cangzhu and Fangfeng were used to address diarrhea and dampness, while Chinese Yam and kidney tonics targeted both the root and secondary symptoms. Herbs like Centipede and Figwort Root were included to resolve nodules and detoxify.
By the third consultation, the treatment had significantly alleviated the patient's symptoms, with nodules nearly gone and overall condition stabilized.
3.2 Case 2
Patient Information:
Mr. Sun, male, 31 years old, first visit on November 24, 2020.
Chief Complaint:
"General fatigue accompanied by lower back soreness and leg pain for over a year."
Medical History:
The patient reported a history of over ten years of masturbation. After abstaining one year ago, he began experiencing various withdrawal symptoms, including numbness in both legs, dizziness, neck and lower back discomfort, and feelings of panic and restlessness. He described himself as physically weak, unsteady on his feet, and was brought into the clinic in a wheelchair. He experienced frequent fatigue and anxiety but had no abnormalities in multiple medical examinations.
Current Symptoms:
General weakness, lower back soreness, and cold, weak legs.
Inability to walk normally.
Sweating with an oily texture.
Occasional dizziness and swelling on the left side of the head accompanied by soreness in the left limbs.
Timidity, susceptibility to fright, wandering eyes, and mental tension.
Red tongue with a white, greasy coating, teeth marks on the tongue, and a deep, weak pulse.
TCM Diagnosis:
Severe deficiency syndrome. The condition is classified as "qi and yin deficiency, yin-yang imbalance, and heart-gallbladder timidity." Treatment should focus on simultaneously replenishing qi and yin, harmonizing yin and yang, regulating qi, and resolving phlegm.
Prescription (First Visit):
A combination of Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (桂枝加龙骨牡蛎汤) and a modified Chai Qin Wen Dan Tang (柴芩温胆汤), with the following ingredients:
Huang Qi (astragalus root) 90 g
Sheng Di Huang (raw rehmannia root) 30 g
Shu Di Huang (processed rehmannia root) 30 g
Gui Zhi (cinnamon twig) 30 g
Sheng Bai Shao (raw white peony root) 30 g
Gan Cao (licorice root) 15 g
Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger) 30 g
Da Zao (jujube) 10 g
Sheng Long Gu (raw dragon bone) 30 g
Sheng Mu Li (raw oyster shell) 30 g
Qing Ban Xia (clear pinellia) 60 g
Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel) 10 g
Zhu Ru (bamboo shavings) 10 g
Zhi Shi (immature bitter orange) 10 g
Tian Ma (gastrodia) 10 g
Gou Teng (uncaria) 10 g
Chao Bai Zhu (fried white atractylodes) 15 g
Bei Chai Hu (northern bupleurum) 10 g
Huang Qin (scutellaria root) 10 g
Qing Meng Shi (chlorite) 20 g
Salt-processed Bu Gu Zhi (psoralea) 20 g
Gou Qi Zi (goji berries) 20 g
Yin Yang Huo (epimedium) 20 g
Salt-processed Tu Si Zi (dodder seed) 20 g
A total of 7 doses, decocted with water, 1 dose per day, taken warm in the morning and evening. The patient was also advised to relax, self-regulate, and engage in moderate exercise without excessive tension.
Follow-Up (December 1, 2020):
The patient reported significant symptom relief after taking the prescribed medication, indicating the treatment was effective. The formula was maintained with slight adjustments. Current symptoms included persistent lower limb weakness and diarrhea triggered by consuming cold foods.
Modified Prescription:
The original formula was supplemented with the following:
Dang Shen (codonopsis root) 15 g
Fu Ling (poria) 15 g
Zhi Fu Zi (processed aconite) 15 g
A total of 7 doses, decocted with water, 1 dose per day, taken warm in the morning and evening.
Third Visit (December 8, 2020):
The patient reported significant improvement in lower limb stability but still experienced lower back soreness and new symptoms of upper limb weakness.
Further Modified Prescription:
The second formula was supplemented with the following:
Dan Shen (salvia root) 20 g
Ge Gen (kudzu root) 20 g
Qiang Huo (notopterygium root) 20 g
Du Huo (angelica root) 20 g
A total of 7 doses, decocted with water, 1 dose per day, taken warm in the morning and evening.
Outcome:
The patient continued to follow up regularly, and his condition gradually stabilized. He was prescribed custom-made pills for long-term maintenance and recovery.
Analysis:
The patient was wheelchair-bound upon his first visit, with a dull complexion and abnormal body odor. He reported a history of long-term excessive masturbation, along with symptoms such as a red tongue and a deep, weak pulse. These signs suggested progressive depletion of kidney essence and yin fluid deficiency, leading to impaired transformation of essence into qi and qi into yang. This deficiency of yang qi manifested as fatigue, weakness, cold limbs, and other symptoms.
The dizziness, timidity, and greasy tongue coating were attributed to insufficient kidney essence, causing fluid metabolism abnormalities and phlegm-dampness accumulation. This phlegm disturbed the clear orifices, resulting in dizziness and temporal swelling, obstructed the limbs, causing numbness and weakness, and congested the chest, leading to timidity and mental instability. Externally, it blocked the skin pores, resulting in oily and sticky sweat.
The treatment addressed the root cause of kidney essence depletion and the accompanying yin-yang imbalance and phlegm obstruction. Professor Lei prioritized harmonizing yin and yang, replenishing kidney essence, and warming to dispel cold and dampness. The formula combined Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang with Wen Dan Tang and incorporated large doses of Huang Qi, rehmannia roots, and the "Four Kidney Herbs" to nourish essence and marrow, relieve lower back soreness, and stabilize kidney function.
Additionally, Chai Qin Wen Dan Tang with Qing Meng Shi cleared phlegm, calmed timidity, and anchored floating yang. Professor Lei emphasized the use of Qing Meng Shi for its descending and calming properties to address persistent phlegm syndromes effectively.
During the second visit, Dang Shen, Fu Ling, and Zhi Fu Zi were added to address abdominal coldness, diarrhea, and qi deficiency, aligning with the principles of Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang to invigorate stomach qi and dispel internal cold.
In the third visit, Dan Shen and Ge Gen were added to improve blood circulation and relieve muscle spasms, while Qiang Huo and Du Huo targeted lower limb numbness and pain by dispelling wind-dampness.
4. Conclusion
Fatigue and overexertion have been critical topics of interest for physicians throughout history, warranting ongoing research and exploration, especially in cases of severe fatigue caused by the unique factor of long-term excessive masturbation. The Ge Zhi Yu Lun (《格致余论》) begins with a caution against indulgence in lust, advising restraint:
"Do not indulge in excessive sexual desires." [10]
Similarly, the Dan Tai Yu An (《丹台玉案》) in its section on health preservation states:
"Bright teeth and beautiful eyebrows are enticing traps; unrestrained indulgence is akin to wielding an axe against one's own vitality. Moderation is essential." [11]
As demonstrated in the two cases discussed in this article, while both patients experienced fatigue induced by excessive masturbation, their clinical presentations, pathogenesis, and symptoms were diverse and complex. These included a mix of deficiency and excess, as well as cold and heat syndromes interwoven, making treatment challenging.
Professor Lei believes that this condition often involves a unique pathological presentation of phlegm-dampness. When signs of phlegm-dampness are prominent, the primary focus should be on resolving phlegm. Without addressing phlegm-dampness, the subtle essence cannot circulate effectively, and simple supplementation alone is unlikely to yield quick results. By using phlegm resolution as the entry point, treatment can simplify complexity and directly address the issue. Once phlegm is resolved, subsequent therapies can focus on harmonizing yin and yang, replenishing kidney essence, calming the mind, and benefiting the gallbladder, ultimately achieving effective results.
Professor Lei is well-versed in Zhang Zhongjing's classical formulas and the yang-supporting school of thought. In clinical practice, he combines classical and modern formulas, carefully balancing complexity. Though the prescriptions often involve numerous ingredients and large dosages, they are always well-structured and methodical. His approach integrates yin-yang harmony, simultaneous tonification of the spleen and kidneys, and the balanced use of warming and cooling therapies to regulate the organs. He draws from ancient wisdom without rigid adherence, emphasizing accurate syndrome differentiation to achieve rapid clinical efficacy.
Professor Lei also emphasizes that while TCM treatment is vital for this condition, patient participation is equally important. Patients need to build self-confidence and strengthen self-control. During consultations, he frequently advises patients to relax their minds, regulate their emotions, and maintain a positive outlook. By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects, the treatment can restore balance and vitality.
