The Importance of Releasing the Exterior While Harmonising the Spleen and Stomach in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders

This article documents the clinical importance of simultaneously releasing the exterior whilst harmonising the
Spleen and Stomach during the Chinese herbal treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The explanation is based
on three classical herbal prescriptions and Liu Wansu’s theory of the ‘xuanfu’ (pores). The author concludes that
to obtain superior therapeutic effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases it is necessary to treat yin and
yang - interior and exterior - together by including exterior-releasing herbs that open the ‘xuanfu’ to harmonise
the Spleen and Stomach, clear dampness and return the Spleen to its proper function.