Dragon Bone
Dragon Bone
Dragon Bone (龍骨), known as Long Gu in Pinyin, is a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient with a long history of usage. Its pharmaceutical name is Draconis Os, and it's also commonly referred to as Ryukotsu in Japanese. This ancient remedy is mainly used to treat symptoms related to the heart, liver, and kidneys, helping to secure Qi, calm the spirit, and anchor the Yang. It is a crucial element in the Substances that Calm the Spirit chapter and the Anchor, Settle and Calm the Spirit section of traditional Chinese medicine.
Symptoms and Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns
Long Gu (Duan) is often prescribed to alleviate a wide range of symptoms and TCM patterns, including:
-
Shen-Restless: Dragon Bone helps calm the spirit and ease emotional disturbances, anxiety, and restlessness.
-
Liver Yin-Deficiency: It can nourish and support the liver's Yin, thereby promoting overall liver health.
-
Yang-Deficient: By restoring the balance between Yin and Yang, Dragon Bone can improve the body's energy levels.
-
Liver Yang-Rising: The herb can calm the Liver and anchor the Yang, helping to prevent dizziness, irritability, and other symptoms associated with Liver Yang-Rising.
-
Fluid-Deficiency: Dragon Bone can help the body retain fluids and prevent abnormal leakage, thus maintaining proper fluid balance.
Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis
While no specific tongue or pulse patterns are listed for Dragon Bone, its effectiveness can be determined by observing changes in the patient's symptoms and overall well-being.
Contraindications
Long Gu (Duan) is not recommended for patients with Damp Heat or Exterior Deficiencies, as its calming and anchoring properties might not be suitable for these conditions. As always, it is essential to consult a qualified practitioner before starting any treatment.
Treatment Principles
The primary treatment principles of Dragon Bone are to secure Qi, calm the spirit, calm the liver, anchor the Yang, and prevent abnormal leakage. By adhering to these principles, Long Gu can restore balance in the body and promote overall well-being.
Properties and Channels
Dragon Bone is associated with the Heart (33%), Liver (33%), and Kidney (33%) channels, making it an effective remedy for treating issues related to these organs. It is neutral (100%) in property and has a sweet (50%) and astringent (50%) taste, making it suitable for various patients.
Conclusion
Dragon Bone or Long Gu is an ancient remedy with a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily used to calm the spirit, secure Qi, and anchor the Yang, providing relief for various symptoms and conditions. Although effective, it is essential to consult a qualified practitioner before using Dragon Bone to ensure its suitability for your specific needs.
