Dit Da Jow questions

[ntc]

Here are my two cents:

In China, typically each kung fu school will have different Dit Da Jow formulas to address the different types of injuries their respective styles cause based on its combat and strike principles. Focus can be on the extremities, internal chest cavity, head region, injuries to joints, muscles, etc. This is why the herbal ingredients will differ from formula to formula. Each formula is made with specific issues to address in mind. Other than the generic Dit Da Jow formula (discussed in the next paragraph), it is not customary to have an all-encompassing and STRONG formula to address the majority of issues, and certainly not one that contains very toxic herbs, most of which are used to address pain and/or infections.

At the same time, a basic formula is also made up to address the common injury and will use baseline yet powerful ingredients such as San Qi, Ru Xiang, Mo Yao. These formulas are normally very safe, especially when applied topically, and often form the base for a lot of over-the-counter Dit Da Jows that are available in the market. They are also frequently modified to address specific types of ailments, and this is where it gets tricky and potentially harmful if the person is not familiar with herbs. Not only can herbs be toxic on their own, but they can be toxic when combined with other herbs. Also keep in mind that even though the Jows are applied topically on skin (that is not open), nonetheless they are still absorbed through the skin via the pores and into the body. Hence, one needs to use toxic herbs like the ones discussed in this thread along with other toxic ones like Tian Nan Xing very carefully. And if the person is not familiar with Chinese herbs, then it is highly recommended that any custom formulation be critiqued by someone who knows Chinese herbs intimately before embarking on making the formula or doing a treatment.