The Four Movements

The four movements of herbs are pushing upward, pushing downward, floating, and sinking. Pushing upward elevates falling symptoms, such as with prolapse of the anus and uterus or internal organs. Pushing downward suppresses upsurging symptoms, such as hiccups and cough. Floating disperses outward, such as inducing perspiration, while sinking promotes diarrhea and directs energy downward. Herbs that push upward and float have the common functions of moving upward and outward, inducing perspiration and vomiting, and elevating yang energy. Herbs that push downward and sink have the common functions of moving downward and inward, relieving vomiting, checking perspiration, and inducing diarrhea.