epigastric and abdominal distension, loose stools, Empty pulse, Pale tongue.
- If Heart-Qi is deficient there will be palpitations.
- If Kidney-Qi is deficient there will be frequent urination.
Qi deficiency is the most common eventual outcome of an invasion of Wind complicated by a
subsequent residual pathogenic factor. Both Damp-Heat or Heat will impair the ascending of
Spleen-Qi and therefore lead, in time, to weakening of Qi.
However, ME is unlikely to manifest purely with a deficiency of Qi as nearly always there will
be some residual pathogenic factor (especially Damp-Heat). In treatment, it is necessary to
evaluate the relative importance of the deficiency of Qi or the strength of the pathogenic factor.
If the condition is predominantly deficient (say, 80%), it should be treated as a deficiency with
one of the prescriptions indicated below. These prescriptions, however, should be opportunely
adapted to take into account eliminating any residual pathogenic factor.
Treatment Principle
Tonify Qi primarily, expel any remaning pathogenic factor secondarily.
Acupuncture
General Prescription
ST-36 Zusanli, SP-6 Sanyinjiao, BL-20 Pishu, BL-21 Weishu, Ren-6 Qihai, L.I.-10 Shousanli,
LU-9 Taiyuan, HE-5 Tongli, Du-12 Shenzhu, BL-13 Feishu, Du-20 Baihui. All reinforced.
Moxa can be used unless there is some Heat or Damp-Heat left.
Explanation
- ST-36, SP-6, BL-20 and BL-21 tonify Stomach and Spleen.
- LU-9, Du-12 and BL-13 tonify Lung-Qi.
- HE-5 tonifies Heart-Qi.
- Ren-6 tonifies Qi in general.
- L.I.-10 tonifies Qi and is particularly useful, in combination with ST-36 to reduce muscle
ache and fatigue in the limbs.