- Chang Pu calms the Mind, opens the Mind's orifices and clears the Mind.
- Yuan Zhi calms the Mind and opens the Mind's orifices.
This formula is very similar to the previous one. It differs from it in so far as it does not have as
strong a calming effect on the Mind due to the omission of Long Chi Dens Draconis. This
formula tonifies Qi, strengthens the Original Qi, calms and clears the Mind and lifts mood. It is
used for chronic Qi deficiency affecting the Mind making it confused and depressed. The main
manifestations would be extreme tiredness, dislike to speak, slight breathlessness, no appetite,
palpitations, a weak voice, a Pale tongue and an Empty or Weak pulse.
Mental-Emotional Pattern
As in the previous case, this pattern arises either from a depletion of Qi consequent on a chronic
disease, or from emotional problems affecting Qi. Sadness, grief and regret are the most likely
causes of this condition. They deplete Qi of the Lungs and Heart. This person would feel very
tired and depressed. He or she would also lack motivation.
Case History 9.11
Mental-Emotional Problems: Lung-Qi Deficiency-Female, Age 41
A 41-year-old woman suffered from abdominal distension, belching, constipation and
hypochondrial pain. Her periods started hesitantly and were painful. The menstrual blood was
dark with some clots. She also complained of pre-menstrual tension and irritability.
She had a feeling of vague anxiety at night with a sensation of tightness of the chest. Some years
before she had gone through a difficult period emotionally and experienced great sadness. Her
complexion was pale and her eyes were slightly dull. Her tongue-body colour was normal with
teethmarks. Her pulse was very Weak and Fine on the Lung position and slightly Wiry on the
left side.
Diagnosis Most of the symptoms and signs point to stagnation of Liver-Qi and
Liver-Blood: abdominal distension, belching, hypochondrial pain,
painful periods with dark blood and pre-menstrual tension. However,
the very Fine Lung pulse, the feeling of anxiety at night, the pale
complexion and the teethmarks on the tongue point to Lung-Qi
deficiency. This, combined with the absence of a Red colour on the
sides of the tongue, indicated that the main problem lay in deficient
Lung-Qi not controlling the Liver (Metal insulting Wood from a
5-Element perspective) and leading to stagnation of Liver-Qi. The
feeling of vague anxiety at night was due to agitation of the Corporeal
Soul from Lung-Qi deficiency. The deficiency of Lung-Qi was