Collapse of Yin

The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.

At a glance

Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The concept of The four levels theory The concept of Yin

Key attributes

Chinese name: 亡阴 Pinyin name: Wáng Yīn

Pattern nature: Empty

Causes

Precursor patterns: Heat in Pericardium Heat in Nutritive Qi level

Common causes: External pathogenic factor

Diagnosis

Common symptoms: Emaciation Malar flush Night sweats Constipation Restlnessness and four other symptoms

Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Fine (Xi)

Tongue description: Dark-Red and Dry tongue without coating

Treatment

Treatment principle: Rescue Yin, restore consciousness.

Common formulas: Da Bu Yin Wan

Pathology

This is one of the five patterns of the Blood level, the fourth and last level of the Four Levels theory. This means this is a very serious pattern where an External Pathogen has penetrated deeply within the body.

Collapse of Yin indicates an extremely severe state of Emptiness. It also implies a complete separation of the Yang from the Yin. Collapse of Yin is often, but not necessarily, followed by death.

The main manifestations are abundant perspiration (especially at night), low grade fever with the skin hot to the touch, retention of
urine and constipation.

Causes

Precursor patterns: Collapse of Yin can derive from Heat in Pericardium Heat in Nutritive Qi level

External pathogenic factor: The main original cause of Heat in Nutritive Qi level is an Exterior Pathogenic Factor (typically Wind-Heat) that has invaded the Interior and progressed to this level.

Diagnosing Collapse of Yin

Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu) or fine (Xi)

Tongue description: Dark-Red and Dry tongue without coating

Main symptoms: Emaciation Malar flush Night sweats Constipation Restlnessness Five palm heat Low-grade fever Urinary retention Dry mouth with desire to sip liquids