This pattern results from a dysfunction of the Kidneys' capacity to receive and hold Qi down. The Kidneys' role in the cycle of Qi is to receive Clean Air from the Lungs and holding it down so it combines with Grain Qi from the Spleen to form Gathering Qi.

When the Kidneys cannot receive and hold Qi down, it stays in the Lungs, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, especially on exertion as well as spontaneous sweating. Kidneys control inhalation from the Lungs, so when there is asthma it is characterized by difficulty in inhalation more than exhalation (the Lungs control exhalation).

It is an Excess type of pattern in the upper body and a type of Kidney Yang Deficiency below.

It therefore has classic symptoms of the latter such as the abundant and clear urination, which tend to happen during asthma attacks.

When Kidney Yang is Deficient, all the Yang energies of the body are deficient, including Defensive Qi, hence the sweating and cold limbs.

Since the Kidneys "rule Water", the Deficiency means that it cannot transform Body Fluids which gives rise to edema. It tends to be localized in the face because of the Lung involvement.

This pattern only appears in long-term chronic conditions, hence the general lassitude, thin body and mental exhaustion.