Lung Qi Deficiency
Lung Qi Deficiency
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Diagnostic Signs
Pale or normal color tongue
Empty (Xu)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Other Associated Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the slight short of breath and am Empty Lung pulse.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Hereditary Lung weakness can lead to this pattern, especially if one of the parents suffered from tuberculosis.
Emotional stress, especially sadness and grief, depletes Lung Qi. If this situation persists over a long period of time without being treated properly, it can develop further to Lung Qi Stagnation as the Deficient Qi fails to move in thechest.
If a person often stoops over a desk for long hours, breathing can be easily constricted and, in the long run, cause Lung Qi Deficiency.
Excessive use of voice over many years can also deplete Lung Qi.
External Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat can attack the Lungs directly. If they are not treated properly, as some pathogenic factors stay in the body, it can cause Lung Qi Deficiency in the long run.
Over dosage of drugs such as antibiotics can constrain Coldness inside the Lungs and case Lung Qi Deficiency.
Pathological Mechanism
The Lungs govern Qi and respiration. Therefore there will be shortness of breath and coughing in case of Lung Qi Deficiency. However the condition is not severe as it is mostly on exertion and not full-blown symptoms of bronchitis or asthma.
Symptoms like coughing can also appear if Lungs' Qi downwards directing function is impaired due to Rebellious Lung Qi.
In case of Lung Qi Deficiency, Qi's protecting, dispersing and descending function can not be performed properly and thus patients feel tired, weak, dislike speaking and they are very easy to catch bad cold or flu. They also experiences spontaneous sweating.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Tonify Lung Qi, warm Yang
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
It is recommended to eat only cooked foods and not iced drinks. Eat sufficient protein at each meal such as black bean, soup with ginseng, garlic and onions, cooked vegetables and greens and plenty of grains and especially rice. Avoid cold or raw foods as well as drinks, salads, fruit, juices, alcohol and caffeine.
Avoid excessive stooping or leaning over tables or desks. Dress warmly according to the season, especially with a scarf around the neck. Avoid overwork or excessive sexual activities. Go to bed early and take plenty of rest properly. Work on emotional problems and try to avoid being sad and worried. Try nasal wash if necessary.
As for other therapies, try moxibustion especially over the lower abdomen or breathing exercises.
As for sports, try light to moderate exercise within the body's limits. It is better to avoid intensive aerobic sports, but rather try walking, swimming, cycling, Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong.
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Pattern Relationships
Related Conditions
This pattern can manifest as: