Pattern Full/Empty

Malnutrition with parasites

Yíng Yǎng Bù Liáng Jiān Jì Shēng Chóng 营养不良兼寄生虫

Educational content Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic Signs

Diagnostic Considerations

a large and distended abdomen, sallow complexion, emaciated limbs, and signs of nutritional deficiency such as dry and coarse hair.

Causes & Pathology

Common Causes

malnutrition in children

Pathological Mechanism

This pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine is seen in childhood nutritional impairment due to chronic parasitic infestation. This condition leads to Stagnation in the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach area), causing Spleen and Stomach injury. As a result, food stagnates in the Middle Burner, leading to poor nutrition distribution to the head and limbs.

This is manifested as a sallow complexion, emaciated limbs, and a large, distended abdomen. Over time, the Spleen Deficiency evolves into Empty Heat, contributing to feverishness, along with the internal heat generated by the accumulation itself.

The prolonged disturbance from parasites, coupled with reduced food intake and assimilation by the Spleen and Stomach, results in Blood Deficiency, evident in dry and coarse hair. This Deficiency primarily affects the Liver, leading to symptoms like dullness of the eyes and diminished vision acuity.

In this pattern, the parasite acts as a strong pathogenic influence against a backdrop of weak normal Qi. The pale tongue and frail pulse are diagnostic signs, reflecting the Deficiency of Spleen Qi and Liver Blood, characteristic of this pattern.

Treatment Approach

Treatment Principle

Expels parasites, reduces childhood malnutrition, tonifies the Spleen and Stomach