Pattern Empty

Small Intestine Deficient and Cold

Xiǎo Cháng Xū Hán 小肠虚寒
Affects: Small Intestine

Educational content Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic Signs

Tongue

Pale body, white coating.

Pulse

Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)

Diagnostic Considerations

Dull abdominal pain, borborygmi and diarrhea are enough in and of themselves to diagnose Small Intestine Deficient and Cold.

Causes & Pathology

Common Causes

Pathological Mechanism

This is an Interior pattern of Deficiency and Cold.

It almost always is paired with Spleen Yang Deficiency, so much that it's difficult to distinguish these two patterns. The surest sign the Small Intestine is involved is the presence of borborygmi (gurgling noise made by the movement of Fluid in the intestines).

The Empty-Cold impairs the Small Intestine's function of separating Fluids, which is what leads to the symptoms of diarrhea and the abundant clear urine.

Treatment Approach

Treatment Principle

Expel Cold, warm the Intestines, tonify Spleen Yang.

Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations

Stay clear from cold and raw foods, eat only cooked foods.

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Pattern Relationships

Related TCM Concepts

Small Intestine Deficiency Cold