Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
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Diagnostic Signs
Pale
Empty (Xu)
Diagnostic Considerations
The main characteristic symptoms here are the lack of appetite, the fatigue and the slight shortness of breath. Those 3 symptoms are in and of itself enough to diagnose Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Irregular eating or a diet lacking in nourishment may lead to Spleen Qi Deficiency and eventually affect the Lungs because they will not receive enough Food-Qi produced by the Spleen.
A sedentary lifestyle may lead to Lung Qi Deficiency. This is because lack of exercise and excessive stooping over a desk for many years weakens Lung Qi as not enough air is taken in.
If your profession involves talking a lot (e.g. teacher or sport coach) this might lead to Lung Qi Deficiency
Pathological Mechanism
The Spleen and the Lungs are both involved in the production of Qi. They're respectively the source of Grain Qi and Clean Air which merge together to make Gathering Qi (also called True Qi). As such they have a strong inter dependence and influence over each other.
There is a saying in Chinese medicine: "The Spleen is the source of Qi and the Lungs are the pivot of Qi."
One key aspect of this interdependence is that if Lung Qi is deficient, or if there is not enough deep breathing or exercise to bring in sufficient Clean Air, the Spleen is affected and can't function well in transporting, distributing and transforming nutrients or in performing Fluids metabolism.
On the other side, an impairment of Spleen Qi or a diet high in cold raw foods leads to Deficient Qi of the Lungs and creates Dampness in the Lungs with symptoms of cough, excessive mucus and asthma. That is why one major way to treat Lung Dampness is to warm, strengthen and dry the Spleen.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Tonify Lung and Spleen Qi.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
To treat this pattern, it is particularly important to eat at regular time a diet made of real nourishing foods, particularly meats and grains.
A sedentary lifestyle is also very damaging. Get regular exercise and don't spend too much time stooping over a desk.
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