Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
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Diagnostic Signs
Pale and wet
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)
Diagnostic Considerations
The pulse is Deep-Weak-Slow, especially on the Right-Middle position.
The key characteristic symptoms are the discomfort in the epigastrium (which is better after eating), the tiredness and the cold limbs.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
A diet lacking in nourishing foods such as proteins or an excessive consumption of cold foods such as ice-creams, salads, fruits and iced drinks.
Exterior Cold can invade the Stomach, and if it is not expelled, after some time it will interfere with the Stomach function and cause Stomach Yang Deficiency.
Pathological Mechanism
Also called Stomach Yang Deficiency, this pattern is normally associated with Spleen-Yang Deficiency, which leads to Internal Cold, resulting in cold limbs, loose stools, vomiting of clear fluids, no thirst, preference for warm drinks and foods and a Weak pulse.
When Stomach Qi is deficient, it may be made worse by the bowel movement, hence the aggravation of the feeling of discomfort in the epigastrium after a bowel movement.
Because the discomfort is caused by a Deficiency condition, it is better with eating and better after pressure or massage.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Tonify and warm Stomach and Spleen Qi.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach), Tonifies Qi
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach), Tonifies Qi
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach, Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Strengthens and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach, Resolves Dampness
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