Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
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Diagnostic Signs
a greasy, white tongue coating
Floating (Fu), Soggy (Ru)
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the high fever, intense chills with shivering, lack of sweating, and pain and stiffness in the head and neck area, a greasy, white tongue coating.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Frequent or prolonged exposure to cold, damp, and windy conditions can lead to the invasion of these external pathogenic factors. The body, especially when already weakened, may struggle to defend itself against these environmental elements, leading to the manifestation of Wind-Cold-Damp symptoms.
If patients have some inherited conditions, they are prone to have weaker constitutions then others. This can be a cause of general Qi Deficiency.
Prolonged working without proper rest can consume general body Qi.
Long term sickness consumes general body Qi.
Pathological Mechanism
In the pattern of Wind-Cold-Damp invasion coupled with Qi Deficiency, the body faces an external assault of pathogenic factors while grappling with an inherent weakness in its vital energy.
The Wind-Cold-Damp invasion manifests as an acute response with symptoms like high fever, intense chills, and a notable absence of sweating. These signs indicate the body's struggle to combat external pathogens due to weakened Qi.
The Qi Deficiency is further evident in symptoms like persistent head and neck pain and stiffness, illustrating the body's inability to fend off the invading forces effectively. Additionally, Qi Deficiency leads to Dampness accumulating internally, causing sensations of pressure and fullness in the chest, and a distinct greasy, white tongue coating - a direct contrast to the thin, white coating that would be present if Qi were robust.
Respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, heavy breathing, and productive cough point to the disruption of Lung Qi, a direct consequence of the Wind-Cold attack. The general soreness and widespread pain, along with a floating, soggy pulse, are classic manifestations of the combined impact of external Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens and internal Qi Deficiency, reflecting the body's struggle on multiple fronts.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Expel Wind, Damp and Cold, tonify Qi
Recommended Herbal Formulas
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