Pattern Full/Empty

Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency

Fēng Hán Shī Jiān Qì Xū 风寒湿兼气虚

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Diagnostic Signs

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

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

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Related TCM Concepts

Wind Cold evil Dampness Qi Deficiency / Empty