The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
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Emaciation can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like emaciation here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here emaciation is often associated with night fever and fatigue in the pattern “Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of emaciation we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause emaciation
In Chinese Medicine emaciation is a symptom for the pattern "Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia) is the king ingredient for Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, a formula used for Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Fine (Xi)
Tongue coating: Complete absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
When Yin Deficiency lasts for a long it may lead to Interior Heat
In addition to emaciation, other symptoms associated with Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency include night fever and fatigue.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency is associated with health issues such as Lupus.
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency is often treated with Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, a herbal formula made of 5 herbs (including Softshell Turtle Shells - Bie Jia - as a key herb). Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that clear heat from deficiency", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Nourishes the Yin and clears Heat".
A herbal formula that might help with emaciation
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Why might Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang help with emaciation?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency' of which emaciation is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Empty-Heat Caused By Yin Deficiency include night fever and fatigue.
The three Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat emaciation
Why might Sweet Wormwood Herb (Qing Hao) help with emaciation?
Because it is a key herb in Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency' (a pattern with emaciation as a symptom)
Sweet Wormwood Herbs is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Gallbladder, the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Treats malaria. Treats summer Heat and clears symptoms of deficient Heat. Clears Blood Heat and stops bleeding.
Why might Softshell Turtle Shell (Bie Jia) help with emaciation?
Because it is a key herb in Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency' (a pattern with emaciation as a symptom)
Softshell Turtle Shells is a Neutral herb that tastes Salty. It targets the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Nourishes Yin and subdues exuberant Yang. Resolves hardness.
Why might Pilose Antler (Lu Rong) help with emaciation?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat emaciation as can be seen on Pilose Antler's page.
Pilose Antlers is a Warm herb that tastes Salty and Sweet. It targets the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Tonifies Kidney Yang and the Governor vessel. Supplies Essence, Qi and Blood and supports growth. Strengthens the sinews and bones. Treats infertility and impotence.
Other symptoms often associated with emaciation
Night fever Impotence Spermatorrhea Frigidity Infertility Fatigue Cold intolerance Dizziness Tinnitus Impaired hearing