Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
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.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The Stomach in Chinese Medicine The Spleen in Chinese Medicine The concept of Yin The concept of Deficiency
Key attributes
Chinese name: 脾胃阴虚 Pinyin name: Pí Wèi Yīn Xū
Pattern nature: Empty combined pattern
Pattern(s) it combines from: Stomach Yin Deficiency
Causes
Common causes: Diet and eating habits
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Nausea Fatigue Dry lips Dry mouth Dry stools and four other symptoms
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Tongue description: Absence of coating
Treatment
Treatment principle: Tonify Stomach and Spleen Yin.
Common formulas: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Pathology
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency usually derives from Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency.
The Qi Deficiency in the Stomach progressively induces a Yin Deficiency since Stomach is the source of Yin. And since the Stomach and Spleen are such intrinsically linked Organs, deficiency in one induces deficiency in the other.
The symptoms are typical of Yin Deficiency: dry mouth and a desire to drink in small sips.
The dry lips and dry stools are a very distinctive sign of Spleen Yin Deficiency.
Causes
Diet and eating habits: A diet lacking in nourishment and protein or undereating can cause a Deficiency of Spleen and Stomach Qi. Bad eating habits like having meals at irregular times, eating on the go or while working or stressed can also cause this pattern.
Diagnosing Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu) or floating (Fu)
Tongue description: Absence of coating
Main symptoms: Nausea Fatigue Dry lips Dry mouth Dry stools Poor appetite Lack of taste Epigastrium discomfort Thirst with desire to drink in small sips
Diagnosis commentary: Dry mouth, dry lips, epigastric discomfort and a tongue without coating are enough in and of themselves to diagnose Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency. Together with the feeling of fatigue (tiredness), they're the main symptoms for this pattern.
Treating Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
Treatment principle
Tonify Stomach and Spleen Yin.
Herbal formulas used to treat Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Augments the Qi. Strengthens the Spleen. Leaches out Dampness. Stops diarrhea.
Formula summary
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi.
Besides Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is also used to treat Small Intestine Deficient and Cold or Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Diet recommendations
Eat only cooked foods (nothing raw). Particularly beneficial ingredients include: rice, millet, meat (especially beef), winter squash, vegetables, azuki beans, congee and warm or room temperature drinks such as warm milk.
Avoid cold, raw vegetables and fruits, juices, iced drinks, ice cream and frozen yogurt, salads, uncooked foods and the excessive use of sugar and other sweeteners.
Avoid strenuous exercise. Favor light activities such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, swimming, walking or bicycling.
Consequence patterns
If left untreated Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency can lead to Kidney Yin Deficiency