Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi 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 concept of Wind The concept of Cold evil The concept of Dampness The concept of Qi The concept of Deficiency / Empty
Key attributes
Chinese name: 风寒湿兼气虚 Pinyin name: Fēng Hán Shī Jiān Qì Xū
Pattern nature: Full/Empty combined pattern
Pattern(s) it combines from: Qi Deficiency Wind-Cold Damp-Wind Damp-Cold
Causes
Common causes: 1. Wind-Cold-Damp, 2. Weak constitution, 3. Overwork, 4. Chronic diseases
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Coughing Headaches Neck pain High fever Stiff neck and six other symptoms
Pulse type(s): Floating (Fu), Soggy (Ru)
Tongue description: a greasy, white tongue coating
Treatment
Treatment principle: Expel Wind, Damp and Cold, tonify Qi
Common formulas: Ren Shen Bai Du San
Pathology
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.
Causes
Wind-Cold-Damp: 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.
Weak constitution : If patients have some inherited conditions, they are prone to have weaker constitutions then others. This can be a cause of general Qi Deficiency.
Overwork : Prolonged working without proper rest can consume general body Qi.
Chronic diseases: Long term sickness consumes general body Qi.
Diagnosing Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi 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): Floating (Fu) or soggy (Ru)
Tongue description: a greasy, white tongue coating
Main symptoms: Coughing Headaches Neck pain High fever Stiff neck pain extremities Focal distention Nasal congestion Sonorous breathing Feeling of fullness in the chest Severe fever and chills without sweating
Diagnosis commentary: 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.
Treating Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Treatment principle
Expel Wind, Damp and Cold, tonify Qi
Herbal formulas used to treat Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Ren Shen Bai Du San
Source date: 1119 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Dispels Wind and Dampness. Augments Qi.
Formula summary
Ren Shen Bai Du San is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1119 AD, it belongs to the category of external formulas for External disorders.