Syncope

Syncope is manifested by sudden fainting , pallor , cold limbs and loss of consciousness , which are often resulted from emotional excitement , fright , or debilitation and overstraining .

Etiology and Pathogenesis

• Deficiency type : Syncope of this type is often caused by general deficiency of the primary qi and failure of clear yang in ascending due to overstrain or grief and fright , or by exhaustion of qi after profuse bleeding .
• Excess type :

It is due mainly to emotional disturbances , such as anger , fear and fright , leading to deranged flow ofqi , which rushes upwards to the heart and chest , blocking the windpipe and disturbing the mind , or due to up surging of liver yang , and upward flowing of qi followed by perversion of blood flow after a fit of anger , leading to disturbance of the mind , and resulting in loss of consciousness .

Differentiation

Deficiency syndrome : Main manifestations : Feeble breathing with mouth agape , spontaneous sweating , pallor , cold limbs , deep and thready pulse .

Analysis : Dizziness , vertigo , loss of . consciousness , feeble breathing are the symptoms caused by deficiency of primary qi with sudden perversion of its flow , sinking ofqi in the spleen and stomach and failure of the clear yang in ascending . Cold limbs are caused by failure of yang qi to reach there . Weakness of primary qi and disabilities of vital qi in controlling the pores are shown in spontaneous sweating , and mouth agape . Deep thready pulse also suggests deficiency of vital qi .

Excess syndrome : Main manifestations : Coarse breathing , rigid limbs , clenched jaws , deep and excess - type pulse .

Analysis : Perversion of qi after a fit of anger makes qi activity impeded and blood rushing upward together with qi to disturb the mind , and hence occur sudden collapse , loss of consciousness , clenched jaws and rigid limbs . Obstruction of qi in the lung gives rise to coarse breathing . Deep and excess - type pulse is a sign of excess syndrome .

Syncope manifestated by sudden loss of consciousness should be distinguished from wind stroke and epilepsy .

Wind stroke : Loss of consciousness is complicated by hemiplegia and deviated mouth . Usually there are sequelae after restoration to consciousness .

Epilepsy : Loss of consciousness is accompanied by convulsions , expectoration of frothy saliva or yelling . When the consciousness is regained the patient becomes as normal as usual .

Treatment

Deficiency syndrome : Method : Points of the Du and

Pericardium Meridians are selected as the main points to promote resuscitation , reinforce qi and invigorate yang . Reinforcing is applied in acupuncture , combined with moxibustion .

Prescription : Shuigou ( Du 26 ) , Baihui ( Du 20 ) . Neiguan ( P 6 ) , Qihai ( Ren 6 ) , Zusanii ( S 36 ) .

Explanation : Shuigou ( Du 26 ) , Baihui ( Du 20 ) and Neiguan ( P 6 ) are the points for resuscitation . Qihai ( Ren 6 ) and Zusanii ( S 36 ) are good for reinforcing qi and invigorating yang .

Excess syndrome : Method : Reducing is applied to points of the Du and Pericardium Meridians to promote resuscitation and regulate the flow of qi .

Prescription : Shuigou ( Du 26 ) , Hegu ( Li 4 ) , Zhongchong ( P 9 ) , Laogong ( P 8 ) , Taichong ( Liv 3 ) , Yongquan ( K 1 ) .

Explanation : Shuigou ( Du 26 ) and Zhongchong ( P 9 ) are used to promote resuscitation . Hegu ( Li 4 ) and Taichpng ( Liv 3 ) are the points for regulating the circulation ofqi and blood . Laogong ( P 8 ) and Yongquan ( K 1 ) promote a clear mind and smooth flow of qi and blood .

Remarks This condition includes simple fainting , postural hypotension , hypoglycemia , hysteria , etc .