Deficiency of both the heart and spleen

Clinical manifestations : Sallow complexion, general lassitude, palpitations, poor memory, insomnia, dream - disturbed sleep, reduced appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools ; irregular menstruation in women ; a pale tongue with thin, white coating and a thready weak pulse.

Etiology and pathology : This syndrome may be due to poor recuperation after an illness ; chronic hemorrhage ; or worry, overstrain and stress. In any case, the heart blood is consumed and the spleen qi is weakened. On the other hand, a weakness of the spleen qi may fail to provide a source for the production of qi and blood, and thus make the heart blood even more deficient. Deficiency of qi and blood causes sallow complexion, general lassitude, a pale tongue with thin, white coating and a thready, weak pulse. Deficiency of the heart blood deprives the heart and mind of nourishment, eliciting palpitations, poor memory, insomnia and dream - disturbed sleep. When deficiency of the spleen impairs its function of transportation, there may be reduced appetite, abdominal distension and loose stools. Deficiency of qi and blood may weaken the Chong Meridian, and manifest as scanty menstrual flow or even amenorrhea. Weakness of the spleen qi implies inability of the spleen in controlling blood, and thus results in profuse menstrual flow.