Syndrome of deficiency of qi.

The syndrome of deficiency of qi refers to pathological changes resulting from hypofunction of zang - fu organs.

Clinical manifestations : Dizziness, blurring of vision, dislike of speaking, lassitude, spontaneous sweating, all of which are worse on exertion ; a pale tongue and a pulse of deficiency type.

Etiology and pathology : This syndrome is often due to weakness after long illness, feebleness in old age, improper diet, or excess of strain or stress. Insufficiency of the antipathogenic qi and hypofunction of zang - fu organs result in dislike of speaking and lassitude. Deficiency of qi also implies weakness of qi in propelling blood normally, hence qi and blood fail to go upward to nourish the head and eyes, the result being dizziness and blurring of vision. In case of weakness of defensive qi, it fails to control the opening and closing of pores, spontaneous sweating occurs. Because exertion further consumes qi, it will also cause aggravation of the above symptoms. The pale tongue is a consequence of the deficient nutrient qi which fails to go upward to nourish the tongue, and the deficient type pulse is due to weakness of qi in moving blood.