Deficiency of the spleen yang

Clinical manifestations : Pallor, the four limbs being not warm ; poor appetite ; abdominal distension which is worse after eating or dull pain in the abdominal region which is better with warmth and pressure ; loose stools ; a pale and delicate tongue with white coating and a deep, slow pulse.

Etiology and pathology : This syndrome is a further development of deficiency of the spleen qi. It may also result from the intake of excessive raw and cold food or greasy and sweet food ; or from excessive administration of herbs of cold nature, both of which damage the spleen yang. Deficiency of the spleen yang impairs the spleen ' s function in transportation and transformation, bringing on reduced appetite, abdominal distension and loose stools. Insufficiency of the spleen yang causes stagnation of yin cold and blockage of qi, the result being a dull pain in the abdominal region. The patient likes warmth and pressure in a cold syndrome of deficiency type. Deficiency of the spleen yang is unable to warm up the qi and blood and to promote their smooth circulation, thus pallor ensues and the four limbs are not warm. A pale and delicate tongue with white coating and a deep slow pulse are both signs of deficiency of the spleen yang.