Dysfunction of the spleen in control of blood

Clinical manifestations : Pale complexion, lassitude, dislike of speaking, purpura, bloody stools, excessive menstrual flow, uterine bleeding, a pale tongue and a thready, weak pulse.

Etiology and pathology : This syndrome is due to weakness after a prolonged illness, or to overstrain and stress, either of which may weaken the spleen ' s function in controlling blood. Deficiency of the spleen implies impairment of its function in transportation and transformation, which produces an insufficient source of qi and blood, that explains pale complexion, lassitude and dislike of speaking. Weakness of the spleen qi indicates inability of the spleen to control blood, which leaks from the vessels and thus elicits purpura, bloody stools, excessive menstrual flow and uterine bleeding. A pale tongue and a thready, weak pulse are both signs of deficiency of qi and blood.