1. Gastrointestinal Issues
Poor gastrointestinal health can lead to indigestion, referred to as spleen deficiency or spleen dampness in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, the concept of the spleen extends beyond its anatomical definition; it represents a central energy system that plays a role not only in the immune system but also in the digestive system. Weakened spleen function can disrupt the metabolism of bodily fluids, leading to the accumulation of “dampness.”Fatigue Due to Cold-Natured Foods
For fatigue and indigestion caused by eating cold-natured foods, I recommend drinking ginger-infused water. This can be prepared by boiling slices of fresh ginger or by adding ginger slices along with shredded meat to your meal for a potent and quick remedy. However, those with stomach heat should consume in moderation.Fatigue Due to Weak Digestive System
For individuals with congenital weakness in the digestive system, consuming Si Shen Tang is recommended. This herbal remedy comprises lotus seeds, Euryale seeds, Poria cocos, and Chinese yam. Some traditional herb stores may also include coix seeds, along with pig small intestine as guiding medicine.Si Shen Tang is primarily used to treat symptoms such as diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue, poor appetite, and cloudy urine. It effectively invigorates the spleen and eliminates dampness.
- 6 ounces (30 grams) Euryale seeds.
- 6 ounces (30 grams) dried Chinese yam slices (around 3 to 4 pieces; double the amount if using fresh Chinese yam).
- 6 ounces (30 grams) Poria cocos.
- 41 ounces (40 grams) lotus seeds.
- 41 ounces (40 grams) coix seeds.
- An appropriate amount of blanched pig small intestine or other meat.
- Soak Euryale seeds, Chinese yam, Poria cocos, lotus seeds, and coix seeds in water for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then rinse and set aside.
- Add approximately 50.7 to 67.6 fluid ounces (1.5 to 2 liters) of water to the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 to 2 hours until the ingredients are tender. Season with salt to taste.
2. Liver Diseases
In TCM, liver diseases can manifest as illnesses related to blood, blood vessels, digestion, emotional well-being, and the eyes. The term “hepatitis” in modern medicine specifically refers to viral hepatitis, primarily caused by hepatitis viruses, resulting in impaired liver cell function or damage. TCM’s concept of liver diseases does not equate to modern medicine’s understanding of hepatitis.1. Wood (Liver) Restrains Earth (Spleen)
In TCM’s Five Elements theory, it is believed that the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—correspond to various organs in the human body. The liver corresponds to wood, the heart to fire, the spleen to earth, the lungs to metal, and the kidneys to water. These elements interact with one another within the body. For instance, the restraining effect of wood on earth manifests as liver disease-triggering disorders related to the spleen and stomach.
Liver diseases often come with gastrointestinal issues, including poor appetite, abdominal pain, and bloating. Therefore, treating the liver also involves addressing gastrointestinal problems. In liver diseases, bile secretion may become abnormal. Bile aids in digestion, and insufficient bile secretion can lead to issues such as poor appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, and fatigue. Clinically, I often use Si-Jun-Zi Decoction with added Fructus Amomi or Amomi Fructus Rotundus to address these issues.
2. Anemia
In TCM, the liver is closely related to blood. Insufficient energy or abnormal liver function can lead to anemia. Modern research has also found that 75 percent of patients with chronic liver disease experience anemia, with causes including gastrointestinal hemorrhage and the accelerated breakdown of red blood vessels.TCM identifies anemia resulting from liver issues as “liver blood deficiency.” Symptoms may include dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, muscle cramps, blurred vision, and reduced menstrual flow or uterine bleeding in women. In such cases, I often prescribe Si Wu Tang or Xiao Yao San. Severe liver blood deficiency can potentially lead to conditions like cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. For men experiencing anemia or liver blood deficiency, I recommend the use of blood-nourishing and stasis-resolving herbs in their treatment, such as Si Wu Tang with added Ophiopogon root or a modified Xiao Yao San with the inclusion of Radix Notoginseng.
3. Insomnia
There are multiple reasons for insomnia, and prolonged insomnia can lead to fatigue, which hinders productivity and causes concentration difficulties. While some believe insomnia is solely a result of neural weakness, in reality, that is just one of the causes. In TCM, what causes it is referred to as “heart-spleen blood deficiency.”3. Kidney Deficiency
Kidney deficiency does not necessarily imply a problem with kidney function in the conventional sense. In TCM, the concept of “kidney” encompasses a broader scope, including the bladder, kidneys, lower back, lower limbs, uterus, ovaries, and the reproductive system, collectively known as the Lower Burner. TCM categorizes the body’s energy into yin and yang, with the kidneys serving as the central hub of yin and yang balance. Kidney deficiency is further classified into two types: kidney yang deficiency and kidney yin deficiency.Yang Deficiency
Kidney yang deficiency, also known as the Decline of Mingmen (Fire of Life), manifests with symptoms such as cold limbs, fatigue, lower back pain, erectile dysfunction, frequent or nocturnal urination, infertility, edema, diarrhea, and weak knees. Medicinal herbs for addressing this condition may include cinnamon, aconite, fennel, Fructus Psoraleae, Radix Morindae Officinalis, and Cynomorium songaricum.Yin Deficiency
Kidney yin deficiency, also referred to as insufficient kidney fluid, presents with symptoms such as lower back pain, nocturnal emission, fatigue, irregular menstruation, infertility, and emaciation. If there is a presence of yin-deficiency heat, additional symptoms may include tinnitus, blurred vision, excessive teariness, forgetfulness, and insomnia. Medicinal herbs for treating this condition may include Fructus Corni, Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared), Chinese yam, Rhizoma Alismatis, Semen Cuscutae, and Polygoni Multiflori Radix. If yin-deficiency heat is present, additions such as Plastrum testudinis and Cortex Phellodendri may be considered.4. Pathological Factors of Cold and Wind
TCM categorizes external environmental factors leading to illnesses into six types: wind, cold, summer heat, dryness, dampness, and fire. Among these, wind is considered a primary cause of various diseases.In clinical practice, many cases of fatigue are attributed to the common cold. Patients often complain of symptoms such as shoulder, neck, and back pain and fatigue. Upon pulse examination, signs of wind-cold invading the meridians are observed. For instance, there may be tenderness at the Fengchi acupoint in the occipital region and painful sensations along the acupoints of the bladder meridian on the back when pressed. If the cold persists for over a week, it may affect the liver meridian or impact the liver, resulting in prolonged fatigue and increased exhaustion despite ample sleep.
According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. The bladder meridian, responsible for the energy flow of the bladder, extends from the head, passing through the back and knees and reaching down to the feet. Initial exposure to external factors like wind often manifests in the bladder meridian before affecting the liver meridian. The liver meridian starts at the big toe, travels up the inner leg, passes through the inguinal region to the lower abdomen and urogenital system, ascends to the ribcage, extends to the liver, branches out to the lungs and breasts, and finally moves upward to the head.
5. Heatstroke
The summer heat can be stifling, and direct exposure to sunlight or working in a poorly ventilated area when it’s very hot can lead to heatstroke.In the modern era, even sitting in an air-conditioned office and drinking cold beverages can result in heatstroke, a condition termed “summer heat with dampness” in TCM.
Heatstroke may manifest as fatigue, limb weakness, weak pulse, headache, dizziness, soreness in the shoulders and neck, and lower back pain. During the summer, excessive sweating can deplete vital energy, resulting in symptoms such as thirst, restlessness, fatigue, and limb weakness. The primary focus of treatment is on replenishing qi, and American ginseng is an excellent choice for this.
During the summer, frequent consumption of cold drinks can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, poor appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue. In clinical practice, I often prescribe Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, which effectively nourishes qi, strengthens the spleen, eliminates dampness, and clears heat.
In addition to consuming herbs, incorporating gua sha and cupping can enhance the effectiveness of treating heatstroke. Gua sha involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged instrument, leading to slight subcutaneous bleeding. Cupping uses a cup as a tool to create negative pressure by igniting or extracting air from the cup, allowing it to adhere to acupoints or painful areas. Both gua sha and cupping facilitate the circulation of qi and blood, expelling wind and summer heat pathogens from the body.
- Gua sha: Perform gua sha around the neck or on the Hua Tuo Jia Ji acupoints on the back, creating a “介” pattern. Hua Tuo Jia Ji acupoints refer to specific acupuncture points on both sides of the spine, named after the renowned physician Hua Tuo, who lived over 1,800 years ago.
- Cupping: Perform cupping on the Jianjing acupoint.
Clinical Case Study
Eighty-seven-year-old Mrs. Ding is a long-time patient of mine and a family member of a veteran. On Sept. 30, 2020, she sought assistance from her family to visit my clinic as she was unable to walk. Initially, I wondered why she had not been taken to the emergency department of a hospital, given the severity of her condition. Nevertheless, I decided to first understand her situation. Upon inquiry, she reported dizziness, fatigue, limb weakness, and poor appetite. I asked whether she had undergone any medical examinations with Western doctors, to which she affirmed. Despite undergoing various tests, no apparent issues were identified, and her condition persisted for three days with no improvement. When I inquired about her health before falling ill, her family mentioned that she was in good spirits, walking around independently, and managing everything on her own.After examining her pulse, I diagnosed her with a mix of wind-cold flu and heatstroke. I prescribed a three-day flu medication along with gua sha and cupping. Gua sha was performed around her neck, and cupping was applied to the Jianjing acupoints on both sides. I advised her to avoid consuming cold foods or melons and suggested a follow-up in three days.
On Oct. 2, during the follow-up, the patient was able to walk into the consultation room, reporting significant improvement. She mentioned that both dizziness and fatigue had been alleviated. After reexamining her pulse, I determined that the wind-cold flu had not completely cleared, and her gastrointestinal system was not in great shape. I prescribed an additional five days of flu medication along with medicine for her digestive system. On Oct. 8, during the subsequent follow-up, her mental state had returned to its previous state, and her pulse was normal. I recommended some qi-tonifying and digestive-strengthening herbs for her recovery. Additionally, I suggested she try Si Shen Tang stewed with chicken to further boost her strength.
Copy
