4 Hypodynamia

Hypodynamia, a disease of weakness, refers to physical and mental tiredness as well as short breath with concurrent low fever, sweat, vexation, thirst, poor appetite, anorexia, red tongue with a little fur, feeble and rapid pulse.

Syndrome differentiation and treatment

Impairment of both qi and yin

It manifests lingering residual heat, emaciation, short breath, mental fatigue, anorexia, nausea with the inclination to vomiting, or concurrent low fever, vexation, thirst, dark urine, constipation, red tongue with yellowish and scanty fur, thready and rapid pulse. It is advisable to supplement qi, nourish yin and clear away the residual heat simultaneously. The prescription used is the modified Zhuye Shigao Decoction (Decoction of Lopha therum and Gypsum). The modified Wang's Qingshu Yiqi Decoction (Wang's Summer-heat-Removing and Qi-Supplementing Decoction) is advisable for the patients with low fever and profuse sweat due to summer-heat consuming qi and body fluids.

Asthenia of the spleen and stomach

It manifests emaciation, sallow complexion, short breath with disinclination to speak, poor appetite, epigastric oppression, anorexia, flaccidity of limbs, loose stool, pale and tender tongue, feeble and weak pulse. It is suitable to strengthen the spleen and supplement qi. The prescription used is Shenling Baizhu Powder (Powder of Ginseng, Poria and Bighead Atractylodes). In the case of concurrent thoracic and epigastric fullness and oppression due to food retention, add Shenqu (Massa Fermentata Medicinalis ), Shanzha ( Fructus Crataegi ), Maiya ( Fructus Hordei Germinatus) and Houpo ( Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) accordingly; in the case of concurrent cold body with aversion to cold belonging to yang deficiency of the spleen and stomach, it is suitable to select Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction (Decoction of Astragalus for Tonifying Middle Energizer).

Deficiency of qi and blood

It manifests emaciation, short breath, hypodynamia, lustreless complexion, wrinkly skin, light-headedness, palpitation, insomnia, or sluggish expression, poor sleep, pale tongue with thin fur, thready and weak pulse. It is advisable to supplement qi and nourish blood. The prescription used is Renshen Yangrong Decoction (Ginseng Nutrition Decoction) with Zhimu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae) removed and Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati) and Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii) added. In the case of dull expression, add aromatic mind-refreshing drugs like Changpu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei ) and Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae) accordingly, or take Jiling Paste.
Rehabilitation methods

Regulating emotions and recreation therapy

Participate in recreational activities like appreciating music, playing a musical instrument, practicing calligraphy and painting, cultivating flowers and raising birds.