Syndrome differentiation and treatment

Deficiency of stomach yin

It manifests loss of appetite, thirst with inclination to drink, red and dry lips, constipation, scanty urine, or nocturnal low fever, reddish complexion, red tongue with a little fur, thready and slightly rapid pulse. It is advisable to nourish yin and regulate the stomach. The prescription used is Yiwei Decoction (Stomach-Benefiting Decoction) or Wuzhi Beverage (Five-juice Drink). In the case of adverse qi flow with the desire for vomiting due to gastric heat, select Zhuye Shigao Decoction (Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction); in the case of deficiency of qi and yin and concurrent short breath, palpitation and listlessness, select Xue's Shenmai Decoction (Xue's Decoction of Radix Ginseng and Radix Ophiopogonis ).

Residual dampness and turbidity

It manifests removal of fever, no appetite or anorexia, slight thoracic and epigastric oppression, mild lightheadedness, mental fatigue, thin and greasy fur, soft and slow pulse. It is advisable to remove the residual dampness and turbidity with light-natured and aromatic-flavored drugs. The prescription used is the modified Xue's Wuye Lugen Decoction (Xue's Five-Leaf and Reed Rhizome Decoction).

Asthenia of the spleen and stomach

It manifests freedom from starvation feeling, loss of appetite, constant abdominal distension after meals, or inclination to vomiting, lassitude of limbs, loose stool, or edema of limbs in severe cases, pale tongue with white fur, feeble and weak pulse. It is suitable to strengthen the spleen and regulate the middle energizer, regulate qi and remove dampnes. The prescription used is Yigong Powder with additional ingredients (Highly Effective Powder with Additional Ingredients) or the modified Shenling Baizhu Powder (Powder of Ginseng, Poria and Bighead Atractylodes). Xiao Jianzhong Decoction (Minor Decoction for Strengthening Middle Energizer) may be used in the case of loss of appetite due to yang deficiency of the spleen and stomach, sallow complexion, feeble and taut pulse.
Rehabilitation methods

Regulating emotions and recreation therapy

Emotional activities are closely related to the splenogastric functions in transportation and transformation, and thus directly affect appetite. Accordingly, encourage the patient to be free from worries and vexation, and remain a cheerful frame of mind and a sanguine disposition. Before taking a meal, do not think of difficult problems and avoid adverse mental stimulation. Besides, stabilize the mood, avoid noises and do not eat while talking during the meal. It is advisable to appreciate music while taking a meal.

Physical training

Physical training can promote the splenogastric function. In addition to taking a walk, jogging, setting-up exercises and Taijiquan, practice deep abdominal breathing to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, increase digestive juice and improve appetite.