Maciocia on Qi Sinking

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" Feeling of bearing down, tiredness, listlessness, mental depression,

prolapse of organs (stomach, uterus, intestines, anus, vagina or bladder),

Empty pulse.

 

" In addition to the above symptoms, there can be any of the other symptoms

of Qi deficiency. 'Qi sinking' is, in fact, only a particular aspect of Qi

deficiency and not essentially separate from it.

 

" This distinction needs to be made, however, as when it comes to treatment,

it is necessary not only to tonify but also to raise Qi. There are

particular herbs and acupuncture points (such as Du-20 with moxa) that have

this effect. " (Maciocia, The Foundations of , p. 192.)

 

For those new to TCM: Human beings are complex organisms which are

influenced not only by genetics but by environment and lifestyle. One

individual with Qi Deficiency may find loose stools a particularly severe

problem while another individual with Qi Deficiency may be troubled far more

by a lack of appetite than with loose stools. A third individual with Qi

Deficiency may even have an excessive appetite instead of the usual lack of

appetite. (Lack of appetite is by far the most common manifestation of Qi

Deficiency and the symptom usually listed in text books. But, in a few

instances, Qi Deficiency can result in excessive appetite. Human beings and

their environments are complex.)

 

Some individuals who are Qi Deficient will not experience the prolapse of an

organ or organs. It depends on the genetic make-up of the individual, if

the person has been injured, how long the Qi Deficiency has been present and

how severe it is, etc.

 

When a TCM healer diagnoses Spleen Qi Sinking, the healer is saying in

effect that in this individual, the Qi Raising function of the Spleen is a

particular problem and needs to be addressed. It's not enough just to give

Qi tonic herbs to treat the Qi Deficiency. Herbs or acupoints that raise Qi

and strengthen the Spleen's function of raising Qi also must be given.

 

" Du " is another term for the Governing Vessel. The Du or GV is the Yang

meridian that runs up the center of the back and over the head to a point

just above the upper lip.

 

An " Empty pulse " is one that feels big but soft. It is a sign of Qi

Deficiency.

 

The general symptoms of Lung and Spleen Qi Deficiency are breathelessness,

weak voice, spontaneous sweating, no appetite, loose stools, tiredness, and

Empty pulse. (Maciocia, Foundations, p. 191.) The Spleen and the Lungs are

the two most important Organs when it comes to the body having enough Qi.

The Spleen extracts the Qi from the food and drink (Grain Qi) in the Stomach

and sends it to the Lungs where it mixes with the Air Qi extracted by the

Lungs to become part of the Qi of the body. Because the Spleen and Lungs

play such an important role in the person having enough Qi, Qi tonic herbs

almost always act on the Spleen and Lungs.

 

If Heart Qi is Deficient, the person may have palpitations. If Kidney Qi is

Deficient, the person often has to urinate a lot. (Maciocia, p. 191.)

 

I suspect Qi Deficiency and rule in or out whenever a person has trouble

with what I call " leaks " - too much perspiration, loose stools and even

diarrhea, too much urinating, etc.

 

Usually the person who is Qi Deficient will lack an appetite. BUT in a few

cases, the person may overeat as an attempt to take in Qi. This is a person

who substitutes food for rest. When s/he is tired (and this person is tired

a lot and fatigues easily), s/he reaches for something to eat in order to

get enough energy to keep going. The appetite may be much greater in the

evening than earlier in the day. As the day wears on, Qi reserves get

lower; hence, the eating more in the afternoon and evening than in the

morning as a way of trying to replenish Qi. If this person also has the dry

mouth seen with Qi failing to rise, both the dry mouth and feelings of being

" weighed down " , having heavy limbs, the tiredness, etc. will be worse in the

evening than in the morning.

 

Stomach Fire (or Phlegm Fire) is the most likely cause of excessive

appetite, but there are other things which can result in excessive appetite.

 

Victoria

 

 

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