Symptoms of Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold
Aug 12, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ou Chang
Introduction
Symptoms of spleen-stomach deficiency-cold include cold, dull epigastric pain or discomfort, fatigue and weakness, and loose stools. Cold, dull epigastric pain or discomfort is typically characterized by a vague, dull, cold sensation in the epigastrium; symptoms often improve significantly after consuming warm or hot foods. Fatigue and weakness are commonly accompanied by dizziness, forgetfulness, sallow complexion, mental lassitude, pale tongue body, thin white tongue coating, and a deficient, weak pulse.
“Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold” is a term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to describe a pattern characterized by deficiency and decline of Yang Qi in the Spleen and Stomach, accompanied by internal accumulation of Cold-Yin. This pattern commonly arises from dietary irregularities—such as excessive consumption of raw or cold foods—overwork, or emotional strain (e.g., excessive worry or pensiveness impairing the Spleen).
Clinical manifestations of Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold include cold pain and discomfort in the epigastric region, fatigue and lassitude, and loose, unformed stools. Epigastric cold pain is typically dull and persistent, with a distinct sensation of coldness; symptoms often significantly improve after consuming warm or hot foods. Fatigue and lassitude are frequently accompanied by dizziness, poor memory, sallow complexion, mental lethargy, pale tongue body, thin white tongue coating, and a deficient, weak pulse.
Loose, unformed stools result from impaired transformation and transportation of fluids due to Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold. Specifically, stools lack form and resemble muddy slurry. Bowel movement frequency may remain unchanged or slightly increase; patients often experience incomplete evacuation or a sensation of residual stool.
