The Syndrome of Wei Qi, Ying Qi and Xue – Theoretical Basis and Practical Applications

Author: Diệp Thiên Sỹ (Qing Dynasty)

Concept: The Syndrome of Wei Qi, Ying Qi and Xue is a crucial concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), describing the progression of disease from mild to severe stages. It illustrates the invasion of pathogenic factors (邪气, Xie Qi) into different levels of Qi (energy) and blood in the body.

Classification:

• Wei Qi (卫气, Defensive Qi):

• Wei (卫, Defense): Includes the lung defense (肺卫, Fei Wei), limbs, head, face, nose, throat.

• Qi (气, Qi): Encompasses internal organs, circulation of Qi and blood.

• Ying Qi (营气, Nutritive Qi) and Xue (血, Blood):

• Ying (营, Nourishing): Body fluids nourishing the organs and the body.

• Xue (血, Blood): Blood, transporting Qi and blood, providing nourishment.

Clinical Manifestations:

• Wei Qi Stage (卫分, Wei Fen):

• Symptoms: Fever, slight fear of wind, fear of cold, red tongue, floating and rapid pulse, headache, dry mouth, mild thirst, sore throat.

• Cause: Pathogenic factors invade Wei Qi, disrupting the function of the lung defense and the body’s surface.

• Method: Clear heat and release the exterior (辛凉解表, Xin Liang Jie Biao).

• Formula: Yin Qiao San (银翘散, Silver-Honeysuckle Powder) – containing Forsythia, Platycodon, Mint, bamboo leaf, mung bean, licorice root, Eclipta prostrata.

• Ying Qi Stage (营分, Ying Fen):

• Lung involvement: High fever, no fear of cold, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, thirst, sweating, yellow tongue coating, rapid pulse.

• Cause: Pathogenic factors invade Ying Qi, primarily the lungs, disrupting respiratory function.

• Method: Clear heat and release the lungs (清热宣肺, Qing Re Xuan Fei).

• Formula: Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (麻杏石甘汤, Hempseed-Ephedra-Stone-Sweet-Herb Decoction).

• Spleen involvement: High fever, profuse sweating, restlessness, dry and yellow tongue coating, rapid and strong pulse.

• Cause: Pathogenic factors invade Ying Qi, primarily the spleen, disrupting digestion.

• Method: Clear heat and generate fluids (清热生津, Qing Re Sheng Jin).

• Formula: Bai Hu Tang (白虎汤, White Tiger Decoction).

• Large Intestine involvement (Large Intestine 1): Constipation, high fever with sweating, abdominal pain and distention, dry tongue, yellowish urine, deep and strong pulse.

• Cause: Pathogenic factors invade Ying Qi, primarily the large intestine, disrupting digestion and bowel movements.

• Method: Moisturize dryness and facilitate bowel movements (润燥通便, Run Zao Tong Bian).

• Formula: Da Cheng Qi Tang (大承气汤, Great Relieving-Qi Decoction) – containing rhubarb and rehmannia.

• Small Intestine involvement (Small Intestine 2): Diarrhea, burning sensation in the anus, thirst, dry and yellow tongue coating, rapid pulse.

• Cause: Pathogenic factors invade Ying Qi, primarily the small intestine, disrupting digestion and bowel movements.

• Method: Release heat and elevate fluids (泄热升津, Xie Re Sheng Jin).

• Formula: Cang Zhen Gan Lian Tang (苍振甘莲汤, Blue-Green-Sweet-Lotus Decoction).

• Heat stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder (Ying Qi Stage): Pain in the ribs, dry mouth, bitter taste, thirst, anxiety, insomnia, yellow tongue coating, tight and rapid pulse.

• Cause: Heat stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder, disrupting the function of the liver and gallbladder.

• Method: Clear heat and resolve stagnation (清热解郁, Qing Re Jie Yu).

• Formula: Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang (黄连黄芩汤, Coptis-Scutellaria Decoction).

• Xue Qi Stage (血分, Xue Fen):

• Organ involvement: Heart, Liver, Kidneys.

• Blood heat leading to bleeding: Epistaxis (nosebleeds), hematochezia (blood in stool), hematuria (blood in urine), purpura – petechiae. High fever, worse at night, restlessness, hot palms and soles, dark red tongue, rapid and fine pulse.

• Cause: Heat invades the blood, disrupting blood circulation and leading to bleeding.

• Method: Cool the blood and disperse stasis (凉血散瘀, Liang Xue San Yu).

• Formula: Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang (犀角地黄汤, Rhinoceros Horn-Rehmannia Decoction).

• Liver heat causing wind: Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, red eyes, restlessness, dry mouth, stiff neck, spasms, dark red tongue, tight and rapid pulse.

• Cause: Heat invades the blood, disrupting liver function, causing wind.

• Method: Clear the Liver and subdue wind (清肝熄风, Qing Gan Xi Feng).

• Formula: Ling Yang Jiao Jiu Dang Tang (灵阳角钩藤汤, Spirit-Yang-Horn-Hook-Vine Decoction).

• Blood heat damaging yin: High fever, red face, dry mouth, fatigue, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), weak pulse, severe yin deficiency (loss of fluids) leading to parched lips, fine and weak pulse.

• Cause: Heat invades the blood, damaging yin fluids.

• Method: Nourish yin and generate fluids (滋阴养津, Zi Yin Yang Jin).

• Formula: Jia Jian Fu Mai Tang (加减复脉汤, Add-Reduce-Restore-Pulse Decoction).

Characteristics:

• Xue Qi Stage: Often presents with rashes (+delirium).

Note:

• The Syndrome of Wei Qi, Ying Qi and Xue is a general concept. Accurate diagnosis requires considering specific symptoms of each patient.

• Diagnosis and treatment should rely on the principle of “observing symptoms, differentiating diagnoses, and administering medication according to syndrome.”

• Patients should consult a TCM practitioner for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion: The Syndrome of Wei Qi, Ying Qi and Xue is a crucial theory in TCM, helping us understand the progression of diseases and choose appropriate treatment methods. Understanding this theory improves the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment.

Please note that I am an AI and can not give medical advice. The provided information is for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.