Ba Zhen Tang

This formula is for concurrent deficiency of qi and blood which is most often due to imbalances caused by chronic disease or excessive loss of blood. The Lungs control the body's qi; when the qi is deficient, the Lung qi will also be deficient. This manifests as shortness of breath and laconic speech. A poor appetite is an almost pathognomonic sign of Spleen qi deficiency. In this case, the Spleen qi is too weak to transform and transport nutrients to the extremities. When this is combined with blood deficiency, the extremities become easily fatigued. The concurrent deficiency of the qi and blood also prevents nourishment (the clear yang and the blood) from reaching the head and Heart. This leads to palpitations (which may be continuous), light-headedness and/or vertigo, and a pallid or sallow complexion. The complexion will be more pallid if the condition is primarily one of qi deficiency, and more sallow if blood deficiency is predominant. The pale tongue with a white coating is a combination of signs of blood and qi deficiency. If blood deficiency is predominant, the pulse will be thin and frail, and if qi deficiency is predominant, the pulse will be large, deficient, and without strength. - Bensky: Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulas and Strategies*