When the Castle Wall is Weak
When an external pathogen (such as a virus) enters the body, TCM calls this a “wind” attack. Normally, the body fights back with fever and chills. But in someone with an underlying Qi-deficient constitution (weak resistance), this fight takes a different form. The “castle wall” (Wei Qi) is too weak for a fierce fight.
Constitution: Qi Deficiency
This person quickly becomes tired, short of breath, sweats easily during exertion and is pale.
Wind-Cold for Qi Deficiency
Normally Wind-Cold gives severe chills, no sweat, and a stiff neck.
In case of Qi deficiency:The patient feels cold and shivers, but sweatsstill(a paradox, because cold normally closes the pores). This is because the Wei Qi is too weak to keep the pores closed. The fever is low or absent (no strength for fire). There is extreme fatigue and an aversion to wind. The pulse is “floating” (at the surface) but “weak” (lacking strength).
Approach: We must expel the pathogen, but very carefully. Excessively strong sweating herbs would expel the little Qi that is present and cause the patient to collapse (Qi burnout). We use mild, supportive formulas (such asShen Su Yin).
Wind-Heat for Qi Deficiency
Normally Wind-Heat causes high fever, sore throat, thirst and sweating.
In case of Qi deficiency:The fever remains relatively low (the body cannot generate heat), but the sore throat can linger for a long time. Sweating is profuse and exhausting. Thirst is present, but the patient lacks the strength to drink. The cough is weak and ineffective.
Approach: Clearing heat and nourishing Qi simultaneously. If we only cool (antibiotics/cold herbs), we further damage the Spleen Qi, and the infection remains dormant.
Conclusion
In the case of a weak constitution, the priority is: “Strengthen the straight Qi (resistance) while expelling the evil Qi (virus).” Attacking alone is counterproductive.