this is deficiency of the exterior with weak and unstable protective qi.

the lungs govern the qi, skin, and body hair. together with the protective qi, they guard the exterior of the body and ward off pathogenic influences.

part of this mechanism is regulating the opening and closing of the interstices and pores. when the qi is weak and cannot stabilize the superficial aspects of the body, the interstices and pores will not properly close. not only does this give rise to spontaneous sweating and aversion to drafts, it also increases one’s susceptibility to invasion by external pathogenic influences, and thus to recurrent colds.

the shiny, pale complexion and pale tongue reflect deficiency of qi, while the floating, deficient, and soft pulse reflects weakness in the superficial level of the body’s energies.