this is an abandoned disorder from loss of fluids due to chronic diarrhea or dysentery.

in such cases, the spleen qi has become deficient and the intestines have lost their stability and capacity to absorb. this results in unremitting diarrhea to the point of incontinence. when severe, there may be sinking of the spleen (or middle) qi, which manifests as prolapse of the rectum.

long-term diarrhea not only leads to deficiency of the spleen qi and yang, but also invariably involves the kidneys. this aggravates the diarrhea, which further injures the spleen and kidneys, which in turn worsens the diarrhea, and so on in a vicious circle.

when the spleen and kidneys are deficient and cold, there is fatigue and lethargy as well as mild, persistent abdominal pain that responds favorably to local pressure or warmth. when the spleen is weak, the appetite declines, food intake is reduced, and the complexion becomes wan.

kidney yang deficiency is further expressed in the sore lower back and lack of strength in the legs. the pale tongue with a white coating, and the slow, thin pulse are indicative of deficient yang of the spleen and kidneys.