Malnutrition
AliasChild malnutrition
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Gan Zheng, known as "Gan Ji" (infantile malnutrition with accumulation) in TCM, is one of the common pediatric diseases. According to "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine", Gan Zheng refers to a disease in children caused by improper feeding and spleen-stomach weakness, leading to nutritional imbalance, which then causes symptoms such as emaciation, loss of appetite, and a sallow complexion. The occurrence of Gan Zheng is closely related to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach in children, and is a common nutritional disorder during growth and development.
In TCM clinical practice, the core pathogenesis of Gan Zheng is spleen-stomach weakness with insufficient Qi-blood production. Common triggers include improper feeding, irregular diet, and the effects of other diseases. During syndrome differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing between Gan Qi syndrome and Gan Ji syndrome. Gan Qi syndrome mainly manifests as emaciation, loss of appetite, sallow complexion, and poor spirit; while Gan Ji syndrome manifests as obvious emaciation, abdominal distension, and irritability. During differentiation, attention should also be paid to distinguishing cold, heat, deficiency, and excess. For example, in Gan Ji syndrome, if food accumulation transforms into heat, it manifests as irritability, halitosis, and dry hard stools (heat signs); if there is spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, it manifests as pale complexion, cold limbs, and loose stools (cold signs).
Overall direction of regulation: In TCM clinical practice, the regulation of Gan Zheng should follow the principles of harmonizing the spleen and activating transportation, tonifying Qi and eliminating malnutrition. For Gan Qi syndrome, treatment should focus on harmonizing the spleen and activating transportation to promote the recovery of spleen-stomach function; for Gan Ji syndrome, treatment should eliminate accumulation and regulate the spleen, while also tonifying Qi and eliminating malnutrition. In specific syndrome differentiation and treatment, methods such as herbal medicine and dietary therapy should be flexibly applied according to the condition, in order to achieve the effect of treating both manifestation and root cause.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Emaciation-Deficiency Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Emaciated body, loss of appetite, yellowish complexion, and poor spirit
Management Approach: Harmonize the spleen and promote healthy transportation, invigorate the Qi and eliminate malnutrition
Emaciation-Dampness Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Significant weight loss, abdominal distension, irritability and impatience
Management Approach: Resolve accumulation and invigorate the spleen, replenish qi and expel malnutrition
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Children with Gan Zheng often have accompanying spleen-stomach weakness. Strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi, nourishing blood and moistening dryness are the keys to treatment.
— Fan Li Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner Assistant Physician
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)