少气者，气少不足以言也。
〔《素》〕三阳绝，三阴微，是为少气。（方盛衰论）怯然少气者，是水道不行，形气消索也。（示从容篇）
言而微，终日乃复言者，此夺气也。（全文见诊生死。）
上少气治法，盖生脉散、独参汤之属是也。
一阳发病，少气善咳善泄。（全文见诊病传变。）
运气 少气有二∶
一曰火热。经云∶火郁之发，民病少气。又云∶少阴之复，少气骨痿。又云∶少阳之复，少气脉痿，治以
诸寒是也。
二曰风湿。经云∶太阳司天之政，四之气，风湿交争，风化为雨，民病大热少气是也。
针灸 少气有三∶
一曰补肺。经云∶肺藏气，气不足则息微少气，补其经隧，无出其气。又云∶肺虚则少气不能报息，耳聋
嗌干，取其经太阴足太阳之外，厥阴内血者是也。
二曰补肾。经云∶少气，身漯漯也，言吸吸也，骨酸体懈惰不能动，补足少阴是也。（漯，运合切）
三曰补气海。经云∶膻中者，为气之海，其输上在于柱骨之上下，前在于人迎。气海不足，则气少不足以
言，审守其输，调其虚实。所谓柱骨之上者，盖天容穴也。人迎者，结喉两旁之脉动处也。乃取天容、人迎二
穴补之也。
鱼际络青短者，少气也。（全文见阴阳。）
〔《素》〕脾脉搏坚而长，其色黄，当病少气。（脉要精微论）一呼脉一动，一吸脉一动，曰少气。（平人气象论）
尺坚大，脉小甚，少气， 有加，立死。（全文见诊 谓尺内坚而脉反小，而少气 加也。）
Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi) refers to a condition where the Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is deficient, insufficient to support speech.
The *Huangdi Neijing Suwen* records: When the Qi of the Three Yang meridians is exhausted and the Qi of the Three Yin meridians is weak, this is termed Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi). (From the chapter "Fang Sheng Shuai Lun") A symptom of timidity and shortness of qi indicates that the water pathways are not flowing, leading to the consumption and exhaustion of both form and Zheng Qi (Upright Qi). (From the chapter "Shi Cong Rong Pian")
Speaking in a low voice, with only a few words spoken throughout the entire day, indicates Duo Qi (Severe Depletion of Qi). (Full text available in chapters related to diagnosing life and death.)
For the treatment of upper Jiao Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi), methods generally belong to formulas such as Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) and Du Shen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction).
When disease originates from one Yang meridian, symptoms include Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi), frequent coughing, and frequent diarrhea. (Full text available in chapters related to the transmission of disease.)
Regarding Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi) caused by the Five Movements and Six Qi, there are two types:
First, due to Fire-Heat. The classic states: When Fire pathogen is constrained and erupts, the people suffer from Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi). It also states: When the Sha Yin (Lesser Yin) returns, there is Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi) and Gu Wei (Bone Atrophy). It further states: When the Shao Yang (Lesser Yang) returns, there is Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi) and Mai Wei (Vessel Atrophy); treatment should employ various cold-natured herbs.
Second, due to Wind-Dampness. The classic states: In years when Tai Yang governs the Heaven, during the fourth Qi period, Wind and Dampness contend, transforming into rain; the people suffer from severe heat and Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi).
Regarding acupuncture treatment for Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi), there are three approaches:
First, tonifying the Lung. The classic states: The Lung stores Qi; when Qi is insufficient, respiration becomes faint and there is Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi). One should tonify its meridian collaterals without dispersing its Qi. It also states: When Lung Qi is deficient, there is Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi), inability to take deep breaths, accompanied by deafness and dry throat. Treatment involves taking blood from the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, the lateral aspect of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, and the medial aspect of the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian.
Second, tonifying the Kidney. The classic states: When there is Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi), the body feels cold and trembling, speech is accompanied by rapid inhalation, bones ache, and the body feels slack and weak, unable to move. One should tonify the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. ("Luo" is pronounced 'yun he qie'.)
Third, tonifying the Qi Sea. The classic states: The Danzhong area is the Sea of Qi. Its transport points are located superiorly at the cervical vertebrae and anteriorly at the Renying point. If the Qi Sea is deficient, there is Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi) insufficient for speech. One must carefully observe and secure these transport points, regulating their excess or deficiency. The term "superior to the pillar bone" refers to the Tianrong acupoint. The Renying point is the location of pulse movement on both sides of the laryngeal prominence. Therefore, the Tianrong and Renying acupoints are selected for tonification.
If the collateral vessels at Yuji appear blue and short, it indicates Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi). (Full text available in chapters related to Yin and Yang.)
The *Huangdi Neijing Suwen* records: If the Spleen pulse is firm and long, and the complexion is yellow, the patient suffers from Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi). (From the chapter "Mai Yao Jing Wei Lun") If the pulse beats once per exhalation and once per inhalation, this is called Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi). (From the chapter "Ping Ren Qi Xiang Lun")
If the skin at the Chi position is firm and large, but the pulse is very small, this indicates Sha Qi (Shortness of Qi); if the condition worsens, death will occur immediately. (Full text available in chapters related to diagnosing firmness at the Chi position and worsening shortness of qi.)