In the fast-paced modern life, people often feel stressed and physically weak. In traditional Chinese medicine, physical weakness is related to the decline in organ function and weak resistance, and it is further subdivided into four types: blood deficiency, Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, and Yin deficiency. Identifying one’s own type of physical weakness and treating it accordingly can effectively improve the body’s condition. Here are some simple self-diagnostic methods:
Observing facial complexion, a healthy complexion should be rosy and bright. Pale or yellowish complexion may indicate Qi and blood deficiency; a red complexion may signify Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat; a yellowish complexion may reflect poor spleen and stomach function.
The coating on the tongue also reveals health information. A normal tongue coating is thin, white, and moist. If it becomes thick and greasy or dry without coating, it may indicate excessive dampness or Yin deficiency. A yellow and greasy tongue coating is a sign of internal damp heat.
The strength, weakness, and rhythm of the pulse also reflect the constitution. A weak and feeble pulse indicates Qi and blood deficiency; a tight and powerful pulse may be related to liver Qi stagnation; a weak and thready pulse is often a sign of Yin deficiency.
Paying attention to one’s own feelings is also important. Persistent fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, and dizziness may indicate Qi and blood deficiency; dry mouth, feverish sensation, night sweats, or Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat; abdominal discomfort, digestive issues may suggest spleen and stomach weakness; lumbar and leg weakness, insomnia with vivid dreams, tinnitus and dizziness may be attributed to kidney deficiency; shortness of breath, dry skin, constipation may point to lung deficiency.
Once the type of deficiency is identified, such as Qi deficiency affecting organ function, blood deficiency related to circulation, Yin deficiency due to insufficient body fluids, and Yang deficiency indicating declining Yang Qi, targeted nourishment can be administered.
During nourishment, those with Qi deficiency can consume Chinese yam and red dates for Qi enhancement; those with blood deficiency can choose pig liver and red dates for blood nourishment; those with Yin deficiency can eat edible white fungus and lily bulb for nourishing Yin; those with Yang deficiency are recommended to eat mutton and ginger for warming Yang. Additionally, various traditional Chinese medicine treatments like acupuncture, massage, cupping therapy, and herbal medicine can also assist in recovery.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial: ensure an adequate amount of sleep, avoid staying up late; engage in moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, jogging to enhance physical fitness; maintain an optimistic attitude, reduce stress, are all key to improving health.
In conclusion, understanding and properly managing physical weakness, combined with a healthy lifestyle, are crucial for improving overall health. Seeking timely medical attention is also an effective way to prevent and treat physical weakness.
