Qi deficiency is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine involving deficiency of qi and blood, which can lead to a decline in bodily functions and accelerate the aging process. Qi deficiency manifests as decreased body functions, weak resistance, specific symptoms include aversion to cold, spontaneous sweating, dizziness, tinnitus, mental fatigue, lack of energy, rapid heartbeat, slow growth and development, and more. Blood deficiency is characterized by pale or sallow complexion, dry skin, withered hair, brittle nails, blurred vision, numbness in hands and feet, insomnia, vivid dreams, declining memory, and mental confusion.
Insufficient qi and blood affect both qi and blood, leading to inadequate nourishment of the body, typical symptoms include mental fatigue, shortness of breath, weak voice, pale or sallow complexion, dizziness, loss of appetite, pale tongue, weak pulse, etc.
Observing the condition of qi and blood can be reflected in various parts of the body: – Eyes appearing dull, yellowish, with bloodshot eyes, may indicate qi and blood deficiency. – Dull skin, abnormal color, such as dark, yellowish, pale, bluish, reddish, or spots, are signs of poor circulation of qi and blood. – Dry, falling, discolored, or split hair reflects issues with qi and blood. – Shrinking gums are another sign of inadequate qi and blood. – Vertical ridges on nails indicate dual deficiency of qi and blood. – Flat, weak fingertips signal insufficient qi and blood. – Sleep disturbances, difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, nocturnal urination, or snoring during vivid dreams, feeling chest tightness, shortness of breath, slow recovery during physical activity, all suggest qi and blood deficiency. – Abnormal hand temperature, overly hot, sweaty, or ice-cold, also reflect poor qi and blood status.
Traditional Chinese medicine offers a series of methods to address qi and blood deficiency. Men are often qi deficient and need to focus on tonifying qi; women tend to be blood deficient and should focus on supplementing blood. Tonifying qi can be achieved by consuming sweet and warm foods like Chinese yam, soybeans, and appropriate amount of Chinese herbs such as ginseng and astragalus, in addition to maintaining warmth and moderate exercise. Blood supplementation is recommended through eating iron-rich foods like spinach, red dates, as well as herbs like angelica, prepared rehmannia, maintaining a positive mindset, reducing excessive fatigue and mental stress, ensuring adequate rest to promote the recovery and balance of qi and blood.
Maintaining ample qi and blood is crucial for health and longevity, enhancing the body’s resistance to external harmful factors, and maintaining a rosy complexion and vigorous spirit.
