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In the “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,” it is mentioned, “All that a person has are blood and qi.” If the human body is compared to a running machine, qi and blood are the fundamental driving forces.
In traditional Chinese medicine, when the qi and blood in the human body are sufficient, vitality is strong; when qi and blood are deficient, abnormalities occur in the body and mind.
For individuals with weak qi and blood
Remember the 4 “don’t eat” and 3 “don’t do”
#01
Don’t eat cold foods
Long-term irregular diet and excessive consumption of raw, cold, and cold foods can easily damage the spleen yang, affect the spleen and stomach functions, thereby affecting the generation of qi and blood.
#02
Don’t eat heavy-flavored foods
Preferring spicy, oily, and stimulating heavy-flavored foods like hot pot, spicy hot pot, barbecue, can cause damage to the spleen and stomach, leading to blood deficiency.
#03
Avoid overeating meat and fish
Eating large quantities of meat and fish frequently can lead to spleen and stomach damage, causing abnormalities in digestion and metabolism functions.
The spleen and stomach are the source of “the transformation of qi and blood” in the human body. Only when the spleen and stomach functions properly can food be transformed into nourishing qi and blood. The decline in spleen and stomach functions directly leads to insufficient qi and blood in the body.
Of course, this does not mean starving oneself, as prolonged under-eating can also lead to insufficient energy and raw materials for generating qi and blood, thereby resulting in qi and blood deficiency.
It is recommended to eat until about 70-80% full in daily meals, avoiding overeating or eating too little.
#04
Avoid consuming fast food
Here, “fast food” does not refer to a specific type of food but rather eating too quickly.
Food needs to be thoroughly chewed for better absorption. Eating too quickly without sufficient chewing leads to food accumulation in the spleen and stomach, requiring the body to use up qi and blood to aid in digestion, resulting in less available qi and blood for other functions.
For the average person, it is recommended to chew each mouthful of food about 20 times. Individuals with poor spleen and stomach functions or elderly individuals should aim for over 25 chews per mouthful. Breakfast should be eaten in about 15-20 minutes, while lunch and dinner are best consumed in about 30 minutes.
#05
Avoid overexertion
Whether from physical or mental activities, overexertion depletes the body’s vitality.
Mental strain is often overlooked but can disrupt spleen functions. In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen is considered the source of the transformation of qi and blood. Weak spleen qi leads to insufficient qi and blood transformation.
To protect qi and blood, it is advisable not to worry excessively.
#06
Avoid staying up late excessively
Many individuals have the habit of staying up late playing with their phones, but nighttime is the time for nourishing qi and blood. Staying up late inevitably depletes qi and blood.
Moreover, excessive use of smartphones strains the eyes. Prolonged eye strain consumes more liver blood for nourishment, making excessive smartphone use a trigger for qi and blood deficiency.
To ensure proper sleep, it is not only important to get enough sleep but also to sleep early. It is advisable to ensure about 8 hours of sleep daily, preferably before 11 PM.
#07
Avoid sleeping with wet hair
This is a commonly overlooked aspect.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the head is regarded as the convergence of yang energies. If one sleeps with wet hair without drying it before bed, it can lead to the invasion of dampness, damaging the body’s yang qi.
For individuals with weak qi and blood, what should they do?
#01
Consume qi and blood-nourishing foods moderately
Such as eggs, red dates, Chinese yam, pig’s blood, duck blood, etc., these can be combined appropriately to ensure a balanced diet.
Furthermore, consider consuming ingredients known for replenishing qi and blood, like dangshen, astragalus root, and accompanying them with foods like chicken and wolfberries in soups.
#02
Engage in moderate exercise
Long-term physical inactivity can disrupt blood circulation, hindering the generation of qi and blood. Exercise promotes blood circulation and enhances metabolism. Depending on one’s physical condition, choose activities like walking, tai chi, martial arts, whereas women can opt for gentler exercises like yoga.
It is advised to exercise around 5 times a week, with each session lasting over 30 minutes. Those with underlying health conditions should adjust exercise intensity under medical guidance.
#03
Maintain a good lifestyle routine
Having a regular routine, avoiding staying up late, maintaining regular meals, quitting smoking and drinking, and avoiding long periods of inactivity can help improve qi and blood deficiency.
#04
Nourish the liver and blood
In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood and is vital for regulating blood volume. To nourish qi and blood, prioritize liver health by consuming foods like spinach, black sesame, red beans, while avoiding alcohol, late nights, and other liver-damaging behaviors.
Source: Wellness China
Producer: Liu Xiaolong
Reviewer: Liu Jing
Editor: Shi Yin
