What does Qi and Blood Deficiency mean in TCM?

Qi and blood deficiency, which means insufficient Qi and blood, is a common term in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many problems of the human body, such as dizziness, fatigue, and lack of energy, are caused by insufficient Qi and blood. There are certain differences between Qi deficiency and blood deficiency. Although the two often occur at the same time, their effects on patients and the treatment methods are different. Below I will introduce to you the relevant knowledge about Qi and blood deficiency!

1. The concept of Qi and blood deficiency

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the root of Qi lies in the kidneys and is controlled by the lungs and spleen. On the surface, it protects the skin, fills the pores, and enables people to resist evil; on the inside, it guides the blood, raises and lowers yin and yang, and circulates throughout the body. All seven emotions and stimulation such as cold and heat can affect the Qi and cause pathological changes. Therefore, regardless of external or internal injuries, there are pathological phenomena of Qi, so there is a saying that "all diseases are caused by Qi." The main thing is: when Qi is full, one is strong; when Qi is insufficient, one is weak; when Qi is smooth, one is healthy; when Qi is reversed, one becomes sick. To this end, there are many principles of treatment, such as tonifying Qi, raising Qi, promoting Qi, and lowering Qi. Disharmony of Qi can affect the blood, especially disorder of Qi can cause diseases such as water dampness, phlegm and turbidity. Therefore, in the treatment of blood diseases and water dampness diseases, Qi drugs are often used in combination.

Blood circulates throughout the body, nourishing the entire body. If there is deficiency, stagnation, or delirium, these are all symptoms. The causes of blood diseases may be cold or hot stimulation, excessive thinking and fatigue, long-term illness, falls, knife wounds, and excessive bleeding. Clinically, there are methods of nourishing blood, harmonizing blood, activating blood circulation, clearing blood, stopping bleeding, and removing blood stasis.

2. Symptoms

Qi deficiency: low voice, short and weak breathing, fatigue, laziness, spontaneous sweating, chest tightness, rectal prolapse, constant diarrhea, easy to catch cold and blood loss.

Blood deficiency: palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, vertigo, hair loss, pale complexion, dull nails, dry and cracked skin, weight loss, difficult bowel movements, scanty menstruation or amenorrhea in women, pale tongue, and a thin or wiry pulse.

3. Conditioning Method

1. Diet therapy

Traditional Chinese medicine has created many classic medicinal foods since ancient times. The method of cooking property food is combined with Chinese medicine, which not only overcomes the bitter taste of traditional Chinese medicine, but also adds food elements, which is deeply loved by the general public. For example, there is a recipe for Angelica, ginger and mutton soup in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases". When using it, you can take Angelica, ginger, and half a pound of mutton to make soup. It is especially suitable for people with insufficient qi and blood. It has wide clinical applications and definite therapeutic effects.

2. Correct bad living habits

Bad living habits can cause hidden depletion of Qi and blood, so while using food therapy, you still need to correct bad living habits, maintain a regular daily schedule, not stay up late, regulate your emotions, and be less likely to lose your temper. Exercise should be appropriate, not excessive or overloaded. You still need to choose an appropriate time for exercise. It is not suitable to exercise at night. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine says "collect and gather at dusk". It is not suitable to disturb the muscles and bones at night, as it will damage the qi and blood over time.

3. Combine with traditional massage techniques

Moxibustion: The areas for moxibustion usually include Zusanli, Shenshu, Shenque (navel), etc. Just heat through them, but do not overheat to avoid burns.