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1. Overview of Qi Deficiency
Insufficient Zhongqi, Yuanqi, and Heart Qi all fall under the category of Qi deficiency.According to TCM theory, Qi has the functions of promoting, securing, and defending. Once Qi deficiency occurs, it leads to a decline in function or vitality. Qi deficiency can manifest in the five zang organs and six fu organs, as well as in the overall constitution of the body, for example: insufficient Heart Qi, Lung Qi, Kidney Qi, Zhongqi, Yuanqi, and Qi-Yin deficiency.
2. Manifestations and Causes of Different Qi Deficiency Syndromes
However, these Qi deficiencies differ in etiology, symptomatology, and treatment methods.Various types of ginseng are commonly used to treat Qi deficiency, such as Ren Shen (Ginseng), Hong Shen (Red Ginseng), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), and Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng).So, how should we choose the appropriate type of ginseng for different Qi deficiency syndromes?Next, we will analyze the application of various ginseng types in several common Qi deficiency syndromes.
1. Yuanqi Deficiency – Ren Shen (Ginseng)
Yuanqi refers to the essence, Qi, spirit, and blood of the body, which are the original driving forces of life activities.When Yuanqi is insufficient, both the body and spirit feel fatigued.The main symptoms include: weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, spontaneous sweating, pale complexion.
In children, this may manifest as developmental delays;
In adults, it may present as premature aging, decreased sexual function, etc.
This condition may be related to insufficient congenital endowment, improper postnatal care, prolonged illness, or excessive fatigue. Ren Shen (Ginseng) has a sweet, slightly bitter taste, is slightly warm, and enters the Spleen, Lung, Heart, and Kidney meridians. It has the effects of greatly tonifying Yuanqi, stabilizing the pulse, tonifying the Spleen and Lung, generating fluids, nourishing blood, calming the spirit, and enhancing intelligence.For those with Yuanqi deficiency, using Ren Shen is most appropriate.
2. Heart Qi Deficiency – Hong Shen (Red Ginseng)
Heart Qi is the driving force of the heart, promoting blood circulation throughout the body. Heart Qi deficiency, also known as Heart Qi Xu, is primarily due to reduced heart function, leading to a series of symptoms caused by weak blood circulation.
Main manifestations include: palpitations, shortness of breath, insomnia, forgetfulness, spontaneous sweating, fatigue, and pale complexion.
This condition may be related to prolonged illness, aging, or excessive fatigue. Hong Shen (Red Ginseng) has a sweet, slightly bitter taste, is warm, and enters the Spleen, Lung, Heart, and Kidney meridians. It is made from repeatedly steaming and drying Ren Shen, and its medicinal properties change from slightly warm to warm, making it more suitable for warming and tonifying.For symptoms of palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, fatigue, and chest tightness due to Heart Qi deficiency, Hong Shen is more suitable than Ren Shen.
3. Zhongqi Deficiency – Dang Shen (Codonopsis)
Zhongqi refers to the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach. Zhongqi deficiency in TCM means a series of symptoms caused by reduced Spleen and Stomach function.
Main manifestations include: indigestion, nausea, vomiting, belching, loss of appetite, abdominal distension after eating, and loose stools.
This may be due to long-term irregular eating habits, excessive fatigue, or other chronic diseases that have not been resolved, leading to gradual depletion of Spleen Qi.Dang Shen (Codonopsis) has a sweet taste and is neutral; it enters the Spleen and Lung meridians; it has the effects of tonifying the Spleen, benefiting Qi, nourishing blood, and generating fluids.For Zhongqi deficiency caused by reduced Spleen and Stomach function, using Dang Shen to tonify the Spleen and benefit Qi is most appropriate. Although Ren Shen also has some effect, it is more expensive than Dang Shen and may easily cause heat.4. Qi-Yin Deficiency – Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng)Qi-Yin deficiency, also known as Qi and Yin dual deficiency, is characterized by simultaneous deficiency of Qi and Yin.Main symptoms include: fatigue, shortness of breath, lack of speech, loss of appetite, pale complexion; manifestations of Yin deficiency include dry mouth and throat, thirst, irritability, insomnia, dry eyes, tidal fever, night sweats, constipation, dry skin, with tongue manifestations showing red tongue with little or no coating, or cracks on the tongue surface.
This condition may be related to the process of febrile diseases, such as heat in the Qi level, prolonged illness damaging Qi and Yin; or excessive heat consuming body fluids, leading to Qi loss with fluid loss; or deficiency of true Yin in the later stages of warm diseases. Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng) has a sweet, slightly bitter taste, is cool, and enters the Heart, Lung, and Kidney meridians. It has the effects of tonifying Qi, nourishing Yin, and clearing heat while generating fluids.It is suitable for symptoms of internal heat, irritability, cough with blood-streaked phlegm, dry mouth and throat due to Qi-Yin deficiency, and can play a role in nourishing Yin and clearing heat.
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