Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yang deficiency, and Yin deficiency—these four types of deficiency in the body, which one do you belong to? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that Qi deficiency leads to dampness, blood deficiency leads to wind, Yang deficiency leads to cold, and Yin deficiency leads to fire. Today, we will discuss what to do if you experience these issues.
First Type: Qi Deficiency Leads to Dampness
Why do we say that Qi deficiency leads to dampness? TCM explains that Qi is responsible for the movement of body fluids. The circulation of fluids requires the propulsion of Qi. If Qi is insufficient, there is not enough power to promote the movement of fluids, leading to stagnation and the formation of dampness. Individuals with this condition often experience fatigue, a heavy sensation in the head and body, dizziness, nausea, poor appetite, and indigestion. To regulate this, one should tonify the spleen, boost Qi, and eliminate dampness, which can be supported by the formula Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder).
Second Type: Blood Deficiency Leads to Wind
When blood is deficient, the body lacks nourishment, and internal wind can arise, leading to symptoms such as numbness and tremors in the limbs, flaky skin, itching, insomnia with frequent dreaming, dizziness, blurred vision, pale complexion, and lack of color in the nails. In this case, the focus should be on nourishing blood and calming wind, which can be aided by the formula Ren Shen Yang Rong Wan (Ginseng Nourishing and Calming Pill).
Third Type: Yang Deficiency Leads to Cold
One of the main functions of Yang is to provide warmth. When Yang is deficient, the body becomes cold. Individuals with this condition often feel cold, have cold extremities, experience lower back and knee pain, fatigue, frequent urination, and often wake up at night. The lack of Yang energy can lower immunity, making one more susceptible to illness. In this case, the focus should be on tonifying Yang, which can be supported by the formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill).
Fourth Type: Yin Deficiency Leads to Fire
Yin’s role is to provide tranquility and nourishment. When Yin is deficient, it cannot restrain Yang, leading to the generation of internal heat. This condition often presents with symptoms such as five-center heat (palms and soles), dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, and night sweats. To regulate this, one should focus on nourishing Yin, which can be supported by the formula Liang Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill).