In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are four major deficiencies: Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, and Yang Deficiency. Qi and blood are the roots of human life, while Yin and Yang are the foundation of health. Any deficiency in these areas indicates that the body is not in optimal health and requires supplementation.
First is Qi Deficiency. The source of Qi in a person comes from the Kidney Qi, Spleen Qi, and Lung Qi, all of which are essential. For instance, Li Dongheng stated that without Stomach Qi, one cannot live. Therefore, when a person has abundant Qi, they appear energetic and are more inclined to exercise, feeling vibrant in all activities. Conversely, those with Qi Deficiency are characterized by laziness, a lack of movement, and even minimal speech. They tend to be quiet and unmotivated, preferring to lie down rather than sit, and feel short of breath and fatigued with minimal exertion, often sweating profusely. To address this, one should regularly supplement Qi. Qi tonics include Huang Qi (Astragalus), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Hong Shen (Red Ginseng), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), and Gan Cao (Licorice), among others. Formulas such as Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) can also be referenced for adjustments.
Next is Blood Deficiency. Blood is Yin, and its primary function is to nourish and moisten the body. Therefore, once Blood Deficiency occurs, various organs and tissues will suffer from malnourishment, leading to numerous issues. For example, the eyes may become dry and blurry, leading to poor vision; symptoms like dizziness, brain fog, and memory decline may arise; hands and feet may feel numb and weak; and the skin may appear pale with brittle nails, hair loss, and alopecia. To regulate Blood Deficiency, it is crucial to focus on two main points: first, strengthen the Spleen, as it is the source of Qi and Blood production; second, pay attention to appropriate Qi supplementation, as Blood Deficiency often accompanies Qi Deficiency. TCM herbs for Blood include Di Huang (Rehmannia), Dang Gui (Angelica), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Fu Ling (Poria), and Da Zao (Jujube), among others. Formulas such as Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction), Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (Angelica Blood Supplementing Decoction), and Ren Shen Jian Pi Tang (Ginseng Spleen Strengthening Decoction) can also be referenced for blood nourishment.
The third is Yin Deficiency. Yin Deficiency primarily refers to insufficient body fluids, essence, and blood. When Yin fluids are lacking, it can lead to an inability to restrain Yang, resulting in heat signs in those with Yin Deficiency. Additionally, the lack of Yin fluids causes dryness, akin to a drought-stricken land. This dryness is another characteristic of Yin Deficiency. Common manifestations include five hearts heat, night sweats, dry throat and mouth, thirst without desire to drink, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus, and a red tongue with little coating. To address this, one should nourish Yin and moisten dryness. Herbs for Yin supplementation include Sheng Di (Raw Rehmannia), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra), Zei Ke (Alisma), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), and Han Lian Cao (Eclipta), among others. Formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction), Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang (Anemarrhena and Phellodendron Decoction), Da Bu Yin Wan (Great Tonify Yin Pill), and Zuo Gui Wan (Restore the Left Pill) can also be referenced for adjustments.
Finally, Yang Deficiency. The Neijing states that Yang Qi is akin to the sun in the sky, and thus, when Yang Qi is insufficient, the most notable symptom is coldness. Specifically, Yang Deficiency is often seen in the Spleen and Kidney. Kidney Yang is the root of all Yang Qi, governing the bones and the lower back. Therefore, common symptoms include fear of cold, cold hands and feet, lower back pain, frequent urination, and even decreased male function. Additionally, there may be poor appetite, indigestion, frequent bloating, diarrhea, and unformed stools, along with a pale tongue. To tonify Yang, many herbs are available, such as Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Ba Ji Tian (Morinda), Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium), and Du Zhong (Eucommia), among others. Formulas such as You Gui Yin (Restore the Right Drink), Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill), and Gui Zhi Jia Ren Shen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction with Ginseng) can also be referenced for adjustments.
In summary, while Chinese patent medicines are convenient, one should not simply use them based on symptoms. TCM treatment follows the principle of dialectical treatment, where each person requires a unique prescription tailored to their constitution. It is essential to consult a professional for the most suitable prescription to avoid harming the body.
The above content is for reference only! When choosing medications, it is crucial to base them on symptoms. If you are unsure which category your condition falls into, please seek professional medical advice for diagnosis! I hope this information helps everyone. See you next time!
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