Qi and Blood Deficiency refers to the conditions of Qi Xu (Qi Deficiency) and Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The result of Qi and Blood deficiency can lead to a decline in organ function and cause premature aging.Qi Xu: This indicates a decline in organ function and poor resistance to disease. Symptoms of Qi deficiency include sensitivity to cold, cold limbs, spontaneous sweating, dizziness, tinnitus, mental fatigue, weakness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and stunted growth.Xue Xu: Symptoms include pale complexion, dry skin, brittle hair, cracked nails, blurred vision, numbness in hands and feet, insomnia with vivid dreams, forgetfulness, palpitations, and mental confusion.How to Determine Qi and Blood Deficiency1. Observe the EyesObserving the eyes means looking at the color of the sclera. The saying “as people age, the pearls turn yellow” refers to the sclera becoming cloudy and yellowish with blood vessels, indicating Qi and Blood deficiency. Bright, wide-open eyes indicate sufficient Qi and Blood; conversely, large eye bags, dry eyes, and heavy eyelids suggest deficiency.2. Observe the SkinSkin that is pink, shiny, elastic, without wrinkles or spots indicates sufficient Qi and Blood. In contrast, rough, dull, yellowish, or discolored skin with spots indicates poor health and deficiency.3. Observe the HairThick, shiny, and smooth hair indicates sufficient Qi and Blood, while dry, thinning, yellowing, or splitting hair indicates deficiency.4. Observe the EarsNowadays, people’s physical quality is declining. Look closely, and you will see that people’s ears are smaller, stiffer, and often deformed. It is rare to see plump, large ears in children and young people, while older individuals often have them, indicating that past generations had better physical health.For children, observe the shape of the ears; for adults, in addition to shape, check the color, presence of spots, and pain. Ears that are light pink, shiny, without spots or wrinkles, and plump indicate sufficient Qi and Blood. Dull, lifeless ears indicate a decline in Qi and Blood. If the ears are shriveled, dry, have spots, or many wrinkles, it indicates declining kidney function, which requires attention.5. Check Hand TemperatureIf the hands are warm year-round, it indicates sufficient Qi and Blood. Conversely, hot palms, sweating, or cold hands indicate deficiency.6. Observe the FingertipsWhether in children or adults, flat, weak fingertips or thin tips indicate Qi and Blood deficiency, while full, elastic fingertips indicate sufficiency.7. Observe the VeinsIf blue veins are visible on an adult’s index finger, it indicates poor digestive function in childhood, which has continued into adulthood. Such individuals are often weak and suffer from both Qi and Blood deficiency. If blue veins are seen on the little finger, it indicates insufficient kidney Qi.If there are many deep lines near the wrist crease on the palm, it indicates poor nutrition and weak constitution in childhood, leading to Qi and Blood deficiency. Such women are prone to gynecological diseases, while men may suffer from prostate enlargement and gout.8. Observe the Lunulae on the NailsNormally, lunulae should be present on all fingers except the little finger. On the thumb, the lunula should occupy 1/4 to 1/5 of the nail area, while on the index, middle, and ring fingers, it should not exceed 1/5. If there are no lunulae or only on the thumb, it indicates heavy coldness in the body, poor circulation, and Qi and Blood deficiency, preventing blood from reaching the fingertips. Conversely, if the lunulae are too large, it may indicate hyperthyroidism or hypertension.9. Observe Longitudinal Ridges on the NailsThese appear only on adult nails and not on children’s. If longitudinal ridges appear on adult nails, it is a warning sign indicating Qi and Blood deficiency and overexertion, symbolizing bodily aging.10. Observe the GumsGum recession is more noticeable in adults. If the gaps between teeth widen and food gets stuck more easily, it indicates Qi and Blood deficiency, suggesting that the body is deteriorating and aging is accelerating.11. Observe Sleep PatternsIf adults fall asleep quickly, sleep deeply, breathe evenly, and wake naturally, it indicates sufficient Qi and Blood. Conversely, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, nocturia, heavy breathing, or snoring indicate Blood deficiency.12. Observe Physical ActivityIf one experiences chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue that is hard to recover from during exercise, it indicates insufficient Qi and Blood. Those who feel energized and relaxed after exercise are in good health.What to Do About Qi and Blood Deficiency?From the perspective of TCM, Qi and Blood are fundamental for life activities. If Qi and Blood do not circulate, it not only affects bodily functions but also diminishes one’s vitality. Clinically, Qi and Blood deficiency often occurs, with Blood deficiency being the most evident. Timely replenishment of Qi and Blood is essential to maintain normal bodily functions.Methods to Nourish Blood1. Moxibustion TherapyMoxibustion is a common warming treatment method that can significantly help nourish Blood. It stimulates acupuncture points through a mixed method, promoting self-recovery and replenishing Qi and Blood. Common points include Xue Hai (Blood Sea) and San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Intersection). The Xue Hai point helps nourish Blood, while San Yin Jiao promotes Qi and Blood circulation. Stimulating both points effectively replenishes Qi and Blood.2. MassageMassage is less effective than moxibustion for replenishing Qi and Blood, but it can stimulate multiple meridians, promoting the body’s self-regulation. For patients with Blood stasis, massage is more beneficial as it alleviates local blood flow and helps the body absorb stagnant blood.3. Acupuncture for Blood NourishmentAcupuncture for Blood nourishment primarily stimulates acupuncture points through needling. This stimulation differs from that of moxibustion and massage. Acupuncture can reach deeper points and provide stronger stimulation, achieving good results in a short time. For patients with Blood deficiency due to trauma, acupuncture can immediately improve local blood stasis and promote Qi and Blood circulation, effectively replenishing Blood.4. Herbal TreatmentHerbal treatment is the most effective and fastest method for replenishing Blood. When using herbs for Blood nourishment, a combination of various herbs is generally required, including Blood tonics, invigorating Blood herbs, and those that replenish Yang Qi. Common herbs include Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti), and A Jiao (Donkey-hide Gel). Various herbal formulas can effectively invigorate and nourish Blood. Additionally, some proprietary Chinese medicines can be used, which are prepared from fixed formulas. If the goal is solely to nourish Blood, choosing common proprietary Chinese medicines can be effective. Insufficient Qi and Blood not only affects health but also accelerates aging. Individuals with Qi and Blood deficiency may notice dry skin and brittle hair, which are signs of accelerated aging. Therefore, to promote health and longevity, timely replenishment of Qi and Blood is necessary.Dietary Therapy1. Qi Deficiency① Nourishing Foods: Beef, lamb, goji berries, chicken, pork, glutinous rice, soybeans, white broad beans, jujubes, crucian carp, carp, quail, yellow eel, shrimp, mushrooms, etc.② Recommended Dishes: Huang Shan Bai He Lian Zi Tang (Huangshan Lily and Lotus Seed Soup); Ren Shen Yao Wei Pigeon (Ginseng Stewed Pigeon); Wu Xiang Niu Rou (Five-Spice Beef); Hua Sheng Mi Da Zao Shao Zhu Ti (Peanut and Jujube Braised Pig Trotters).③ Foods to Avoid: Buckwheat, pomelo, tangerine, kumquat, kumquat cake, orange, water chestnut, raw radish, earthworm, mustard greens, garlic, and tea.④ Foods to Avoid: Hawthorn, bergamot, betel nut, garlic, turnip greens, coriander (cilantro), rutabaga, pepper, and mint.2. Blood Deficiency① Nourishing Foods: Black-boned chicken, black sesame, walnut meat, longan meat, chicken, pig’s blood, pig liver, brown sugar, red beans, etc.② Recommended Dishes: Dang Gui Shu Di Wu Gu Ji (Angelica and Black-boned Chicken); Huang Shan Niu Nan Bao (Huangshan Beef Brisket Stew); Huang Ju Dai Yu (Huangju with Fish); Mei Gui Huang Ju Lu (Rose and Huangju Drink).③ Foods to Avoid: Seaweed, cardamom, lotus leaf, white wine, mint, chrysanthemum, betel nut, and raw radish.④ Foods to Avoid: Water chestnut, garlic.According to TCM, raw lotus root is cold in nature and has the function of clearing heat and relieving irritability, making it particularly suitable for patients with “pimples” due to Blood heat. When cooked, it transforms from cold to warm, nourishing the stomach, moistening Yin, strengthening the spleen, and benefiting Qi and Blood. It is an excellent food supplement, especially for those with dry skin and dull complexion due to spleen and stomach deficiency. The sections of lotus root are particularly effective in strengthening the spleen, promoting appetite, nourishing Blood, and stopping bleeding, while also improving complexion. Therefore, women with Qi and Blood deficiency should consume more lotus root.3. Strawberry Dietary Therapy[Recipe] 250 grams of strawberries, 100 grams of raisins, 100 grams of sugar.[Preparation] Combine the three ingredients in a pot, add 800 milliliters of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, and let it steep for 10 hours before consumption.[Consumption] Drink the soup and eat the strawberries and raisins.
