Body deficiency is generally divided into four types:
1. Qi Deficiency (Qi Xu) Constitution
Manifestations: Mental fatigue, physical weakness, pale complexion, reduced appetite with abdominal distension, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, wheezing, spontaneous sweating, pale tongue with thin white coating, weak pulse.
Treatment method: Tonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen.
Commonly used herbs: Huang Qi (Astragalus), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Dang Shen (Codonopsis).
Formulas: Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) or Liang Qi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction).
Foods to tonify Qi deficiency: Beef, glutinous rice, soybeans, jujubes, crucian carp, mushrooms, etc.
Foods to avoid for Qi deficiency: Hawthorn, betel nut, garlic, coriander (cilantro), pepper, strong tea, and alcohol.
2. Blood Deficiency (Xue Xu) Constitution
Manifestations: Dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, pale and sallow complexion, pale lips and tongue, brittle and deformed nails, women with scanty menstrual flow and pale color, amenorrhea, infertility. Pale and slightly thin tongue, thin and weak pulse.
Treatment method: Nourish Blood and tonify the Heart.
Commonly used herbs: Dang Gui (Angelica), Bai Shao (White Peony), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia).
Formulas: Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) or Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction).
Foods to tonify Blood deficiency: Black chicken, black sesame, longan flesh, brown sugar, red beans, etc.;
Foods to avoid for Blood deficiency: Garlic, white liquor, chrysanthemum, raw radish, etc.
3. Yin Deficiency (Yin Xu) Constitution
Manifestations: Emaciation, five hearts heat (palms and soles), tidal fever and night sweats, dizziness and tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, nocturnal emissions, scanty menstrual flow, little urine, dry stools, palpitations with vivid dreams, forgetfulness, insomnia; red tongue with little coating, thin and rapid pulse.
Treatment method: Nourish Yin and tonify the Kidneys.
Commonly used herbs: Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia).
Formulas: If the patient has no heat symptoms, use Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia); if there are heat symptoms, use Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemone and Rehmannia Pill).
Foods to tonify Yin deficiency: Soft-shelled turtle, bird’s nest, lily bulb.
Foods to avoid for Yin deficiency: Pepper, cinnamon, dog meat, leeks, chili, ginger, alcohol.
4. Yang Deficiency (Yang Xu) Constitution
Manifestations: Aversion to cold and preference for warmth, pale complexion, lack of energy, no thirst, preference for hot drinks, cold pain in the lower back and knees, impotence, cold womb leading to infertility, clear urine, loose stools.
Treatment method: Tonify Yang and warm the Kidneys.
Commonly used herbs: Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche).
Formulas: Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill), You Gui Wan (Right Return Pill).
Foods to tonify Yang deficiency: Dog meat, lamb, longan, quail, leeks.
Foods to avoid for Yang deficiency: Duck meat, crab, raw radish, honeysuckle, etc.
Individuals with body deficiency may also frequently exhibit dual deficiencies:
Qi and Yin deficiency: Supplementation should focus on tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin.
Yin and Yang deficiency: Supplementation should focus on both Yin and Yang, nourishing Yin and warming Yang, and tonifying Yin and Yang.
Qi and Blood deficiency: Supplementation should focus on tonifying Qi, generating Blood, and supplementing both Qi and Blood.
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