Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states that when the righteous qi (zheng qi) is present, evil cannot invade. In the same environment, some people are prone to catching colds while others are not; similarly, when climbing stairs, some experience shortness of breath while others do not.TCM often discusses qi; what are the manifestations of those with qi deficiency?They may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and palpitations;they are prone to colds, feel cold in winter, and hot in summer;they may speak softly and appear lethargic;they often have insufficient physical strength, fatigue, or experience spontaneous sweating;they may have a poor appetite, small food intake, and often experience abdominal bloating or indigestion.TCM emphasizes differential diagnosis; qi deficiency can manifest differently in various organs. If we simply discuss what herbs to use for qi deficiency, it would not be accurate.Lung qi deficiency is characterized by a weak voice, shortness of breath, weak cough, pale complexion, and susceptibility to colds. Consider using Bu Fei Wan (Lung Tonifying Pill) or Yu Ping Feng Granules;Heart qi deficiency presents as palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, easy fatigue, and increased sweating after exertion. Consider Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan (Heart Nourishing Pill) or Yang Xin Granules;Spleen qi deficiency manifests as shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, weakness in the limbs, pale yellow complexion, abdominal bloating after eating, and loose stools. Consider Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Middle Qi Tonifying Pill), Si Jun Zi Wan (Four Gentlemen Pill), or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder);
Kidney qi deficiency is more complex, such as kidney qi not being firm or the kidney not receiving qi.Kidney qi not being firm is characterized by frequent clear urination, dribbling after urination, frequent night urination, and urinary incontinence. In men, it may present as premature ejaculation, while in women, it may manifest as clear, thin vaginal discharge and a tendency to miscarriage. Consider using Suo Quan Wan (Urine Retaining Pill), Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill), or Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan (Golden Lock Pill for Securing Essence);Kidney not receiving qi manifests as chronic cough and wheezing, with more exhalation than inhalation, worsening shortness of breath with exertion, and cold sweats. Consider using Qi Wei Du Qi Wan (Seven Flavor Decoction for Qi) or Gu Shen Ding Chuan Wan (Kidney Strengthening and Cough Suppressing Pill).In summary, the typical manifestations of qi deficiency constitution include shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, fatigue, dizziness, and spontaneous sweating.What causes qi deficiency? There are both congenital and acquired factors, such as strong maternal pregnancy reactions leading to insufficient nutrient intake.Acquired factors are numerous, including chronic illness causing significant depletion of original qi; prolonged mental strain leading to exhaustion; irregular diet or dieting causing nutrient deficiency; prolonged emotional distress leading to qi deficiency; and frequent use of heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs or hormonal medications.
Individuals with qi deficiency constitution can select appropriate herbs based on the specific organ manifestations if symptoms are evident. If symptoms are not obvious, other methods can be used for regulation.Dietary RegulationPeople with qi deficiency can choose qi tonifying herbs such as Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Da Zao (Jujube), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Bian Dou (Lima Bean), and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes).In terms of food, options include Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), Huang Dou (Soybeans), Xiang Gu (Mushrooms), Ji Rou (Chicken), Hu Lu (Carrots), and Niu Rou (Beef).Get Good SleepGood sleep is also a way to tonify qi, and it may even be the most ideal method. Quality sleep can relieve physical fatigue, expel pathogens, and repair the body.Waking up refreshed indicates that sleep not only reduces bodily consumption but also helps restore balance in blood supply and respiration.Patients with colds often find that after a good sleep and sweating, their cold symptoms improve significantly, indicating that sleep can expel pathogens; severely ill patients often wake up after prolonged sleep, further demonstrating the restorative effects of sleep.
Ren Shen (Ginseng) or Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng)Ren Shen has a sweet, slightly bitter taste and is slightly warm in nature, with functions to greatly tonify original qi, strengthen the spleen and lungs, generate fluids, and calm the spirit;Xi Yang Shen has a sweet, slightly bitter taste and is cool in nature, with functions to tonify qi, nourish yin, and clear heat while generating fluids.Both Ren Shen and Xi Yang Shen can tonify qi and are excellent qi tonics, but their properties differ. One can choose based on their constitution; Ren Shen is warming, while Xi Yang Shen is cooling.Teachers or speakers, who often speak a lot, are prone to qi deficiency. Excessive talking can deplete qi; for example, after a class, teachers often prefer not to talk during breaks, indicating qi depletion.Chinese Patent Medicine RegulationIn addition to the previously mentioned Chinese patent medicines, one can also use Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) or Chinese patent medicines like Si Jun Zi Wan (Four Gentlemen Pill) or Liu Jun Zi Wan (Six Gentlemen Pill), which are foundational formulas for tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen.Some individuals may have a pale complexion, low blood pressure, frequent dizziness, or experience blackouts when standing up after squatting. They can consider using Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Middle Qi Tonifying Pill);others who often use their brains, have a waxy complexion, palpitations, and memory decline can consider Gui Pi Wan (Spleen Nourishing Pill).Additionally, for those interested in moxibustion, consider acupuncture points such as Zhong Wan (Middle Cavity), Shen Que (Spirit Gate), Qi Hai (Sea of Qi), Bai Hui (Hundred Meetings), Da Zhui (Great Vertebra), and Zu San Li (Leg Three Miles). Regular moxibustion can also yield results.While symptomatic relief from medications may be immediate, constitution regulation is not achieved overnight. Both dietary and medicinal adjustments require a certain period.
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For the Chinese and Western medicines and formulas mentioned in this article, please use under the guidance of a professional.
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