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Friends who often see TCM should know that in prescriptions, we often see herbs like Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), and Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes). Are these herbs as commonly used as regular cold medicine? Yes, they are used even more frequently than cold medicine and are very effective because they all share a common function: they tonify Qi.
Doctors often mention Qi, such as “Qi deficiency,” “Qi and blood deficiency,” “excess liver Qi,” “deficient kidney Qi,” etc. Although it may sometimes be hard to understand, it seems very reasonable.
In fact, Qi is indeed very important. Bian Que in the “Nan Jing: Eight Difficulties” said: “Qi is the root of a person; if it is cut off, the branches and leaves will wither.” Qi is the essence of life; TCM believes that Qi accompanies a person throughout their life, influencing growth, development, aging, death, disease, and emotions. On the surface, these are changes in the body, but the root cause is the fluctuation of Qi.
As the saying goes, “A person lives by a breath of Qi.” We can even view a person as a breath of Qi. This Qi begins from the fetus; when it is abundant, a person is strong, and when it withers, a person becomes weak.
Every state of a person is related to Qi, and immunity is no exception. Many people want to enhance their immunity but cannot; in fact, it can be improved by tonifying Qi, and TCM believes that tonifying Qi is one of the fastest ways to boost immunity.
So how exactly can we tonify Qi? Tonifying Qi can be categorized into tonifying original Qi, spleen Qi, lung Qi, heart Qi, and kidney Qi.
01Tonifying Original Qi
Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes)
Patients who have high fevers, undergo surgery, give birth, or use antibiotics for a long time often suffer from significant damage to their original Qi. In such cases, they can take ginseng, which is known for its strong Qi tonifying properties. They can consume ginseng lozenges or brew ginseng tea, all of which can help the body recover quickly. However, when using ginseng, it is advisable to drink plenty of water to enhance absorption and avoid overheating.
Recommended Formula: Bao Yuan Decoction
This formula originates from the Ming Dynasty’s “Complete Book of Jing Yue” and consists of Huang Qi (Astragalus), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Gan Cao (Licorice), and Rou Gui (Cinnamon). It primarily focuses on tonifying spleen Qi, lung Qi, and kidney Qi, which can be understood as preserving true Yang. Due to the strong tonifying nature of Ren Shen, Dang Shen is often used as a substitute.
Bao Yuan Decoction: Dang Shen 3g, Huang Qi 9g, Gan Cao 3g, Rou Gui 1.5-2g.
Among the herbs for tonifying Qi, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) is the most comprehensive in its effects. Shan Yao is sweet in flavor, warm in nature, and enters the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians, effectively tonifying lung Qi, spleen Qi, and kidney Qi. Its properties are mild, and it serves as both a food and a medicine, making regular consumption of Shan Yao very beneficial for health.
02Tonifying Heart Qi
Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng), Hong Shen (Red Ginseng)
① Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng)
② Hong Shen (Red Ginseng)
Overworking and fatigue can initially cause a rapid heartbeat, and if severe, it can lead to palpitations and shortness of breath, which are symptoms of heart Qi deficiency. In such cases, Xi Yang Shen and Hong Shen are the first choices. Taking heart Qi tonifying ginseng in advance can help prevent early onset of heart disease.
03Tonifying Spleen Qi
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Bai Bian Dou (White Hyacinth Bean)
Spleen Qi deficiency is primarily characterized by abdominal distension, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools.
Such individuals often have gastritis, and some may also experience gastric prolapse, rectal prolapse, or uterine prolapse, all of which are manifestations of spleen Qi deficiency. The herbs for tonifying spleen Qi include Bai Zhu and Shan Yao, which can enhance spleen Qi. If the tongue coating is thick, adding Bai Bian Dou can help both tonify spleen Qi and eliminate dampness.
04Tonifying Kidney Qi
Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra), Jiu Cai Zi (Chive Seeds)
Kidney Qi deficiency is mainly manifested by symptoms such as lower back pain, fatigue, poor spirit, susceptibility to diarrhea, and lower back and knee pain, especially among the elderly, who are more prone to colds and may develop other complications due to kidney Qi deficiency.
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra)
Other manifestations include a preference for strong flavors; elderly individuals may experience a sensation of dizziness while urinating; low-grade fevers in the evening; involuntary leg shaking while sitting; cold hands and feet in spring; and night sweats.
05Tonifying Lung Qi
Gan Cao (Licorice)
Lung Qi deficiency is primarily characterized by weakness in speech, night sweats, insomnia, palpitations, shortness of breath, and gynecological issues such as irregular menstruation and breast lumps postpartum.
Coughing and wheezing are currently the most common symptoms, which undoubtedly harm lung Qi, leading to lung Qi deficiency. Those suffering from cough and wheezing are likely familiar with Gan Cao (Licorice), which not only alleviates cough but also primarily tonifies lung Qi. Thus, tonifying lung Qi is of utmost importance while treating cough and wheezing.
Having discussed so much about tonifying Qi, it does not mean that one can take tonifying herbs in any situation. Healthy individuals relying on tonifying Qi herbs to strengthen their bodies may disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang within, which can be detrimental to health. Therefore, it is said that only by knowing how to tonify and doing it correctly can one achieve a healthy body!
The Fastest Method to Tonify QiIdentifying the Body’s Own “Acupoint Hospital”
Can we identify the body’s own “acupoint hospital”? This is also an important method for tonifying Qi. By properly stimulating these acupoints, immunity will significantly improve!
1、Yong Quan (Kidney 1)
Yong Quan is one of the commonly used acupoints on the Kidney meridian, located on the sole of the foot, in the depression at the front of the foot when curled, approximately at the junction of the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the line connecting the heads of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones with the heel.
This is the primary acupoint for strengthening the kidneys, the source of life vitality, which can enhance physical strength, tonify kidney essence, regulate blood pressure, alleviate cold in the uterus, and improve insomnia. It is also very effective for disease prevention and health maintenance.
2、Zu San Li (Stomach 36)
Zu San Li is one of the main acupoints on the Stomach meridian, located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee joint, on the line connecting the knee and the ankle.
Zu San Li is a key acupoint for overall strength, with excellent effects on the digestive system, promoting stomach Qi, and eliminating dampness, often referred to as the body’s first health maintenance acupoint.
3、Zhong Wan (Ren 12)
Located in the upper abdomen, on the anterior midline, 4 inches above the navel. It helps to regulate the Qi mechanism of the middle jiao, tonify middle Qi, and smooth the Qi of the middle jiao.
4、Shen Que (Ren 8)
Shen Que is located at the center of the navel. It has the functions of nurturing original Qi, reviving Yang, and regulating the stomach and intestines. It is situated at the intersection of Yin and Yang in the human body, where various Qi converge, connecting the twelve meridians, five viscera, six bowels, and all limbs, thus it can be said that this acupoint connects the entire body.
5、Guan Yuan (Ren 4)
Located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 3 inches below the navel. Guan Yuan means “the gate of original Qi,” and this acupoint not only has a strengthening effect but also nurtures the kidneys, tonifies original Qi, and revives Yang.
During moxibustion, it is advisable to use moxa sticks for indirect moxibustion, with each acupoint being treated for 10-20 minutes. Alternatively, using a smart moxibustion device can extend the treatment time for each acupoint to 30-40 minutes.
When at home, massaging and pressing these acupoints also has excellent health benefits; regular practice leads to better health!