Friends who often visit TCM practitioners should know that in herbal prescriptions, you 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 medicines?
Yes, they are used even more frequently than cold medicines and are very effective because these herbs share a common function: they tonify Qi.
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Qi is the root of human life
TCM practitioners often mention “Qi” in discussions, such as Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, liver Qi stagnation, kidney Qi deficiency, etc. Some newcomers to TCM may not fully understand these terms, but they seem to make sense~
In fact, “Qi” is indeed very important. Bian Que stated in the Nanjing: Eight Difficulties: “Qi is the fundamental essence of a person; if it is cut off, the branches and leaves will wither.“
Qi is the root of human 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, the person is strong; when it withers, the 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, they can do so by tonifying Qi, and TCM believes that tonifying Qi is one of the fastest ways to boost immunity.
So, how can we specifically tonify Qi?
Tonifying Qi can be categorized into tonifying original Qi, spleen Qi, lung Qi, heart Qi, and kidney Qi.
1. Tonifying Original Qi: Dang Shen, Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Shan Yao, Bai Zhu
Patients who have high fevers, undergo surgeries, give birth, or use antibiotics for a long time often suffer from significant damage to their original Qi. In such cases, they can take Ren Shen (Ginseng) to greatly tonify original Qi. 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 Complete Book of Jing Yue from the Ming Dynasty and consists of Huang Qi, Ren Shen, 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. ……………………………………….. ……..
In addition to Bao Yuan Decoction, we can also consume more Shan Yao to tonify Qi. Shan Yao is the most comprehensive food for tonifying Qi, with a sweet taste and warm nature, entering the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians, thus tonifying lung Qi, spleen Qi, and kidney Qi. The properties of Shan Yao are mild, and its effects are gentle, making it a great food that serves both medicinal and dietary purposes. Therefore, regularly consuming Shan Yao is very beneficial for health.
2. Tonifying Heart Qi: Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng), 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 signs 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.
3. Tonifying Spleen Qi: Bai Zhu, Shan Yao, 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.
Herbs that tonify spleen Qi include Bai Zhu and Shan Yao. Using these herbs can enhance spleen Qi. If the tongue coating is thick, adding some Bai Bian Dou can both tonify spleen Qi and eliminate dampness.
4. Tonifying Kidney Qi: Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra), Jiu Cai Zi (Chive Seed)
Kidney Qi deficiency is mainly manifested by symptoms such as lower back pain, fatigue, poor spirit, easy diarrhea, and lower back and knee pain, especially among the elderly. Due to kidney Qi deficiency, they are more prone to colds and may develop other complications.
It is also reflected in a preference for strong flavors; elderly individuals may experience a sensation of urgency during urination; low-grade fevers from 5 PM to 7 PM; involuntary leg shaking while sitting; cold hands and feet in spring; night sweats, etc.
5. Tonifying 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 early menstruation, irregular flow, and postpartum breast lumps.
Image Source: Visual China
Coughing and wheezing are currently the most common symptoms, which undoubtedly harm lung Qi, leading to lung Qi deficiency. Those suffering from coughs and wheezing are familiar with Gan Cao, which not only alleviates cough but also primarily serves to tonify lung Qi.
While alleviating cough and wheezing, tonifying lung Qi is also of utmost importance.
The Fastest Method to Tonify Qi
Identifying 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 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 regulating and tonifying the digestive system, promoting stomach Qi, and drying dampness from the spleen. It is known as the body’s primary 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 flow of Qi.
4. Shen Que (Ren 8)
Shen Que is located at the center of the navel. It has the functions of nurturing original essence, reviving Yang, and harmonizing 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 organs, and six bowels, thus it can be said that Shen Que 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”. 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. You can also use a smart moxibustion device, extending the treatment time for each acupoint to 30-40 minutes.
Regularly massaging these acupoints at home also has great health benefits; frequent practice leads to better health!