Friends who often visit Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners should know that in herbal prescriptions, you often see herbs like Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Ren Shen (Ginseng), 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 and are very effective because they share a common function: they tonify Qi.
Doctors often mention Qi, using terms like “Qi deficiency”, “deficiency of Qi and blood”, and “kidney Qi deficiency”. Although it may sometimes be hard to understand, it seems quite reasonable.In fact, Qi is indeed very important. Bian QueNan Jing (Classic of Difficulties) states: “Qi is the root of a person; if the root is cut off, the branches and leaves 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, including immunity. Many people want to enhance their immunity but find it difficult; in fact, it can be improved by tonifying Qi. Moreover, TCM considers tonifying Qi to be one of the fastest ways to boost immunity.
So, how exactly should one tonify Qi? There are different methods for tonifying Yuan Qi (Original Qi), Heart Qi, Spleen Qi, Kidney Qi, and Lung Qi.
01
Tonifying Yuan Qi
Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam)Patients who have experienced high fever, surgery, childbirth, or long-term antibiotic use often suffer from significant damage to Yuan Qi. In such cases, taking Ren Shen can help restore the body quickly. One can take Ren Shen lozenges or brew Ren Shen tea, which can aid in recovery. However, when using Ren Shen, it is advisable to drink plenty of water to enhance absorption and avoid overheating.Recommended Formula: Bao Yuan DecoctionThis formula originates from the Ming Dynasty’s Jing Yue Quan Shu 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.
When it comes to tonifying Qi, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) is the most comprehensive. 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 balanced properties make it a great food and medicine, so regular consumption of Shan Yao is very beneficial for health.
02
Tonifying Heart Qi
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, Hong Shen is an excellent choice. Taking it early can help prevent premature heart disease.
03
Tonifying 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 experience conditions like 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.
04
Tonifying Kidney Qi
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. Due to insufficient Kidney Qi, they are more prone to colds and may develop other complications.Symptoms may also include a preference for strong flavors; elderly individuals may experience urinary issues; low-grade fevers in the late afternoon; involuntary leg shaking while sitting; cold hands and feet in spring; and night sweats.Herbs that tonify Kidney Qi include Tu Si Zi, Wu Wei Zi, and Jiu Cai Zi.
05
Tonifying Lung Qi
Gan Cao (Licorice)Lung Qi deficiency is primarily characterized by weakness in speech, night sweats, insomnia, palpitations, and shortness of breath. In gynecological conditions, it may manifest as irregular menstruation, either too early or too late, and postpartum breast lumps.Coughing and wheezing are among the most common ailments today, and undoubtedly, coughing and wheezing can damage Lung Qi, leading to Lung Qi deficiency. Those who cough and wheeze are familiar with Gan Cao lozenges, which not only stop coughs but primarily serve to tonify Lung Qi. Thus, tonifying Lung Qi is crucial while alleviating cough and wheezing.
Warm Reminder
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 essential to know how to tonify and to do it correctly to achieve a healthy body!
Note: The above content is for reference only and may not be suitable for everyone. It is recommended to adjust under the guidance of a physician.
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