Do you often feel exhausted, lacking energy, and become short of breath with minimal exertion?
Is your complexion pale or sallow, with lips and nails appearing pale and lacking rosy luster?
Do you frequently experience dizziness or blurred vision, especially upon standing suddenly or after exertion?
Are your hands and feet constantly cold, more sensitive to chill than others, with dry, brittle hair prone to falling out and lacking shine?
These are all external signs of Qi and Blood Deficiency!
Why does Qi and Blood Deficiency occur?
Dr. Qiu Baorun, a TCM physician at Kung Fong Tong Singapore, points out that Qi and Blood Deficiency is increasingly common in modern life, primarily due to the following factors:
Excessive Consumption: Chronic overwork, late nights, and excessive mental strain silently deplete your Qi and Blood reserves.
Insufficient Production: The Spleen and Stomach are the "production workshop" for Qi and Blood. Spleen-Stomach deficiency (e.g., from irregular diet, excessive consumption of cold/raw foods) or nutritional deficiency (e.g., extreme dieting) cuts off the supply.
Poor Circulation: Sedentary habits and emotional repression (e.g., Liver Qi stagnation) cause Qi and Blood flow to become congested like traffic, unable to reach where needed.
Chronic Depletion: Prolonged illness or chronic bleeding (e.g., excessive menstruation in women) gradually depletes Qi and Blood.
How to Regulate Qi and Blood Deficiency?
1. Diet: "Refuel" Your Qi and Blood
Classic Tonic Recipes:
Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction): Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong), White peony root (Baishao), Rehmannia glutinosa (Shudihuang). Renowned as the "Sacred Formula for Women," it nourishes and invigorates blood. Must be modified under a physician's guidance.
Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction): Si Jun Zi Tang (Qi-tonifying) + Si Wu Tang (Blood-nourishing). Replenishes both Qi and Blood, ideal for pale complexion and fatigue.
Daily Foods:
Red Group: Red dates, Goji berries, Longan, Red beans (cook in congee or soup).
Black Group: Black sesame seeds, Black fungus, Black beans (nourish Kidneys to build blood).
Yellow Group: Millet, Pumpkin, Chinese yam (strengthen Spleen/Stomach to generate Qi and Blood).
2. Exercise: "Revitalize" Qi and Blood
Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades): Focus on moves like "Regulating the Spleen and Stomach by Raising One Arm" and "Holding the Feet to Strengthen the Kidneys." Stretching and breathing promote Qi and Blood circulation.
Tai Chi: Gentle movements soothe the Liver and regulate Qi, improving stagnation-caused poor circulation.
Walking: 30 minutes daily in a park or by a river to absorb natural Yang energy.
3. Lifestyle: Plug the "Leaks"
Early Sleep: Rest before 11 PM to allow the Liver ample detoxification and blood nourishment during its *peak time (Liver meridian hour, 1-3 AM)*.
Moxibustion: Apply to key points: Zusanli (ST36, strengthens Spleen), Xuehai (SP10, nourishes blood), Qihai (CV6, tonifies Qi). 2-3 times/week, 15 mins/session.
Emotional Management: Practice meditation and deep breathing to relieve stress, preventing "Anger damaging the Liver."
Case Study
Patient: Ms. Zhou, 32 years old.
Chief Complaint: Extreme fatigue for the past year, sallow and dull complexion, increasingly scanty menstruation, frequent dizziness, hair loss, and poor sleep quality.
Initial Consultation: Pale tongue with thin white coating; thready and weak pulse.
Diagnosis: Dual Deficiency of Qi and Blood (Insufficient production due to Spleen deficiency).
Treatment Principle: Boost Qi, fortify the Spleen, nourish blood, regulate menstruation.
Formula Prescribed: Modified Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction).
Ingredients: Codonopsis root (Dangshen, 15g), Astragalus root (Huangqi, 25g), White Atractylodes rhizome (Baizhu, 12g), Poria (Fuling, 15g), Honey-fried Licorice root (Zhigancao, 6g), Prepared Rehmannia root (Shudihuang, 15g), Angelica sinensis (Danggui, 12g), White peony root (Baishao, 12g), Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong, 6g).
Additions: Villous Amomum fruit (Sharen, 6g - added near end), Tangerine peel (Chenpi, 9g), Spine date seed (Suanzaoren, 15g - for calming and sleep).
Second Consultation (After 7 doses): Ms. Zhou reported slightly reduced fatigue and improved appetite. Prescription adjusted: White peony root (Baishao) increased to 15g to enhance blood nourishment and soften the Liver. Continued for another 7 doses.
Outcome: Significant improvement in energy levels ("feeling stronger"), complexion beginning to show rosy luster, dizziness largely disappeared, sleep quality improved. Menstrual flow increased and color turned redder.
Important Note:TCM emphasizes treatment based on pattern differentiation. Formulas are personalized. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner for diagnosis, prescription adjustments, and dosage guidance. Do not self-medicate.
