Do you often feel exhausted and out of breath even after mild activity? Are issues like pale complexion, dizziness, heart palpitations, and scanty menstrual flow frequently troubling you? These could all be signs of Qi and blood deficiency. Dr. Qiu Baorun from Singapore's Gongfangtang explains that Qi and blood are fundamental substances for life activities. A deficiency in these can weaken the functions of internal organs, lower immunity, and impact overall health.
How to Regulate Qi and Blood Deficiency?
Here are some common herbal formulas to replenish Qi and blood:
Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction): Composed of Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Szechuan lovage rhizome (Chuanxiong), white peony root (Baishao), and prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang), it serves as a foundational formula for nourishing blood.
Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction): Adds ginseng (Renshen), white atractylodes rhizome (Baizhu), poria (Fuling), and licorice (Gancao) to Siwu Tang, enhancing its dual ability to replenish both Qi and blood.
Guipi Tang (Spleen-Restoring Decoction): Suitable for symptoms like heart palpitations, insomnia, and fatigue caused by dual deficiency of the heart and spleen, combined with Qi-blood insufficiency.
Dietary Therapy: Nourish Qi and Blood Through Food
A balanced diet is crucial for addressing Qi-blood deficiency. Recommended foods include:
Blood-nourishing options: Red dates, longan, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, lean meat, animal liver, spinach, and black fungus. These can be combined into medicinal dishes or everyday meals.
Sample recipes:
Red Date and Longan Congee: Ideal for breakfast, this porridge boosts Qi and blood.
Angelica and Astragalus Stewed Chicken Soup: A classic tonic combining Chinese angelica (Danggui), astragalus (Huangqi), and chicken for a flavorful, nutrient-rich dish.
Case Study
Patient: Ms. Zuo, 29, bank employee
Chief complaints: Chronic fatigue worsened over a year due to irregular diet and frequent overtime work. Menstrual cycles shortened to 3 days, breathlessness when climbing stairs, recurrent dizziness. Diagnosed with moderate anemia.
Symptoms: Sallow complexion, pale/swollen tongue with tooth marks, weak and thin pulse.
Diagnosis: Dual deficiency of Qi and blood with heart-spleen insufficiency.
Prescription: Modified Bazhen Tang with light wheat (Fuxiaomai) and longan aril (Longyanrou) to calm the mind, and bupleurum root (Chaihu) to soothe liver Qi.
Adjuvant therapy: Daily moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV4) and Zusanli (ST36) to fortify vitality.
Outcomes:
Week 1: Reduced fatigue, shallower tongue marks.
Week 2: Rosier complexion, ability to jog continuously for 20 minutes.
Week 3: Menstrual duration extended to 5 days.
Qi-blood deficiency is a common subhealth condition requiring patient, consistent regulation. Prioritize lifestyle adjustments, recognize early signs, and adopt tailored interventions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes pattern differentiation and treatment, advocating personalized formulas tailored to each individual. The specific usage, dosage, and modifications of herbal remedies must be guided by a licensed TCM practitioner, with adjustments made based on individual pattern differentiation. Self-prescribing or indiscriminate use of medications is strictly discouraged.
