As the saying goes, "Replenish qi and blood for robust health." Traditional Chinese medicine holds that qi is the fundamental substance sustaining human life, performing multiple vital physiological functions.Zhang Jingyue stated: "Human life depends entirely on this qi." The physiological functions of qi primarily include propulsion, warming, defense, consolidation, transformation, and nourishment. Blood, a red liquid substance also known as blood plasma, is one of the fundamental substances that constitute and sustain human life. It possesses high nutritional and moisturizing properties. Blood must circulate through the vessels to exert its normal physiological effects.
Causes of Qi and Blood Deficiency
1. Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Qi and blood deficiency is closely related to the spleen, stomach, and kidneys. The spleen and stomach serve as the source for the generation of qi and blood, representing the foundation of acquired constitution. Through the spleen and stomach's transformation and transportation, food and drink are converted into the essence of water and grains, which then transforms into qi and blood. Essence and blood share the same origin. The kidneys represent the foundation of innate constitution, governing the storage of essence, the generation of marrow, and the regeneration of essence and blood.When spleen and stomach function poorly, absorption and transformation become inadequate, eventually leading to qi and blood deficiency. Nowadays, dieting has become fashionable, with more and more girls restricting their food intake. They eat only a little vegetables at each meal and rarely consume meat. Though they may appear as delicate and ethereal as Lin Daiyu, maintaining a slender figure, they become sickly beauties—this is artificially induced qi and blood deficiency. Additionally, excessive consumption of cold beverages is another cause of spleen and kidney weakness.Furthermore, excessive eating places the spleen and stomach under prolonged strain, inevitably leading to spleen-kidney deficiency over time. 2. Excessive Mental Strain Severe or prolonged illness depletes essence and qi; strenuous labor consumes qi and blood; excessive mental strain both damages the spleen and secretly depletes yin blood—all can result in qi and blood deficiency.
3. Chronic Blood Loss Common causes include peptic ulcers, hemorrhoidal bleeding, heavy menstrual flow in women, or other chronic bleeding conditions, all of which can result in blood deficiency.
Qi and blood deficiency often develops gradually without noticeable symptoms initially. Those affected experience frequent fatigue, difficulty concentrating during work or study, reduced endurance during physical activities, and heightened susceptibility to colds with weakened immunity. Beyond increased illness, they may also exhibit emotional instability and irritability.
4 Excellent Foods for Regulating Qi and Blood
1. Red Dates
Red dates are widely recognized as a premier tonic for replenishing qi and nourishing blood. Rich in protein, fats, carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins A and C, calcium, and various amino acids, they offer exceptional nutritional value at an affordable price. They can be simmered in soups or porridge, or enjoyed fresh.
If you regularly consume yogurt, try crumbling red dates over it—the delightful flavor and texture will pleasantly surprise you.
2. Red Beans
Red beans promote blood circulation, expel pus, clear heat, and detoxify. They also aid diuresis and reduce swelling, helping alleviate water retention and weight gain concerns.
Nutritionally, red beans are rich in vitamins B1 and B2, protein, and various minerals, making them exceptionally effective for blood replenishment.
3. Bird's Nest
Since ancient times, bird's nest has been the royal family and nobility's top choice for nourishing qi and blood, moisturizing yin, and alleviating dryness. It also strengthens the spleen, stimulates appetite, moistens the lungs, and enhances complexion. It can clear deficiency heat, replenish deficiencies, and treat coughs and wheezing.
4. Fish Maw
Fish maw also offers exceptional benefits for replenishing qi and blood while enhancing complexion. It aids those with qi and blood deficiency, fatigue, dull skin, and facial wrinkles.