What Are the Most Effective Ways to Boost Qi and Blood?

Qi and blood deficiency is a syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), characterized mainly by symptoms of qi deficiency and blood deficiency. It can be treated through adjusting diet, prescribing medication based on syndrome differentiation, acupuncture and moxibustion, among other methods. Specific treatments vary from person to person, and there is no single best or most effective method.

1. Adjusting Diet Structure

Qi deficiency is often caused by chronic illness, advanced age and weakness, dietary imbalances, or overexertion. Blood deficiency is usually due to excessive blood loss from long-term or serious illnesses, or insufficient food intake leading to weakened spleen and stomach functions. Adjusting diet structure can help replenish qi and blood. It is recommended to consume foods that nourish qi and blood, such as Chinese yam, longan fruit, colla corii asini, and mutton, while avoiding cold, greasy, and stimulating foods.

2. Prescribing Medication Based on Syndrome Differentiation

In TCM, treating qi and blood deficiency requires medication prescribed by a professional physician after syndrome differentiation, combined with relevant symptoms. Common symptoms of qi and blood deficiency include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitation, dizziness, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, dry skin, disturbed sleep, as well as menstrual disorders like metrorrhagia and menorrhagia, and non-healing sores in women. Treatments may include Chinese herbal formulas such as Bajin Tang (Bajin Powder), Shiquandabu Tang, and Renshen Yangrong Tang, used according to the physician's instructions based on syndrome differentiation.

3. Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Acupuncture involves both reducing and tonifying methods. To nourish qi and blood, the tonifying method of acupuncture can be employed under the guidance of a professional physician. Acupuncture points are selected based on symptoms, with emphasis on meridians such as Ren Mai, Stomach Meridian, and Xue Hai, to support vital qi and replenish deficiencies in essence, qi, blood, and body fluids. Additionally, methods such as moxibustion and moderate exercise can also be used to nourish qi and blood. However, it should be noted that the effects of dietary therapy cannot be equated with medication. If necessary, medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional TCM physician based on syndrome differentiation, avoiding blind use to prevent serious adverse reactions.