Why is Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Considered the Root of All Ailments?

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often said that "pain indicates blockage". This means that if there is pain when pressing acupoints, it indicates the presence of blockage in the pressed acupoints. According to traditional Chinese medicine, qi deficiency and blood stasis are the root of all illnesses. This is mainly because if there is congestion in the meridians, the flow of qi and blood will be obstructed, leading to various discomforting symptoms. Over time, this can develop into chronic conditions that seriously endanger health.

Qi deficiency and blood stasis refer to a pathological condition where the qi lacks the ability to promote the flow of blood, resulting in sluggish or even obstructed blood circulation. Qi serves as the leader of blood, and the normal circulation of blood relies on the proper promotion of qi. If the vital energy is depleted and unable to promote blood flow, the blood circulation will be slow, stagnating and causing blockage. Clinically, symptoms of qi deficiency such as fatigue, lack of energy, and reluctance to speak are commonly seen, along with manifestations of blood stasis like paralysis, numbness, or shooting pains.

In treating qi deficiency and blood stasis, the focus should be on tonifying qi and promoting blood circulation. Herbal formulas such as modified Buyang Huanwu Tang can be used. Qi deficiency and blood stasis are often seen in conditions of insufficient heart qi, leading to symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, edema, and limb paralysis or weakness due to stagnant qi and blood. Additionally, the elderly are more prone to blood stasis and qi deficiency, making this pathological mechanism particularly significant in geriatric illnesses.

Qi deficiency and qi stagnation can coexist with blood stasis, and these three factors influence each other. For individuals with a constitution of qi stagnation and blood stasis, it is advisable to choose foods that promote qi and blood circulation, such as white radish, oranges, garlic, ginger, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, hawthorn, peach kernels, leeks, yellow rice wine, red wine, onions, gingko nuts, lemons, grapefruits, kumquats, rose tea, and jasmine tea. Peach kernels, rapeseed oil, and black soybeans have the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Black fungus can clear away blockages on the blood vessel walls. Moderate consumption of red wine can dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation. Hawthorn or rice vinegar can lower blood lipid levels and viscosity.

Individuals with a constitution of qi stagnation and blood stasis should consume less salt and MSG to avoid increasing blood viscosity and aggravating blood stasis. They should also avoid foods that are prone to causing bloating, such as sweet potatoes, taro, broad beans, and chestnuts. It is also advisable to limit the intake of fatty meats, cream, eels, crab roe, egg yolks, fish roe, chocolate, fried foods, and sugary foods to prevent elevated blood lipids, blocked blood vessels, and disrupted qi and blood circulation. Cold drinks should be avoided as they can interfere with qi and blood circulation.