How to Manage Deficiency Syndrome?

When the body feels relatively weak, it is important to promptly adjust and nourish it. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the causes of deficiency syndromes are different, resulting in different symptoms. Generally speaking, deficiency syndromes are mainly divided into four types: Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, blood deficiency, and Qi deficiency. If a deficiency syndrome is present, it is necessary to understand which type of deficiency syndrome it is and then prescribe the appropriate treatment. By treating symptoms with corresponding remedies, the body will generally gradually return to normal and recover its health. Let's take a look at how to adjust and nourish deficiency syndromes.

1. Qi Deficiency: Regularly consume foods that tonify Qi, are easy to digest, and have a neutral taste and nature, such as jujube, yam, longan fruit, lotus seed, coix seed, gorgon fruit, astragalus, dangshen, white bean, and unhusked rice. Avoid cold and raw foods, greasy and heavy-flavored foods that can injure the spleen and stomach, such as watermelon, muskmelon, pear, banana, cucumber, bitter gourd, water spinach, bamboo shoots, and mussels.

2. Blood Deficiency: "The spleen is the foundation of the postnatal body and the source of Qi and blood production." The spleen and stomach are the source of blood production. To replenish blood, it is necessary to first strengthen the spleen and stomach, which ensures a continuous supply of blood production. Regularly consume foods that nourish and replenish blood, such as spinach, peanuts, lotus root, black fungus, chicken, pork, lamb, and sea cucumber. Fruits such as mulberries, grapes, red dates, and longans can also be selected. The traditional Chinese medicine formula "Siwu Tang" is considered the first prescription for strengthening the spleen and replenishing blood. Qigong exercises can also be used to cultivate true Qi by focusing on the dantian to achieve the goal of treating illness and strengthening the body.

3. Yin Deficiency: Regularly consume foods that are nourishing, moisturizing, and beneficial for generating saliva and nourishing Yin. It is advisable to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, foods high in fiber and vitamins, and foods rich in quality protein. Examples include duck meat, pork skin, eggs, milk, scallops, clams, and snow pear. Drinking soups that clear heat, such as pear and Chuanbei soup, mulberry and chrysanthemum mint drink, and fresh lotus root and ginger juice, can also be helpful. Exercise-wise, fitness qigong such as Taijiquan and Baduanjin can be practiced.

4. Yang Deficiency: Consume foods that have the effect of strengthening Yang, such as lamb, dog meat, venison, and chicken. A small amount of donkey-hide gelatin can also be consumed. Try to avoid eating cold fruits, such as pears and water chestnuts, and avoid drinking cold beverages. Aerobic exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, skipping rope, disco dancing, and Taijiquan can be performed, but avoid excessive exercise. Develop the habit of soaking your feet in hot water at 40 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes daily. Ensure adequate sleep and regularly massage the palms and feet.