TCM II - Qi Deficiency

Question 1

Signs and symptoms

Answer 1

General signs and symptoms:
* Pale face
* Weak voice
* Lack of motivation
* Feeling cold and tired

Question 2

Tongue

Answer 2

• Pale
• Slightly purple
• Possibly wet and swollen

Question 3

Pulse

Answer 3

• Weak
• Unenthusiastic

Question 4

Aetiology

Answer 4

• Chronic illness
• Poor diet
• Weak digestion
• Lack of sleep, Exhaustion
• Excessive worrying
• Lack of purpose
• Qi deficiency is a key imbalance of our times

Question 5

Organ related symptoms:
Spleen

Answer 5

• Distension after eating
• Food intolerances
• Sugar cravings
• Weight gain
• Weak limbs
• Loose stools
• Lack of appetite
• Foggy head
• Poor concentration

Question 6

Organ related symptoms:
Kidney

Answer 6

• Sore back
• Feeling cold
• Copious urination
• Low libido

Question 7

Organ related symptoms:
Heart

Answer 7

• Palpitations
• Pallor
• Lack of motivation, Depression

Question 8

Organ related symptoms:
Lung

Answer 8

• Cough with watery sputum
• Spontaneous daytimes sweating
• Dislike of speaking
• Propensity to catch colds
• Shortness of breath

Question 9

Causes and treatment

Answer 9

In order to treat Qi deficiency, you need to identify its cause(s). This will allow you to select the appropriate treatment strategy.

Question 10

Cause: Poor diets

Answer 10

Treatment principle:
* Educate the patient on diet
Look at:
* Diet, Lifestyle, Spleen

Question 11

Cause: Weak digestion

Answer 11

Treatment principle:
* Strengthen digestion
Look at:
* Spleen, Kidneys, Diet

Question 12

Cause: Exhaustion, lack of sleep

Answer 12

Treatment principle:
* Rest, Relax, Slow down
Look at:
* Lifestyle, Diet, Kidneys

Question 13

Cause: Emotions, especially worry

Answer 13

Treatment principle:
* Let go of negative emotions
Look at:
* Emotions, Spleen

Question 14

Cause: Chronic illness

Answer 14

Treatment principle:
* Rebuild strength
Look at:
* Kidneys, Spleen, Diet, Lifestyle

Question 15

General advice on lifestyle

Answer 15

• Resolve emotional / lifestyle issues that have contributed to Qi deficiency
• This may involve changing jobs or career, rethinking relationships, (re-)connect with your sense of purpose
• Adequate sleep and rest our essential
• Keep warm
• Meditate
• Exercise likely to gently build & move Qi: Qi Gong, Hatha Yoga, nature walks

Question 16

General advice on diet

Answer 16

• Meals should be warming, nourishing, hydrating, easy to digest e.g. soups, stews, dahls, porridges, congees
• Drink: warm water and herbal infusions
• Avoid energetically cold foods and substances: raw foods, salads, cold drinks, smoothies
• Do not over-eat, & avoid heavy meals, in order not to deplete/stagnate Qi
• Support the organ(s) that are affected by, or contribute to, Qi deficiency: the spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart

Question 17

Foods to support Spleen Qi

Answer 17

• Meal prepared by wet cooking methods (E.g. boiling or steaming) are easy to digest: soups, stews, dahls, mild curries
• Naturally sweet vegetables nourish the digestive system; sweet potato, squash, carrots, yam, root vegetables in general
• Steamed whole grains: spelt, wheat, rice, oat, millet, quinoas, amaranth, buckwheat
• Cooked breakfasts such as porridges or congees are warming and hydrating
• Cook with warming herbs and spices: ginger, cinnamon, cumin, caraway seeds, bay leaf, mustard seeds, cardamon

Question 18

Foods to support Kidney Qi

Answer 18

• Dishes cooked with bone, cartilage and marrow (E.g. bone broths) are deeply nourishing and a great support for those recovering from adrenal fatigue or chronic illness
• Butter, ghee, cold pressed oils and animal fats support hormonal health (which relies on the adrenals)
• This salty flavour has an affinity with The kidneys (adrenals); use sea or rock salt, not refined table salt
• Foods: Black beans, kidney beans, (black) sesame seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, chestnuts, soymilk, tofu, root vegetables, fish and shellfish, seaweed, mushrooms, miso

Question 19

Foods to support
Lung Qi

Answer 19

• Pungent or spicy foods such as black pepper, ginger, cayenne, spring onions help the lungs to expel mucus and induce a sweat. Use in moderation as excess consumption causes heat/dryness
• Roasted almonds, pine nuts or thyme support lung Qi
• Yoghurts, honey or fruits moisten the lungs and support Lung Yin
• Broccoli and cauliflower support the lungs (they look like the lungs)