TCM II - Qi Deficiency Flashcards
Signs and symptoms
General signs and symptoms:
* Pale face
* Weak voice
* Lack of motivation
* Feeling cold and tired
Tongue
- Pale
- Slightly purple
- Possibly wet and swollen
Pulse
- Weak
- Unenthusiastic
Aetiology
- Chronic illness
- Poor diet
- Weak digestion
- Lack of sleep, Exhaustion
- Excessive worrying
- Lack of purpose
- Qi deficiency is a key imbalance of our times
Organ related symptoms:
Spleen
- Distension after eating
- Food intolerances
- Sugar cravings
- Weight gain
- Weak limbs
- Loose stools
- Lack of appetite
- Foggy head
- Poor concentration
Organ related symptoms:
Kidney
- Sore back
- Feeling cold
- Copious urination
- Low libido
Organ related symptoms:
Heart
- Palpitations
- Pallor
- Lack of motivation, Depression
Organ related symptoms:
Lung
- Cough with watery sputum
- Spontaneous daytimes sweating
- Dislike of speaking
- Propensity to catch colds
- Shortness of breath
Causes and treatment
In order to treat Qi deficiency, you need to identify its cause(s). This will allow you to select the appropriate treatment strategy.
Cause: Poor diets
Treatment principle:
* Educate the patient on diet
Look at:
* Diet, Lifestyle, Spleen
Cause: Weak digestion
Treatment principle:
* Strengthen digestion
Look at:
* Spleen, Kidneys, Diet
Cause: Exhaustion, lack of sleep
Treatment principle:
* Rest, Relax, Slow down
Look at:
* Lifestyle, Diet, Kidneys
Cause: Emotions, especially worry
Treatment principle:
* Let go of negative emotions
Look at:
* Emotions, Spleen
Cause: Chronic illness
Treatment principle:
* Rebuild strength
Look at:
* Kidneys, Spleen, Diet, Lifestyle
General advice on lifestyle
- 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
General advice on diet
- 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
Foods to support Spleen Qi
- 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
Foods to support Kidney Qi
- 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
Foods to support
Lung Qi
- 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)
