Imagine waking up every day as if your body had been drained of its strength and unable to even be interested in your favorite activities. Aunt Li has undergone such a change, from an energetic retired teacher to an old man who always feels tired and lacks vitality. At the time of the initial diagnosis, Western medicine diagnosed mild anemia and chronic fatigue, but iron supplementation and rest did not bring much improvement. Later, a Chinese medicine practitioner gave a different opinion: Qi deficiency.
In TCM theory, the concept of "qi" is one of the cores. Qi is not just an abstract concept, it is about our vitality and is the basic driving force for the normal functioning of the body. When Qi is insufficient, our body is like a machine that is starved of oil and cannot function efficiently, thus affecting all aspects of daily life.
Qi is an essential element in Chinese medicine that sustains life activities. When our body qi is insufficient, it will have a wide range of effects on our health, especially on the function of the five internal organs. Qi deficiency is far more harmful than fatigue and can lead to a range of health problems.
Heart function is impaired
The heart is regarded as the "official of the monarch" in TCM theory, responsible for blood circulation and mental activity. Lack of Qi can lead to insufficient blood supply to the heart, which can lead to symptoms such as heart palpitations, insomnia, and memory loss.
Imbalance in liver regulation
The liver is responsible for excretion and emotion regulation in TCM. When Qi is insufficient, liver function is impaired, which may manifest as mood swings, irritability, depression, etc.
Poor spleen and stomach transport
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the spleen and stomach are the foundation of nurture, mainly responsible for the digestion and transformation of food。When qi is insufficient, the function of the spleen and stomach decreases, resulting in indigestion, loss of appetite, bloating, etc.
Decreased lung function
The lungs are responsible for respiration and gas exchange。Lack of qi can affect lung function, resulting in shortness of breath, shortness of breath, and susceptibility to colds.
Dysregulation of the kidneys
In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys store essence, and the main ones are growth, development, and reproduction. Lack of qi may cause kidney function to decrease, manifested as soreness in the waist and knees, tinnitus, frequent nocturia, etc.
In the cosmology of Chinese medicine,"gas"It is the basic substance that constitutes and sustains life. It's not just the air you breathe, it's a subtle but powerful energy that flows through every corner of the body, supporting our physiological functions and health.
First of all, let's talk about the importance of qi. In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi is seen as the basic driving force that sustains life activities. The circulation and balance of qi is the foundation of health. The lack of Qi can lead to a decline in bodily functions, just like a lack of motivation in a machine, and various physiological functions begin to be impaired.
So, how is qi formed? Qi is mainly used in the digestion and absorption of the air we breathe and food. These two, under the action of the spleen and lungs, are converted into nutrients and energy, ** the whole body. Therefore, the health of the spleen and lungs directly affects the production and quality of qi.
Lack of Qi is often associated with several factors: poor eating habits, overwork, chronic emotional stress, and the natural aging that comes with age。These factors can affect the function of the spleen and lungs, resulting in insufficient production of qi or obstruction of qi circulation.
Once we understand the importance of Qi and how it is formed, we can take better steps to regulate it. Improving your diet, exercising, regulating your mood, and getting enough rest are all ways to replenish qi in your daily life. This is not only a disease of the best way, but also a philosophy of preventive health care.
In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, diet is not only to satisfy the appetite, but also an important means to maintain and adjust the "qi" of the human body. Here are a few practical therapeutic diets designed to replenish and regulate the body's Qi through daily diet.
Astragalus stewed chicken - a good product for nourishing qi and blood
Astragalus, as a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine, is widely believed to be able to replenish the body and strengthen the body.
Adding an appropriate amount of astragalus to stew chicken can not only increase the flavor of the dish, but also help enhance the physique and improve the quality of qi.
It is recommended to use fresh astragalus and free-range chicken for cooking to ensure the quality of the ingredients.
Lamb stew with wolfberry – the choice for warming up the body and replenishing qi
Goji berries are rich in nutrients, which help with antioxidants and enhance immunity.
Mutton is warm, can warm the body, especially suitable for people with cold body and qi deficiency.
This dish combines the tonic properties of goji berries with the warming properties of mutton, making it suitable for the colder season.
Lotus seed and red date porridge - a good qi tonic in the morning
Lotus seeds and red dates are both commonly used ingredients to replenish qi and maintain health, and the porridge made together is both simple and healthy.
Moderate consumption of this porridge can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach, and help to improve fatigue and weakness caused by qi deficiency.
Exercise: Qi replenishment cheats in activities
In addition to diet, proper exercise is also an effective way to replenish qi. Here are a few types of qi-replenishing exercises that are suitable for middle-aged and elderly people.
Tai Chi – The art of replenishing qi in flow
Tai Chi is known for its slow, gentle movements, especially for middle-aged and older people.
Practicing Tai Chi not only strengthens muscles and bones, but also promotes the flow of qi and blood, and reconciles yin and yang.
It is recommended to practice every day to gradually improve the fluency and coordination of movements.
Qigong – the meditation of inner qi
Qigong focuses on the combination of breath and mind, and promotes the circulation and enhancement of qi by regulating the breath.
For those who are not suitable for strenuous exercise, Qigong is an ideal option.
Practicing for 20 minutes in the morning and evening can effectively improve qi and blood circulation and enhance the body's inner energy.