Qi deficiency
What are the symptoms?
Roughly translated, qi means energy, so, simply put, a qi deficiency means low energy. This low energy can affect the body as a whole or just specific organs that cause different symptoms.
A general qi deficiency may cause some overall symptoms of fatigue and illness.
What is a qi deficiency?
According to TCM, qi is life force or vital energy. Everything in the world is made up of qi, including the physical body and the feelings a person has.
Followers and practitioners of TCM believe that to be balanced in life and free from physical or mental health issues, a person must have balanced qi. They suggest that illnesses or other conditions only appear when there is a qi imbalance or deficiency in the body.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) define qi as a vital energy that flows through the body, helping to maintain a person’s health. The NCCIH are interested in the ideas of TCM but do not focus on specific concepts, such as qi. Instead, the NCCIH take a more scientific view, looking at how these practices affect the body and their use in symptom management.
What are the symptoms?
Roughly translated, qi means energy, so, simply put, a qi deficiency means low energy. This low energy can affect the body as a whole or just specific organs that cause different symptoms.
A general qi deficiency may cause some overall symptoms of fatigue and illness.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences uses the following five signs and symptoms to diagnose a qi deficiency:
- fatigue
- shortness of breath or no desire to talk
- spontaneous sweating
- a swollen tongue with teeth marks on the side
- a weak pulse
Causes of qi deficiency
The study also outlines a range of possible factors that can lead to a qi deficiency.
The authors suggest that there could be a link between qi deficiency and aging.
Some practitioners believe that there is a relationship between qi deficiency and chronic medical diseases and their complications, such as heart disease, hypertension, or stroke.
Qi deficiency may also result from using too much qi in daily life. Many people in the western world are constantly working or on-the-go, leading busy lives, leaving no time to relax.
According to TCM, leading such a stressful life with little downtime may quickly drain the body of vital energy, making a person more susceptible to qi deficiency and the illnesses that follow. Think of qi deficiency as being burned out, a condition that can cause the symptoms and conditions associated with stress.
Treatments for qi deficiency
TCM places great importance on treating the body as a whole rather than merely managing symptoms. Where western medicine might treat tiredness with stimulants, such as coffee, TCM concerns itself with addressing the issues causing the fatigue in the first place.
There is little quality scientific research to support topics such as qi and qi deficiency, and most of the evidence for treating qi deficiency is anecdotal.
That said, many people may find relief from symptoms by making some changes in their diet and lifestyle to support their qi balance or using alternative therapies, such as acupuncture.
Focus on rest
People with qi deficiency may work too hard, are always on the go, and never have downtime. To help balance the qi in the body, many TCM practitioners recommend a heavy focus on rest.
This can include:
- taking breaks throughout the day
- making time to take a nap
- doing relaxing activities, such as yoga, tai chi, or qigong
Improve sleep patterns
People with a qi deficiency may have a tendency towards stress and may benefit from improving their sleep patterns. A study published inExperimental Neurobiologyreports that excessive stress is bad for both the body and the brain. Stress may activate the brain at night, making sound sleep difficult.
Reducing stress levels may help a person sleep better and have more energy or qi throughout the day. Try to find a set time to go to sleep and wake up each day, and aim to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
Best foods for a qi deficiency
TCM suggests that a qi deficiency might be influenced by the spleen, which carries qi to other parts of the body. This is why a qi deficiency might occur in any area of the body.
To balance qi, TCM practitioners recommend eating foods that are good for the spleen.
Foods to eat
A healthful diet for a balanced qi includes:
- fermented foods for digestive health, including sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir
- healthful, energizing fats, such as olive oil, salmon, coconut oil, and avocados
- a wide variety of lightly cooked fruits, vegetables, and nuts
- adaptogenic herbs, such as ginseng, should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner or trusted TCM practitioner
Foods that are good for spleen qi include yang tonic foods and qi-circulating foods. According to TCM, these foods might warm the spleen and increase energy flow to the body.
Foods to eat for spleen qi include:
- lentils
- quinoa
- oats
- malted grain beverages
- root vegetables including sweet potato and taro
- pumpkin and other squash
- miso soup
- orange peels
- mustard leaf
Foods to avoid
Foods to avoid for spleen qi include:
- refined sugar
- refined grains
- fried or salty foods
- iced or refrigerated foods or drinks
- dairy products
- citrus fruits
- pork
- yeasty foods, such as beer or dough
- banana
Spleen qi deficiency
In western medicine, the spleen is considered a non-vital organ. It is a small organ that helps filter blood and is part of the immune system, but people can live without it.
In TCM, the spleen is central to digestion and is considered a vital organ. The spleen is said to pull qi from all the foods we eat and deliver it to the rest of the body. When a TCM practitioner suspects a qi deficiency, they often look to treat the spleen first.
TCM pairs the stomach and spleen as the sources of digestion and the digestive system as a whole. Any imbalances in the spleen qi would create what western medicine calls gastrointestinal issues.
Spleen qi deficiency may cause symptoms such as:
- loss of appetite
- nausea or diarrhea
- gas or bloating
- varicose veins
- hemorrhoids
- acid reflux
- trouble waking up in the morning
- brain fog throughout the day
- diabetes
- eating disorders
Other types of qi deficiency
TCM works on the basis that qi is everywhere in the body, so a qi deficiency in one body system or organ might cause different symptoms to a qi deficiency in another. For example:
Symptoms of a heart qi deficiency may include:
- sweating without exerting oneself
- palpitations when moving
- anxiety
- nightmares or restless sleep
- mood swings
Symptoms of a lung qi deficiency include:
- a cough, which may be mild but continuous
- shortness of breath
- low speaking voice
- a tendency to catch colds
Symptoms of a kidney qi deficiency include:
Outlook
While there is little scientific evidence for qi or qi deficiency, many people feel that applying the concepts of TCM helps them to improve their quality of life.
Working with a TCM practitioner is best, but it may also be helpful to get checked out by a western doctor who can determine whether a person has any underlying conditions that are causing the symptoms
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321841#what-is-a-qi-deficiency
I was fatally tired and the last straw had manifest; my partner abandoned me and moved on. Shortly after, circumstances took their toll and I collapsed..
All in all, I spent 6 months in total isolation and silence. During this time, I went through absolute mental and physical fasting. I also met twice with the other side, which was the scariest moments in my life, but allowed me to experience a deeper insight - a sense of enlightenment.
In other words, I gathered my desire and the last willpower and after 100% focus on myself and my healing:
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Within the healing time, I had to go through all my unsolved pain and injuries from the past and worked with that at the same time in order to allow myself to naturally heal, no drugs or experiments involved.
To be fully healed and feel no more pain or suffering we have to give it enough focus to ascertain the roots thereof!
Today I am infinitely grateful for the blessings I received and I am now, in turn, to inspired to use my gifts to help and heal You!
The method I use will help you overcome difficulties, learn from my similar experiences, receive guidance and support to cope with your story, achieve healing, recovery, peace and happiness.
- Evelin
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