If you’re feeling tired and stressed, you may have a qi deficiency. Learn how to correct this lack of energy with herbs and improved diet.
Sticking To a Healthy and Balanced Diet for Qi Deficiency
Medical professionals from Western countries say a deficiency in qi comes from numerous stress hormones that circulate throughout the body. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), qi refers to the spleen and interpret deficiency in the abdominal organs as related to the pancreas or digestive functions.
The spleen requires a dry environment but becomes susceptible to dampness because of the climate and nutritional factors. Moist weather and raw or cold foods turn out as a fertile habitation for pathogenic bacteria and other parasites that can cause infections. On the other hand, the body remained strong and nourished if the spleen functions well. Likewise, organs, blood, and other body fluids stay in their places averting bleeding disorders.
Symptoms and Causes
Published articles from www.healthline.com explained that symptoms of qi shortage or Lack of Energy vary extensively and occurs in any part of the body when it does not have sufficient power to carry out day to day functions. TCM professionals claim symptoms include weakness and feeling faint, bloating, weak digestion, anemia, poor appetite, and loose stools.
Chinese medical practitioners say the issue originates from genetics although eating habits and emotions contribute significantly to the disorder. Physical and emotional factors weaken the qi. Chronic stress and inadequate sleep remain as common causes since these two conditions raise the stress hormone called Cortisol and disrupt immune functions.
Other possible causes include the following:
- Sensitivity to certain foods
- Lyme disease caused by bacterial infection
- Hormonal imbalance
- Environmental factor specifically air pollution
- Unsettled emotional and relationship problems
Cure for Qi Deficiency
Treatment depends on the type and degree of deficiency, causes and how long the sickness existed. Majority of an individual’s qi comes from daily nourishment and the air that person breathes. TCM practitioners recommend nutritional therapies as the primary remedy which includes avoiding ice cream, fruits and uncooked foods that often cause indigestion. Grilling, steaming, and roasting builds qi. Chewing foods also sustain the spleen’s vigor.
At the same time, remove fried dishes, junk snacks, and dairy products from your regimen. Instead, consume chicken, grains, and pumpkin along with spices such as ginger, cumin seeds, and cayenne (red hot pepper) frequently. The Chinese recommend the Yin and Yang diet which prevents specific ailments and help heal the body. Cold Yin food moistens the body while warm Yang foods cause the body to get warm.
Herbs from China
Practitioners of TCM use Adaptogenic herbs which come from natural substances that help the human body fight stress. Adaptogens also provide benefits like boosting the immune system, weight management, increasing mental concentration and physical stamina, and reduction of discomfort. Some of the commonly-used herbs consist of the following:
- Magnolia and Pine Bark
- Rafuma leaves
- Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng)
- Cordyceps Fungi
- Astralagus Plan
Meal Plans
Eat a balanced diet. You can also consider cost effective Nutrisystem meal plans which have gained popularity because of fiber, high protein low carbohydrates that help maintain the stability of blood sugar and reduce craving for the unhealthy stuff. For instance, breakfast can include cinnamon rolls; mid-morning snacks of carrot sticks and low fat-string cheese; lunch with broccoli cheese melt; dinner of shells stuffed with spinach; and dessert of chocolate brownie suns.
Consume plenty of grains such as rice, barley, oats, and millet or cereals. Cook veggies like asparagus, cabbage, eggplant, button mushroom, squash, and sweet potato. For fruits, opt for apple, grapes, figs, and cherry. Protein should include black and broad beans, mackerel, herring, beef liver, chicken, and clams. Refrain from eating too many fruits or drink soda beverages in excessive quantities.
Diagnosis of QI Deficiency
The TCM doctor obtains the patient’s full medical history typically before conducting a physical examination to determine the patterns of discord. The focus will be the tongue since it indicates harmony or disharmony of the patient. The pale color points to inadequacy. The practitioner develops the treatment program based on the source and pattern of discord. However, experts claim they cannot establish the treatment’s success due to inadequate studies.
Ironically, many patients feel the improvement following therapies particularly the treatment of infertility as well as digestive issues. Individual studies showed equal qi energy suppresses the growth of cancer thereby increasing the survival rate among cancer-stricken persons and alleviating symptoms like nausea, pain and low power. For a better understanding of this condition, discuss traditional medical remedies with your doctor.
Care for the Spleen
Do not overflow or saturate your spleen because this organ does not need too much fluid. Excess liquids water down the organ and impair digestion. Consume fluids between meals. Eat your essential meal early preferably at 11 am since the body’s digestive energy becomes highest at this point. Avoid eating late in the evening because the spleen remains weak at this time and cannot cope with food.
The suggested portions consist of Grains (30%); Meat, Nuts, and Grains (20%), and Fruits and Vegetables (50%). It won’t hurt following the advice of TCM and doctors.
