Aunt Li is 55 years old and was a teacher before she retired. With a regular lifestyle and a light diet, everything seems to be normal. But lately, she has been feeling more and more that something is wrong: every time she brushes her hair, a handful of dry hair falls out. Her complexion gradually lost its former ruddy color and became dull. These changes made Aunt Li feel anxious.
At first, she thought it was just a normal aging phenomenon, but as time went on, the symptoms became more pronounced. Until one day, she stood in front of the mirror for a long time, and she realized that it might not just be a matter of age. So, she decided to go to the hospital for a comprehensive physical examination.
The results of the examination showed that Aunt Li's problem was not simple aging, but caused by "lack of qi and blood". She was surprised to find that many of the small problems in her body were related to the lack of qi and blood. This made her realize that taking care of her health was far more important than she thought.
This story is not unique, but reflects a common problem faced by many middle-aged and older people. Understanding and regulating the deficiency of qi and blood is particularly important to improve the quality of life.
The basics of qi and blood deficiency: when does the body's "river" dry up?
The word "qi and blood" appears frequently in Chinese medicine theory. It is not only a core concept of Chinese medicine, but also a cornerstone for maintaining human health. In short, qi is the driving force of life activities, and blood is the material basis for nourishing the body. If you have enough qi and blood, you will be healthy, and if you don't have enough qi and blood, you will have various problems.
Symptoms of insufficient qi and blood: the main manifestations are fatigue and weakness, pale or yellowish color, dry hair, dull eyes, decreased sleep quality, memory loss, etc. These symptoms are common in life, but they are often overlooked.
Causes of lack of qi and blood: including irregular eating habits, lack of sleep, overwork, long-term stress, lack of essential nutrients, etc. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, as they age, the body's metabolism slows down, and the ability to produce qi and blood naturally declines, so it is more necessary to pay attention to these factors.
The Importance of Qi and Blood: In TCM theory, Qi and blood are the key to maintaining the normal physiological activities of the body. Qi is mainly responsible for the body's power and warming effect, while blood is responsible for nourishing and moisturizing all parts of the body. The two complement each other and are indispensable.
Lack of qi and blood not only affects physical health, but also mood and mental state. Therefore, understanding the importance of qi and blood, and taking appropriate measures to regulate and improve it, is essential to maintain a healthy life.
Self-diagnosis: a hidden sign of insufficient qi and blood
Qi and blood are the key to maintaining vitality. If you feel tired and pale all the time, it may be a sign of a lack of qi and blood. Here are some simple ways to self-diagnose:
Hair and skin examination: Dry and split ends and dry and dull skin are external manifestations of lack of qi and blood.
Sleep quality: Dreaming at night or restless sleep may be a reflection of an internal lack of qi and blood.
Physical fatigue: Feeling weak even after adequate rest indicates that the supply of qi and blood may be insufficient.
Mood and mood: Persistent low mood, irritability, or anxiety may also be related to an imbalance in qi and blood.
Diet: Delicious Qi and Blood "Gas Station"
Proper diet is the key to regulating qi and blood. Here are some dietary suggestions that can help improve qi and blood:
Red Dates & Black Sesame Seeds: Red dates are rich in iron, which helps to nourish the blood, and black sesame seeds nourish the hair and promote blood circulation.
Green leafy vegetables and coarse grains: Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are rich in iron and vitamins, and coarse grains such as brown rice and oats are rich in B vitamins, all of which are beneficial for replenishing qi and blood.
High-quality protein: Fish, lean meat, soy products, etc. are rich in protein, which is essential for maintaining the body's health and repairing body damage.
Avoid greasy and processed foods: Too much greasy food can affect gastrointestinal absorption, and chemical additives in processed foods can be taxing on the body.
Keep in mind that everyone's physical condition is different, and dietary adjustment needs to be adjusted appropriately according to individual circumstances. If you find that you have symptoms of lack of qi and blood, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dietitian in time to develop a personalized diet plan. Through meticulous self-observation and scientific dietary adjustment, we can gradually improve the condition of qi and blood deficiency and improve the quality of life.