On an energetic morning, Aunt Li looked in the mirror as usual and prepared to go out. Suddenly, she noticed herself reflected in the mirror, her face was pale, there were faint black circles under her eyes, and although she was only in her early forties, she seemed to be older than her actual age. At this moment, she realized that long-term fatigue is not only the result of work stress, but also a distress signal from the body. You may have had this feeling before: you have slept for eight hours, but you still wake up weak, and despite trying various health care methods, the feeling of exhaustion that comes out of your bones still lingers. This is not simply exhaustion, but a physical condition known as "lack of qi and blood", which is especially common among women, and it quietly affects our health and appearance.
Lack of qi and blood, these four words may sound a little old, but its impact is real and urgent. Faced with this problem, many people's first thought is to resort to various health products or medical interventions, but before rushing to the pharmacy or hospital, is it possible that we can fight this invisible enemy ourselves?
Four self-judgment criteria for insufficient qi and blood
1. Complexion Reflection: A mirror that detects health
The complexion is one of the most intuitive signs of lack of qi and blood. Normally, healthy skin should have a natural, rosy glow. If you notice that your complexion is persistently pale or yellowish, it could be a sign of poor circulation and insufficient nutrient delivery. In particular, the color change of the lips and eyelids is more pronounced and should be noted.
2. Chronic fatigue: It's not just about being tired
If you often feel physically exhausted and unable to recover your energy even after a long rest, this may be a sign of a lack of qi and blood. Sufficient qi and blood is the basis for maintaining the vitality and function of the body, and when it is insufficient, it will lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the body's operation, and then fatigue and fatigue will occur.
3. Decreased sleep quality: Struggles at night
Quality sleep is essential for maintaining good health, and people with low qi and blood may experience problems such as difficulty falling asleep, light sleep, waking up easily, or frequent dreaming. During sleep, the body repairs and adjusts, and the lack of qi and blood will affect this process, resulting in a lack of energy the next day, affecting daily life and work efficiency.
4. Nail and tongue observation: look for clues in the details
Healthy nails should be hard and shiny, if the nails are easy to break and have vertical lines, it may be an external manifestation of lack of qi and blood. Similarly, the tongue is a window into the state of health. Pale tongue or abnormalities such as small spots and ecchymosis on the surface may be a reflection of insufficient internal qi and blood.
Four ways to improve qi and blood deficiency
1. Balanced Plate: Replenish iron and vitamins
For qi and blood deficiency, the first strategy is to improve through diet. Increasing iron- and vitamin C-rich foods, such as red meat, green leafy vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruits, can promote iron absorption and increase hemoglobin production, which in turn increases qi and blood. In addition, vitamin B12 and folic acid are also essential for blood health and can be consumed through diet or supplements.
2. Exercise: Activates the body and promotes circulation
Moderate exercise can significantly improve blood circulation and accelerate the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. It is advisable to choose exercises that do not put a lot of effort on the heart, such as brisk walking, yoga or tai chi, which not only strengthen the heart and lungs, but also help relax the mind and regulate the body and mind.
3. Optimize sleep: Charging stations at night
Ensuring adequate sleep duration and improving sleep quality is essential to improve qi and blood deficiency. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding too much caffeine and sugar at night, and overusing electronic devices at night can help improve sleep quality. Consider using things like deep breathing or meditation to help you fall asleep.
4. Manage emotions: Release stress and promote health
Long-term stress and anxiety are not only detrimental to mental health, but also affect physical health, including the production and circulation of qi and blood. Learning stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or mood journaling, can be effective in reducing psychological stress, which can indirectly improve qi and blood conditions.