Module 2.

3c Reading Materials

Qi Deficiency

Generally speaking, Qi is the energy of the body or of the organs within it. Qi is what
drives the body’s operation. It is responsible for the proper functioning of organs and
holding them in place, and for warming and animating the body. When Qi is deficient,
organs cannot function optimally.

In contrast, Yang is the actual manifestation of organ function. If an organ is not

functioning properly, it is considered Yang deficient. In practice, if one deficiency is
present, the other will likely be affected as well. However, it is important to distinguish
between the two deficiencies - even though both may be occurring to some degree at
the same time.

Deficient Qi manifests as one or more of the following symptoms:

general weakness, lethargy, pale complexion, pale tongue, weak, empty pulse and
spontaneous sweating.

No single individual is likely to have all of these symptoms, but some combination of a
few of them to varying degrees - in particular, a weak pulse and pale complexion would
be a good indication of an overall Qi Deficiency.

When a particular organ or organ system is Qi deficient, symptoms will mainly be

manifested in that particular organ. For example, Stomach Qi Deficiency might manifest
as a poor appetite whereas Lung Qi Deficiency might give rise to shallow breathing.

Deficiencies of Yang and Qi usually occur together. For this reason, one might expect to
find a slow pulse, cold extremities, a feeling of cold and a preference for warmth and/or
a swollen tongue. These are all symptoms of Cold in the body. Warming the body favors
Yang (the function of warming the body.) When Yang is deficient, there is less warmth.

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Treatment of both Qi Deficiency and Yang Deficiency is similar. Both require
strengthening the Qi. Yang Deficiency would include some measures to warm the inner
core of the body as well. As it turns out, many Qi Tonics are also considered Yang
Tonics. For example, Ginseng and Royal Jelly are both Qi and Yang Tonics. Their effect
is to strengthen the Stomach and the Lung. This makes the absorption of Qi from food
and air more efficient. When these organs function efficiently, the whole body benefits
from the abundance of Qi.

Spleen Qi Deficiency （脾氣虛）

Spleen Qi Deficiency is the most commonly seen as a cause of fatigue. The Spleen is
responsible for deriving energy from food. It separates “clear essence” which becomes
energy from “turbid waste” which is excreted. Some of the symptoms of Spleen Qi
Deficiency include poor appetite, bloating, gas, and easy bruising. The Spleen is also
responsible for the movement and transformation of fluids throughout the body. When
the Qi is not functioning efficiently, water will accumulate and dampness occurs in the
body. Individuals with dampness may experience a feeling of heaviness, loose stools,
fatigue and achy joints. Over time, dampness congeals into phlegm. For persons with
nasal allergies, a runny nose, or a productive cough, Spleen Qi Deficiency and
Dampness need to be addressed in addition to the symptoms of phlegm.

Kidney Qi Deficiency（腎氣虛）

If Kidney Qi is deficient, fatigue is more extreme than that seen in Spleen Qi Deficiency.
There may also be lack of strength, dizziness, ringing in the ears, pain or weakness in
the low back and/or knees, frequent urination - particularly at night, and possible edema
in the ankles and lower extremities.

Lung Qi Deficiency (肺氣虛)

When Lung Qi is deficient, there is shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating that

worsens on exertion, a weak voice, weakened immunity, and possibly a persistent weak
cough.

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Blood Deficiency

A deficiency of Blood is one of the most common syndrome seen in women: it has many
different manifestations and is often at the root of many other problems. The term Blood
Deficiency in most cases refers to Liver-Blood Deficiency because the Liver houses (or
hosts) the Blood – according to theory in Chinese Medicine. However, the Heart
governs the Blood. A combination of Blood and Heart-Blood Deficiency is also common.
Furthermore, the Spleen makes “Gu” (grain) Qi which is the essential for the production
of Blood so that a deficiency of the Spleen may also lead to a Blood Deficiency.

Liver Blood Deficiency (肝血虛)

The symptoms and signs of Liver Blood Deficiency may include:

cramps, numbness; dry hair; blurred vision; floaters; dry and/or brittle nails; insomnia
and a lot of dreaming and scanty (or no) menstruation.

Heart Blood Deficiency (心血虛)

Symptoms and signs of Heart Blood Deficiency may include:

palpitations; insomnia; mild anxiety; poor memory; dizziness and dull-pale complexion

Spleen Blood Deficiency (脾血虛)

The symptoms and signs of Spleen Blood Deficiency may include:

poor appetite; tiredness; dull-pale complexion; weakness of the limbs; loose stools;
emaciation and pale lips