Health, Qi, Blood & Yang Energy

Health, as observed in Traditional Chinese Medicine, occurs when the body is balanced and energy can flow freely. Energy refers to Qi, also known as Life Energy or Life Force. Every living person and thing has Qi. Balance is associated with the symbolic Yin and Yang.  Fatigue and low mood is usually caused by Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, or Yang deficiency.

Qi deficiency

” A Qi deficiency essentially means low energy. .”

Understanding Qi deficiency and its symptoms can lead to early intervention and prevention of some diseases.

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Spontaneous sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen tongue
• Deficient and weak pulse

The spleen is a source of Qi. When the body faces a Qi deficiency, it can be the manifestation of multiple factors including overexertion, irregular eating, poor diet, overthinking and mental strain.

Blood deficiency

Blood is a dense form of Qi and a blood deficiency is a low amount of blood circulating throughout the body.

Symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Low body temperature
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Pale skin and/or tongue

Blood deficiencies may be caused by overexertion during exercise, malnutrition from a poor diet, or acute blood loss.

Yang deficiency

Yang plays an essential role in warming and activating the body. Yang deficiencies generally occur during the winter months due to the lack of sunshine and the presence of colder temperatures.

Symptoms may include:

• feeling cold
• seeking warmth
• cold limbs
• poor circulation
• low energy

Blood deficiencies may be caused by overexertion during exercise, malnutrition from a poor diet, or acute blood loss. When you’re feeling fatigued, weak or have low moods, look to your Blood, Qi and Yang. Find out how to restore energy and balance mood, try these 5 simple things in below you can do to feel more energized and happy.

How to Restore Energy and Lift Mood Naturally

1. Improve Diet in daily life

Eating light, nutritious foods are a key to restoring energy and balancing moods. Diets that are high in grease and refined sugars should be avoided as they cause dampness in the body. Dampness may be experienced by headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, depression, and slower movements.

Foods to include:

• Lightly cooked vegetables
• Fruits
• Energizing fats: coconut oil, avocado, nuts, and fish oil
• Adaptogenic Herbs
• Beans and legumes

2. Try Herbal Supplements to Lift Mood Naturally

Herbs are an integral aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Adding herbal supplements into a daily routine can help to restore balance within the body. Some mood enhancing herbs include:

• Astragalus (Huang qi) – Astragalus works by nourishing the blood, strengthening the spleen, and boosting Qi flow. This herb alleviates heat in the muscles from a Qi deficiency to promote healthy healing. Astragalus is available to be purchased here.
  

• Ginseng – Ginseng root has the ability to treat Qi deficiency by strengthening weakened areas, revitalizing the spleen, and decreasing levels of fatigue. Ginseng is available to be purchased here.
  

• Cordyceps Sinensis– Cordyceps strengthen the kidney and replenish essential Qi. This herbal supplement also provides a greater restoration of overall body enhancement. Cordyceps is available to be purchased here.

• Schisandra Berry - Schisandra Berry protects and strengthens the liver, promotes a healthy immune system, and increases energy levels. This herb offers protection on the cellular level against internal and external forces to explain its Qi-invigorating abilities. Schisandra Berry is available to be purchased here.

3. Weekly Gentle Exercise

• Meditation is focused on gaining awareness and perspective through techniques such as mindfulness. This practice has numerous health benefits such as improved self-awareness, immunity, and well-being. The greatest results are seen after meditating at least once a day for as little as five to ten minutes.

• Yoga stimulates the mind and body through physical poses, deep breathing, and meditation. Practicing yoga has been found to increase strength, restore energy, support health, decrease stress, and elevate mood. It is most beneficial to practice yoga two to five times per week.

• Qigong is the mastery of one’s life force through breathwork, meditation, and gentle exercise. Qigong improves one’s awareness in space, balance, and focus. It may also help to lower anxiety, stress, and risk for chronic diseases. Qigong should be practiced daily for 20-30 minutes. 

• Qigong is the mastery of one’s life force through breathwork, meditation, and gentle exercise. Qigong improves one’s awareness in space, balance, and focus. It may also help to lower anxiety, stress, and risk for chronic diseases. Qigong should be practiced daily for 20-30 minutes. 

4. Acupuncture to lift mood naturally

Acupuncture is a great way to relax and destress after a long day at work. It is a traditional practice used to release blockages that inhibit the flow of Qi. Hair-thin needles are placed at specific acupuncture points throughout the body called “meridians” that connect to invisible energy channels. Chemicals are released within the body to dissolve the energetic blockages and restore proper flow of Qi. Acupuncture has been effectively used in boosting mood, relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, and reducing pain.

5. Acupressure At Home Can Lift Mood Naturally

If acupuncture is not easily accessible, at-home acupressure is another helpful healing method. This ancient massage practice can be easily done in one’s home after learning a few key points. Acupressure uses the same meridians targeted by acupuncture. Specific points to utilize are the Hegu and Bai Hui points.

The Hegu point is located at the base of the thumb and index finger. Place a thumb in the space between the thumb and index finger. Press down firmly and hold for a few minutes. Providing pressure to this acupoint allows for increased blood flow and decreased pain levels.

Bai hui point, or Hundred Convergences, is located on the crown of the head. To find Bai Hui, feel for the uppermost part of the head and have the middle fingers lightly rest on Bai Hui. Putting pressure on this point relieves headaches, cleanses the body, and calms the mind.