What are the harms of having excessive qi and blood?
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, abundant qi and blood indicate good health; however, excessive qi and blood may lead to bodily imbalance. Common adverse effects include heatiness, acne, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, vivid dreams, tendency to bleed, and emotional irritability. When such symptoms occur, it is important to promptly adjust lifestyle habits, reduce intake of warming and nourishing foods, moderately consume cooling and blood-clearing ingredients, and engage in gentle, relaxing exercises.
Under normal circumstances, abundant qi and blood indicate good health. However, excessive qi and blood can instead cause bodily imbalances. Common adverse effects include heatiness with acne, headaches and dizziness, insomnia with frequent dreams, tendencies toward bleeding, and emotional irritability. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Heatiness and Acne: Excessive qi and blood may transform into internal heat, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and facial acne—particularly on the forehead and chin. These pimples are often red, swollen, painful, and slow to heal, and may be accompanied by oral ulcers.
2. Headaches and Dizziness: Accumulation of qi and blood in the head can cause dilation of blood vessels, resulting in headaches and dizziness. The pain is typically a throbbing or distending sensation that worsens with emotional excitement. Severe cases may also involve facial flushing, bloodshot eyes, and tinnitus.
3. Insomnia and Frequent Dreams: Excess qi and blood can disturb the mind (shen), causing restlessness. This leads to difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep with vivid dreams, and easy awakening. Sleep quality is severely affected, resulting in a paradoxical daytime state of mental hyperactivity combined with physical fatigue.
4. Bleeding Tendency: Excessive qi and blood may lead to "blood heat forcing blood to flow irregularly," manifesting as gum bleeding or nosebleeds. In women, it may present as heavy menstrual flow or prolonged periods. Some individuals may also develop skin bruising or petechiae.
5. Emotional Irritability: Excess qi and blood can trigger excessive liver fire, causing irritability, quick temper, and anxiety. Minor issues may provoke anger easily, and symptoms may be accompanied by chest tightness, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
When these conditions occur, lifestyle adjustments should be made promptly. Intake of warming and tonifying foods should be reduced, while cooling and blood-clearing foods should be consumed appropriately. Gentle exercises can also help regulate the balance of qi and blood and maintain overall health.
