What to do for deficiency of both qi and blood
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, the main approaches to improving deficiency of both qi and blood include dietary regulation, medication, traditional Chinese medicine therapies, regular作息 (daily routines), and moderate exercise. A detailed analysis is as follows: Additionally, improvement of qi and blood deficiency requires long-term persistence. If symptoms worsen or are accompanied by other discomforts during the process, medical attention should be sought promptly, and the treatment plan should be adjusted according to individual circumstances. Self-treatment without professional guidance should be avoided.
Generally, methods to improve deficiency of both qi and blood mainly include dietary regulation, medication, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies, regular作息 habits, and moderate exercise. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dietary Regulation
Dietary regulation serves as a fundamental approach to improving deficiency of both qi and blood, with emphasis on balanced nutrition. In daily diet, it's beneficial to consume more food items that also have medicinal properties, such as red dates, longan, and black sesame seeds. Red dates nourish the spleen and stomach, promoting the production of qi and blood; longan tonifies the heart and spleen, enriches blood, and calms the mind; black sesame seeds replenish liver and kidney essence and nourish blood. These should be combined with protein- and iron-rich foods like lean meat and spinach, which provide raw materials for hemoglobin synthesis and help enhance qi and blood.
2. Medication
Medication should be taken under medical supervision. Commonly used medications include Bazhen Granules, Ejiao Oral Liquid, Danggui Bu Xue Oral Liquid, Renshen Yangrong Pills, and Compound Ejiao Syrup. Bazhen Granules combine Si Jun Zi Tang and Si Wu Tang formulas to simultaneously replenish both qi and blood. Ejiao Oral Liquid, primarily containing donkey-hide gelatin (Ejiao), nourishes yin and enriches blood. Danggui Bu Xue Oral Liquid focuses on boosting qi to promote blood production and is suitable for individuals with qi deficiency leading to blood insufficiency.
3. Traditional Chinese Therapies
TCM therapies improve the circulation of qi and blood by stimulating meridians and acupoints. Moxibustion commonly targets points such as Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), and Zusanli (ST36). Guanyuan and Qihai warm and strengthen vital qi, while Zusanli enhances spleen and stomach function to support the generation of qi and blood. Acupuncture helps regulate the balance of qi and blood in the meridians, activates the body’s hematopoietic and blood circulation functions, and alleviates symptoms such as fatigue and pallor.
4. Regular Sleep Habits
Chronic sleep deprivation depletes qi and blood, making regular作息 essential for their maintenance. Nighttime is a critical period for liver repair and blood production. Ensuring seven to eight hours of sleep each night allows internal organs sufficient rest, promotes the liver’s function of storing blood, prevents excessive depletion of qi and blood, and maintains a healthy balance between their production and metabolism.
5. Moderate Exercise
Moderate physical activity promotes the circulation of qi and blood and helps resolve stagnation. Gentle exercises such as Tai Chi, yoga, and brisk walking not only enhance cardiopulmonary function and improve blood delivery throughout the body but also stimulate muscles and meridians, boost spleen and stomach digestive capacity, and provide energy for the generation of qi and blood—preventing poor circulation caused by prolonged sedentary behavior.
In addition, improvement of qi and blood deficiency requires long-term persistence. If symptoms worsen or new discomforts arise during the process, prompt medical consultation is necessary. Treatment plans should be adjusted according to individual conditions, and self-directed, unguided interventions should be avoided.
