Blood and Qi deficiency might not seem like a serious issue at first, but it can slowly affect every aspect of your health, especially for women who often overlook it. Have you ever felt constantly tired, pale, cold in your hands and feet, or low in energy? These could be signs of Qi and blood deficiency.
When your Qi and blood are abundant, you feel energetic, with bright eyes, rosy cheeks, glowing skin, and warm hands and feet. On the other hand, blood and Qi deficiency makes you appear exhausted, tired, and sluggish, which can affect your mood and overall quality of life. So, how can you improve Qi and blood deficiency and restore your vitality?
Many people think that restoring blood and Qi requires complex treatments, but in reality, some simple daily actions can greatly help. These actions not only relax your body but also boost your overall health and energy levels. Below are 8 actions that are particularly effective for improving Qi and blood, helping you feel energized and look radiant.
1. Pat Your Buttocks: Promote Blood Circulation
We often overlook the importance of maintaining the health of our hips, but the hips play a crucial role in blood circulation. By patting your buttocks, you can stimulate blood flow throughout your body. The buttocks are considered a central part of the body, and gently patting them can enhance blood circulation, especially if you sit for long periods. This simple action helps blood flow more smoothly, preventing stagnation that can cause cold hands and feet.
Patting your buttocks is easy to do during work breaks or while resting. Regularly practicing this movement can activate the body’s circulation system and prevent issues related to long periods of sitting, such as sluggish circulation and lower body fatigue.
2. Walk More, Take More Strolls: Encourage Full-Body Circulation
Walking is a simple but highly effective exercise. It promotes full-body circulation, enhancing both cardiovascular health and energy levels. Regular walking, even for just 10-30 minutes each day, will improve your blood circulation and prevent fatigue caused by Qi and blood deficiency. When walking, remember to keep your chest up and your posture straight, allowing your Qi to flow freely.
Walking strengthens muscles and helps maintain a healthy body posture. Unlike running, walking is a lower-impact activity, making it easier to stick to, especially for people with lower fitness levels or those who don’t have time for more strenuous exercises. Walking also serves as an easy way to increase circulation without requiring any special equipment.
3. Perform the “Standing Chicken Leg” Pose: Improve Lower Limb Circulation
The “Standing Chicken Leg” pose may look simple, but it can significantly improve the circulation in your lower limbs. By standing on one leg, you help Qi and blood move from your heart toward your lower body, stimulating blood flow to your legs and feet. This action can be done during work breaks or even after meals to improve circulation and prevent blood stagnation.
The “Standing Chicken Leg” pose also helps strengthen the muscles in your legs, improves balance, and enhances your overall posture. It is an excellent way to improve blood circulation without needing much time, making it perfect for people who work at desks or spend a lot of time sitting.
4. Eat More Meat, Eggs, and Dairy to Boost Iron Levels
A healthy diet is crucial for nourishing your Qi and blood. To improve your Qi and blood levels, you should eat more protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products. These foods are rich in the nutrients your body needs to generate blood and maintain energy levels. Additionally, iron-rich foods are vital for improving blood oxygen-carrying capacity, preventing anemia, and boosting overall vitality.
Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and iron-rich foods such as spinach, red dates, and goji berries will also help. These foods are known in traditional Chinese medicine for their blood-nourishing properties. They can improve Qi circulation and enhance your immune system, supporting the overall function of your body.
5. Pat the Eight Vital Points: Stimulate Meridian Flow
The “Eight Vital Points” refer to eight key areas on the body where meridians converge. By patting these areas daily, you stimulate your meridians, helping blood and Qi flow more freely. Gently patting these points with your palms can encourage the circulation of Qi throughout your body, allowing your whole system to become more active and energized.
Patting these points for 5-10 minutes each day can significantly improve blood flow. You can incorporate this into your routine at any time, whether in the morning, before bed, or during breaks. It’s an easy yet effective way to keep your Qi and blood circulating smoothly.
6. Keep Warm: Especially in Autumn and Winter
During colder months, Qi and blood circulation often slows down, which is why keeping warm is essential. Pay particular attention to keeping your head, back, waist, and feet warm. Dress warmly, avoid cold foods, and wear socks to maintain circulation. Sunlight exposure is also crucial, as it helps keep your mood upbeat and supports the circulation of Qi.
Soaking your feet before bed is another effective method. A warm foot soak not only helps improve circulation but also stimulates the meridians in your feet, contributing to overall health. In winter, make sure to layer up and avoid exposing yourself to cold drafts that can slow down circulation and drain your energy.
7. Go to Bed Early: Build Healthy Sleep Habits
Staying up late can significantly impact Qi and blood levels. People who frequently stay up late often experience more severe blood deficiency, leading to pale skin, low energy, and fatigue. The best way to restore Qi and blood is to go to bed early—ideally before 10 pm, and no later than 11 pm. Avoid electronic devices before sleep and try reading or listening to calming music to wind down.
Proper sleep allows your body to repair and replenish its Qi and blood reserves. The hours between 10 pm and 2 am are considered the most beneficial for sleep, as the body’s metabolic and circulation systems are highly active during this time. Adopting a regular sleep schedule can greatly improve your overall health.
8. Don’t Internalize Stress: Release Emotions and Maintain Mental Balance
Stress and emotional suppression are two major contributors to Qi and blood depletion. Learning how to manage your emotions and reduce internalized stress is key to maintaining healthy Qi and blood levels. Instead of bottling up your feelings, talk things out, relax, and avoid unnecessary worry. Letting go of excess mental strain helps prevent Qi depletion, allowing you to stay energized and balanced.
When you learn to manage your emotions, you allow your Qi to flow freely, which in turn improves your physical and mental well-being. Regular relaxation, meditation, or simply talking to a friend can significantly reduce stress and restore your vitality.