Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency
Deficiency of the lung and spleen leads to insufficient ancestral Qi; throat muscles lose their tonicity and sag, obstructing the airway. Common in flabby, middle-aged and elderly individuals and those recovering from illness or chronic overwork.
Who Is Most Affected
Common Symptoms
- Low-pitched snoring but labored breathing
- Mental fatigue, pronounced daytime sleepiness
- Reluctance to speak, shortness of breath on exertion
- Poor appetite, reduced food intake, loose stools
- Sallow complexion, weak limbs
Treatment Focus
Representative Formula
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang combined with Si Jun Zi Tang
Chinese herbs should be used under guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner. Do not self-prescribe.
Recommended Acupoints
Press each point for 1-2 min, 1-2 times daily3 cun below the knee, one finger-width lateral to the tibia
Strengthens spleen and stomach, tonifies middle Qi — key wellness and strengthening point
Lower abdomen, 1.5 cun below the navel
Tonifies kidneys and grasps Qi, warms Yang and tonifies Qi, supplements source Qi
On the palmar wrist crease, at the radial side of the radial artery
Supplements lung Qi and Yin — source point of the lung channel
Dietary Guidance
- Yam, lotus seeds (strengthen spleen, tonify Qi)
- Red dates, longan (tonify Qi and blood)
- Astragalus and Dang Shen chicken soup
- Glutinous rice, millet porridge (nourish stomach, tonify Qi)
- Cold and raw foods and drinks
- White radish, betel nut and other Qi-consuming foods
- Overly greasy, hard-to-digest foods
- Strong tea, coffee and other Qi-depleting beverages
Lifestyle Adjustments
- 1 Regular schedule, 7–8 hours of sleep nightly
- 2 Choose gentle exercises such as Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin
- 3 Avoid overexertion; balance work and rest
- 4 Stay warm during weather changes to prevent colds from depleting Qi
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