"Qi and blood deficiency" is a common health issue many people are familiar with, but how can you quickly self-assess based on daily symptoms? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long summarized it: "The feet are the first to show signs of Qi deficiency; the head is the first to show signs of blood deficiency." Today, I'll share the diagnostic methods and practical remedies with you—simple, easy to understand, and effective.

First, let's talk about Qi deficiency: The legs and feet bear the weight of the entire body and are essential for daily walking and physical labor. They rely most on "Qi" for support. In TCM, "Qi" is the driving force of life activities; sufficient Qi gives the limbs strength and ensures the smooth functioning of internal organs. Once Qi is deficient, energy supply falls short, and the legs and feet are the first to reveal the problem. Classic symptoms include weakness and heaviness in the legs and feet, feeling tired after walking only a short distance, often accompanied by a sense of aching and softness, with a constant desire to rest—this isn't necessarily an issue with bones or muscles; it's often a warning sign from Qi deficiency.

Now looking at blood deficiency: The head is the "meeting point of all yang," and functions like vision, hearing, and thinking rely on the upward transport and nourishment provided by qi and blood (especially yin blood). Therefore, when blood is deficient, symptoms first appear in the facial features and head: pale complexion without luster, dizziness and blurred vision, and darkening of vision upon standing up after squatting. Many also experience tinnitus, poor memory, and slow thinking—all signs of insufficient nourishment to the head.

Traditional Chinese medicine states, "Qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of qi," meaning qi and blood are interdependent and must be regulated together. The following two combinations for simultaneous qi and blood regulation can be chosen based on your constitution.

1. **American Ginseng + Longan Fruit (Ideal for Those Prone to Heat Signs):** Many people fear symptoms of internal heat when supplementing qi and blood, such as dry mouth, swollen gums, and insomnia after supplementation. Longan fruit is sweet and warm, nourishing the heart and spleen, enriching blood, and calming the mind—suitable for those who overthink or experience palpitations and insomnia. American ginseng supplements qi, nourishes yin, and clears heat, neutralizing the warm nature of longan fruit to enrich blood without adding heat.

2. **Astragalus + Angelica (Ideal for General Use):** For those with a balanced constitution or a tendency toward deficiency and coldness, without signs of internal heat, but experiencing fatigue, fear of wind and sweating, sallow complexion, and pale lips and nails, this combination is recommended. Derived from the classic "Angelica Blood-Tonifying Decoction," astragalus greatly supplements spleen and lung qi to aid in blood production, while angelica nourishes blood to provide a foundation for qi, achieving dual supplementation of qi and blood.