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Chinese Medicine Made Easy Book or PDF

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AcuPro Academy On-Demand Masterclasses

The 8 Extraordinary Vessels Made Easy

Spleen Qi Deficiency

Show Notes

Students often ask: “Is blood deficiency the same as anemia?” The answer is not quite. While they can overlap, TCM has its own framework for understanding blood.

• Postnatal blood is formed when the spleen and stomach transform food into nutrients to create blood.

• Prenatal blood comes from our inherited kidney essence.

• The heart governs blood circulation, sending nourishment to tissues and supporting mental activity.

Blood also plays a central role in menstruation and fertility, making its balance crucial for women’s health.

Causes of Blood Deficiency

Blood deficiency can develop from several contributing factors:

• Poor Diet: Weakens the spleen, leading to fatigue and reduced blood production.

• Blood Loss: Heavy menstruation may cause both anemia and TCM blood deficiency.

• Mental Overwork: Excessive worrying, studying, or anxiety consumes blood, which serves as the material basis of the mind.

• Chronic Illness or Trauma: Long-term illness or injuries can drain blood reserves.

A Personal Story

In my forties, I burned out from years of overwork. My ferritin levels dropped dangerously low, and I eventually needed an iron infusion. That experience was a wake-up call: balancing work and rest is essential—not only for practitioners but also for our patients.

Symptoms and Consequences of Blood Deficiency

Blood deficiency manifests in both general and organ-specific ways. Common signs include pale complexion, fatigue, poor sleep, dizziness, and memory issues.

• Spleen deficiency: low appetite, easy bruising, weight loss

• Liver deficiency: pale nails, scant menstruation, dizziness

• Heart deficiency: poor sleep, low concentration, palpitations

If left untreated, blood deficiency can progress to yin deficiency or blood stasis, sometimes causing spasms or tremors linked to internal liver wind.

Treating Blood Deficiency

Treatment requires a tailored approach using acupuncture, herbs, and dietary therapy.

Acupuncture:

• Foundation points: Stomach 36 (ST36), Spleen 6 (SP6)

• Add-ons: Liver 8 (LV8) for liver blood, Heart 7 (HT7) for heart blood

Herbal Formulas: (to be prescribed with proper training)

• Si Wu Tang – nourishes heart and liver blood

• Ba Zhen Tang – supports spleen and liver blood

• Gui Pi Tang – strengthens heart and spleen blood

Nutrition:

• Eat blood-nourishing foods like beet soup, berries, dark leafy greens, and warm stews.

• Avoid raw, cold foods that weaken the spleen.

Clinical Hack: The Chong Vessel

One of my favourite hacks is combining Spleen 4 (SP4) and Pericardium 6 (PC6). Together, they access the Chong Mai (Sea of Blood), making treatments even more effective at nourishing blood.

Final Thoughts

Understanding blood deficiency is key to both diagnosis and treatment in Chinese medicine. By addressing its root causes—diet, lifestyle, blood loss, and stress—we can restore balance and prevent more serious complications.

I hope this helps you support your patients with greater confidence. If you’ve seen powerful results treating blood deficiency, share your experiences in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories!

Disclaimer

The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy are a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor a Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. As well as, users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition, with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

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