Qi Deficiency (气虚 Qì Xū)
Qi Deficiency is a fundamental TCM pattern indicating insufficient vital energy to power body functions. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep, shortness of breath with mild exertion, weak voice, poor appetite, frequent colds (weak immunity), and difficulty concentrating. On the tongue, Qi Deficiency shows as pale pink color, swollen puffy appearance, and tooth marks on edges. Treatment focuses on tonifying Qi with herbs like Ginseng and Astragalus, eating warm cooked foods, adequate rest (9+ hours), gentle exercise (Tai Chi, walking), and stress reduction. In this case study, a 34-year-old patient achieved 70% improvement in 6 weeks using Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang formula.
Spleen & Lung Qi Deficiency
Mild Blood Deficiency
Possible iron-deficiency anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, low immune function
Spleen fails to transform food into Qi → Lung Qi weakens → Poor Wei Qi (immune defense)
Duration: 6 weeks initial treatment
Patient continued modified formula for 3 months. At 6-month follow-up: sustained energy, no fatigue relapse, 2 colds per year (normal range).
Recovery time varies by severity: Mild cases (3-6 months symptoms) often see 50% improvement in 2-4 weeks. Moderate cases (6-18 months) need 6-8 weeks for significant improvement. Chronic severe cases (2+ years) may require 3-6 months. This case showed 70% improvement in 6 weeks. Factors affecting recovery: severity, age, diet compliance, sleep, stress levels, concurrent conditions.
Western blood tests may be normal with Qi Deficiency, as TCM detects functional imbalances before structural organ damage. However, severe Qi Deficiency may correlate with: low hemoglobin (anemia), low white blood cells (weak immunity), low thyroid function (T3/T4), or elevated cortisol (stress). Tongue diagnosis reveals patterns blood tests miss. For comprehensive assessment, use both systems together.
Learn more →Best foods: warm cooked grains (rice, oats, millet), root vegetables (sweet potato, yam, carrot), lean meats (chicken, beef), bone broth, eggs, dates, walnuts, ginseng tea. Avoid: cold/raw foods (salads, smoothies), excessive fruit (cooling), dairy (dampness), sugar (damages Spleen), iced drinks. Eat small frequent meals (5-6 daily), chew thoroughly, eat warm breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
Gentle exercise helps: Tai Chi, Qigong, walking, yoga build Qi without depleting it. Avoid: intense cardio (running, HIIT), heavy weightlifting, hot yoga - these deplete Qi further and worsen fatigue. Key principle: exercise should energize, not exhaust. If tired after workout, reduce intensity. As Qi improves (4-6 weeks), gradually increase activity. Listen to your body's energy response.
Normal fatigue: resolves with rest, caused by identifiable factors (poor sleep, stress), energy returns after vacation. Qi Deficiency: persistent despite 8+ hours sleep, accompanied by multiple symptoms (weak voice, breathlessness, poor appetite, frequent illness), pale swollen tongue with tooth marks, doesn't improve with rest alone, requires treatment with herbs + diet + lifestyle changes. Duration: Qi Deficiency lasts 3+ months.
This case study methodology and diagnostic approach are supported by peer-reviewed research in Traditional Chinese Medicine tongue diagnosis and AI-powered medical image analysis.
This AI-powered tongue analysis tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided should not replace professional medical consultation.
Important: Always consult with a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, qualified healthcare provider, or physician before making any health decisions or starting any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information obtained from this tool.
Note: While our AI models are trained on extensive datasets, no automated system is 100% accurate. Results may vary and should be verified by qualified health professionals. If you experience any serious symptoms or health concerns, seek immediate medical attention.
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