In Chinese medicine, Qi (vital force) and Blood are always connected. Qi moves the Blood and Blood nourishes the organs that produce Qi. If you are feeling cold or have painful joints or muscles, this could be a Blood deficiency, as Blood moistens and warms the body and its tissues in Chinese medicine.
Why is it important in Winter?
Blood holds heat in the body and therefore, in winter when we are feeling particularly cold, especially in our extremities, this can be a sign of blood deficiency or the need to build blood.
What can I look out for?
Symptoms of blood deficiency include:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale tongue & lower eyelids
- Shortness of breath
- Dry stools
- Malaise & aches
- Anxiety & nervousness
What can I do to help build blood?
Acupuncture is effective in assisting with improving Blood deficiency and in turn building blood, whilst it can also help with digestion, as a slow digestive function can impede Blood flow.
Exercise and hydration are also very important to build blood and there are some foods we suggest too!
Foods to include when you are building blood:
- Meat (organic) – Bone marrow, beef, pork, Liver, as well as bone broths
- Fish – Oysters, sardines
- Vegetables – Aduki beans, alfalfa sprouts, beetroot, carrot, dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, silverbeet), kelp, kidney beans, parsley, watercress
- Grains – Barley, oats, rice, wheat bran
- Other – Black sesame, eggs, molasses, soy milk
If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate in contact us and make an appointment with one of our practitioners. You can book online here or call (07) 5531 6461.
© Haynes Acupuncture ™ Gold Coast 2021
