Guest guest Posted May 27, 2003 Report Share Posted May 27, 2003 Protecive Qi Deficiency is the #1 reason for sensitivity to weather, but Blood Deficiency also can cause this. (As can long-term Kidney Yang Deficiency.) In cases of Blood Deficiency, the person may be most sensitive to Cold. Cold easily invades the body and damages Yang, the Kidneys, and the Spleen. This is another snowballying scenario. Since the Spleen pays a key role in both Qi and Blood formation, the person becomes even more Blood Deficient (and Qi Deficient) which makes the person even more susceptible to External Cold, and so on. In addition, eventually the Kidneys will be damaged by the Cold, and have trouble supplying enough Yang to the body (while the invading Cold damages what Yang there is). The Kidneys are most vulnerable to Cold, and the Spleen is most vulnerable to Dampness though the Spleen also is vulnerable to Cold. External Cold can invade the Uterus, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Stomach directly. In cases where both Blood and Qi Deficiency have been going on for some time, both must be treated if the person is ever to be fully restored to health. Herbs like astragalus (which increases Protective Qi) are not going to be enough to stop the weather sensitivity. It may decrease it somewhat, but won't stop it entirely if the Blood Deficiency problem also is not being addressed. The Blood Deficiency problem also will need to be addressed. Treatment will vary according to the individual and what stage the individual is is as well as how long s/he has been sick. Somtimes equal amounts of Qi and Blood tonic herbs will be needed, sometimes the emphasis will need to be on Qi tonic herbs and formulas for a while, and sometimes the emphasis will need to be on the Blood tonic treatment. As a general rule women tend to be more vulnerable to Blood Deficiency than men are because of the monthly period and childbirth. Also because of the tendency to engage in fad diets and the desire to be unnaturally thin. But sometimes men's diets are not too good, and they too can develop Blood Deficiency. In addition, loss of blood fraom accidnets or surgery can trigger Blood Deficiency. Most TCM students are aware of a condition called " Hot Blood " . But Blood also can be Cold. This problem usually is seen after childbirth when loss of blood triggers Blood Deficiency which in turn allows External Cold to invade easily. When Blood is Cold, both Qi and Blood movement is hindered. Herbs to move Qi and herbs to treat Blood Stasis usually are not going to be very effective in treating the Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis when the Root of the problems is Cold Blood. A note for those new to TCM: The TCM definition of Blood is NOT the same as the Western anatomical definition of blood. Part of the TCM definition is that Blood " nourishes and moistens " the tissues. It is possible for people to have normal Western blood tests but still suffer from Blood Deficiency. Even though the red blood cell, white blood cell, and plalets counts as well as other things may be in the normal range according to Western tests, the Blood is failing to moisten and nourish tissues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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