How to determine if qi and blood are sufficient?

At the age of 17 or 18, a woman's complexion is at its best, and everyone who sees her will comment, "Your complexion looks great!" At this time, a young woman exudes boundless vitality. What makes the complexion so good? This is what traditional Chinese medicine refers to as "abundant qi and blood," meaning that qi and blood are not only sufficient but also circulate smoothly.

Traditional Chinese medicine has a theory of the unity of heaven and humanity, believing that the human body mirrors the universe. Just as atmospheric circulation is a natural process in the universe, the circulation of qi and blood is a normal physiological function of the human body. The human body is like a small universe. There is a great circulation in the universe: plants and all living things are born in spring, grow in summer, are harvested in autumn, and stored in winter. Atmospheric circulation is endless. In the human body, there is a smaller circulation: the five organs and six viscera, the triple burner and meridians, qi, and blood flow continuously in a cycle. The term "blood circulation" in Western medicine was likely borrowed from the concept of "qi and blood circulation" in traditional Chinese medicine.

The pathways for qi and blood circulation in the human body are governed by the heartbeat, which drives the flow through the meridians. Ancient Chinese medicine stated, "The heart governs the blood vessels. When the heart moves, blood flows through the meridians." Although the words are simple, they convey a clear meaning. How can we maintain normal qi and blood circulation? First, it requires the pushing force of primordial qi (innate energy). Second, the heartbeat must be strong. Third, the meridians and blood vessels must be unobstructed. Fourth, the blood should neither stagnate nor clot. Fifth, the blood should neither be too cold nor too hot.

How can you tell if your qi and blood are sufficient?

1. Look at the Eyes
   When examining the eyes, focus on the color of the whites. The saying "Aging makes the whites of the eyes yellow" refers to the whites becoming cloudy, yellowish, or bloodshot, indicating a deficiency in qi and blood. If your eyes can stay wide open and alert, it signifies ample qi and blood. Conversely, large eye bags, dry eyes, and heavy eyelids indicate a deficiency.

2. Look at the Skin
   Skin that is pinkish, glowing, elastic, wrinkle-free, and free from spots reflects sufficient qi and blood. On the other hand, rough, dull, dark, yellow, pale, or red skin with spots indicates poor health and a lack of qi and blood.

3. Look at the Hair
   Thick, and smooth hair indicates abundant qi and blood. Dry, brittle hair, hair loss, yellowing, graying, or split ends all point to a deficiency.

4. Look at the Ears
   Nowadays, people's physical health is deteriorating. If you observe carefully, you’ll notice that people's ears are becoming smaller, stiffer, and somewhat deformed. Even children and young people rarely have the round, full, and plump ears that were common in the past, though these large ears are still frequently seen in the elderly, suggesting that previous generations were physically stronger than people today. In children, the shape of the ears is important, but in adults, focus on the color, presence of spots, and pain. If the ears are pinkish, shiny, spot-free, wrinkle-free, and full, it indicates sufficient qi and blood. Dull, lifeless ears suggest a decline in qi and blood. Shrinking, dry ears with spots and wrinkles indicate that kidney function is starting to decline, so you should take notice.

5. Touch the Temperature of the Hands
   If your hands are warm year-round, it shows you have ample qi and blood. If your palms are hot, sweaty, or cold, it indicates a deficiency.

6. Look at the Finger Pads
   Whether in children or adults, flat, weak finger pads or thin fingertips suggest a deficiency in qi and blood, while full, elastic finger pads indicate sufficiency.

7. Look at the Veins
   If you see veins on an adult's index finger, it indicates poor digestive function in childhood, which has persisted into adulthood. These individuals tend to have weak constitutions and a deficiency in both qi and blood. If veins are visible on the little finger, it points to a deficiency in kidney qi. If the area near the palm's wrist crease has many deep lines, it indicates poor nutrition and a weak constitution in childhood, leading to a deficiency in qi and blood. As adults, these women are prone to gynecological issues, while men are more likely to develop prostate enlargement or gout.

8. Look at the Lunulae on the Fingernails
   Under normal conditions, lunulae (the white half-moon shapes at the base of the nails) should be present on all fingers except the little fingers. The lunula on the thumb should cover 1/4 to 1/5 of the nail, while those on the other fingers should not exceed 1/5. If you lack lunulae or only have them on your thumbs, it indicates coldness in the body, poor circulation, and a deficiency in qi and blood, preventing blood from reaching the fingertips. If the lunulae are too large, it suggests a tendency toward hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure.

9. Look at the Vertical Lines on the Fingernails
   Vertical lines appear only on adult nails, not on children's. When an adult develops vertical lines on their nails, it's a warning sign that the body is deficient in both qi and blood, indicating exhaustion and the onset of aging.

10. Look at the Gums
    This is more apparent in adults. Gum recession indicates a deficiency in qi and blood. If you notice that the gaps between your teeth are widening and food is getting stuck more easily, it's a sign that your body is deteriorating and aging is accelerating.

11. Look at Sleep
    If an adult can fall asleep quickly, sleep soundly with even breathing, and wake up naturally, it indicates abundant qi and blood. Difficulty falling asleep, easy awakening, frequent urination at night, heavy breathing, or snoring all indicate a deficiency.

12. Look at Exercise
    If you experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, or prolonged fatigue after exercise, your qi and blood are insufficient. On the other hand, those who feel energized and relaxed after exercise are in good health.

Women can use these 12 aspects to determine if their qi and blood are sufficient, which can also serve as a standard for assessing their overall health.