Anemia vs. Blood Deficiency: Understand the Differences | Symptoms | Causes | Treatment | Food
Anemia vs. Blood Deficiency: Understand the Differences | Symptoms | Causes | Treatment | Food
Blood Deficiency vs Anaemia
In Western medicine, "blood" refers to a mixture of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. "Anemia" specifically indicates a reduction in red blood cells, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the body's tissues and organs. Symptoms of anaemia include dizziness, fatigue, pale complexion, chest tightness, palpitations, increased heart rate and breathing, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, menstrual irregularities, headache, tinnitus, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and low-grade fever. The severity and presentation of these symptoms vary depending on the rate of onset, the severity of anaemia, and the individual's tolerance.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "blood" refers to the red fluid circulating in the vessels that nourishes and moisturizes the body. This concept is quite similar to the Western understanding of blood. However, TCM blood has additional functions beyond nourishment, including nourishing the mind, regulating fluids, balancing yin and yang, and resisting external pathogens. These functions extend far beyond the simple oxygen-carrying capacity of blood in Western medicine.
These effects are particularly evident in the face, lips, tongue, eyelids, and nails. When these areas lose their rosy colour and become pale, a condition known as "five whites," it indicates blood deficiency. Additionally, TCM believes that "hair is the excess of blood." As a result, blood deficiency can lead to dry, dull hair and symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision, as the blood is unable to adequately nourish the head and face.
Furthermore, TCM emphasizes a close relationship between Qi and blood, with the saying "blood is the mother of Qi" and "Qi is the commander of blood." This means that Qi and blood influence each other. Therefore, blood deficiency is often accompanied by Qi deficiency, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion, and others. Since Qi can generate blood, tonifying Qi is often included in the treatment of blood deficiency. If blood deficiency progresses further, it can affect the functions of the internal organs. Among the five Zang organs, heart, liver, and spleen blood deficiency are most common. Spleen blood deficiency is often seen together with heart blood deficiency, a condition known as heart-spleen blood deficiency.
Symptoms of Blood Deficiency
"Blood Deficiency" and "Anaemia" are not only similar in terms of meaning but also share some common ground in clinical manifestations and treatment methods. Therefore, some people often treat blood deficiency and anaemia as the same disease, which can often lead to adverse medical consequences.
The general public may not be aware that blood deficiency and anaemia are actually two completely different concepts in Chinese and Western medicine, and therefore cannot be confused. Blood deficiency, as mentioned in Chinese medicine, refers to a pathological phenomenon in which the yin blood in the body is deficient and cannot nourish the internal organs, muscles, and meridians. Let's take a look at the different conditions and symptoms of blood deficiency:
Heart blood deficiency:
palpitations, restlessness, forgetfulness, insomnia, and a thin, wiry pulse.
Liver blood deficiency:
dizziness, blurred vision, dry eyes, numbness of the hands and feet, limb stiffness, dry skin, menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, or scanty menstruation.
Heart and spleen blood deficiency:
palpitations, fatigue, poor appetite, weakness, and menstrual disorders, such as excessive bleeding.
It's important to note that while heart and spleen blood deficiency may sometimes involve anaemia, pure heart blood deficiency or liver blood deficiency rarely involves anaemia.
Causes of Blood Deficiency
- Excessive Blood Loss:
This includes external bleeding from injuries, chronic bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding in women, etc. Excessive blood loss can lead to blood stasis, obstructing blood flow and hindering the production of new blood, thus aggravating blood deficiency over time. - Poor Dietary Habits:
Unbalanced diets, such as picky eating, overeating, or eating excessive amounts of greasy or cold foods, can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to malnutrition and indirectly causing blood deficiency. - Chronic Consumption:
Excessive physical or mental exertion and illness can consume the body's vital energy and essence, leading to Qi and blood deficiency over time.
Treatment and Management of Blood Deficiency
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views "Qi" and "blood" as the foundation of life activities and originate from the essence of food. Therefore, dietary therapy is crucial for individuals with Qi and blood deficiency. Besides dietary adjustments, daily lifestyle habits also play a vital role.
- Dietary Adjustments:
A balanced diet is essential. Avoid excessive consumption of greasy or cold foods as they can damage the spleen and stomach. TCM recommends a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and moderate amounts of meat and fruits.
According to the theory of nourishing the spleen and kidneys, foods with yellow or black colours can be beneficial for blood deficiency, as yellow enters the spleen and black enters the kidneys and blood. Examples include ginseng, liquorice, astragalus, rehmannia, black sesame, and black dates. Drinking plenty of warm water and avoiding cold, greasy, and spicy foods is also important. - Emotional Regulation:
People with blood deficiency often experience fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. Therefore, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and avoid excessive stress.
Ensure sufficient sleep and engage in moderate exercise, such as tai chi or yoga.
- Lifestyle Adjustments:
Avoid overworking. Excessive mental stress and physical exertion can consume heart blood, aggravating blood deficiency.
Protect the eyes. Excessive eye strain can also consume Qi and blood. Avoid prolonged reading or computer use, especially in dim light.
- Herbal Medicine Treatment:
TCM treatment for blood deficiency is individualized based on the specific pattern of deficiency. Consultation with a TCM practitioner is recommended for a personalized treatment plan.
Acupuncture points like Gongsun, which benefits the spleen and stomach, and Taibai can be massaged to improve blood circulation.
Treatment and Management of Blood Deficiency
Especially pig liver, has an even higher iron content than meat and animal blood, with 22.6 milligrams of iron per 100 grams. Animal liver not only has a high iron content but is also highly absorbable, making it suitable for both adults and infants during the introduction of complementary foods.
Note: Pregnant women should consume animal liver in moderation as it is high in vitamin A, which can increase the risk of birth defects in excessive amounts.
Especially pig liver, has an even higher iron content than meat and animal blood, with 22.6 milligrams of iron per 100 grams. Animal liver not only has a high iron content but is also highly absorbable, making it suitable for both adults and infants during the introduction of complementary foods.
Note: Pregnant women should consume animal liver in moderation as it is high in vitamin A, which can increase the risk of birth defects in excessive amounts.
Kontea Recommendation Products
Youth & Radiance Soup
Effects: Tuber fleeceflower has visible effects on slowing the ageing process, and it can also improve the nervous system and promote livelihood. It keeps the blood and cells healthy, and prevents anemic dizziness. Chinese Angelica, Solomon seal rhizome, and Huang Qi work to nourish the blood, which promotes a healthy, rosy, and radiant complexion.
Suitable for:It’s suitable for deficiency of Qi and blood, Dull and sallow complexion, frequent hair falls and bad condition in black color, dry and itchy skin, and fatigue.
Revitalising Soup
Effects: Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen) is a traditional tonic used to strengthen the spleen and lungs. Adding in Huang Qi, which improves immunity and slows ageing, as well as wolfberries and red dates, which enrich blood cells, makes this soup great for calming the soul and fighting fatigu
Suitable for:People who are easily fatigued, easily tired after activity, and susceptible to catching fevers.
Full of Vim and Vigour Deer’s Tail Soup
Effects:The deer's tail is rich in protein and vitamins, which can effectively strengthen the waist and kidney, greatly supplement deficiency, enhance physical strength, eliminate fatigue, and promote blood circulation. It is a great health care food for the whole body. Cooking together with the traditional tonic used herbs - Codonopsis Pilosula and Cordyceps Flower can revitalize the body, protect the kidneys and liver, improve the Yin & Yang energy and immune system as well. KONTEA chooses to use healthy and active free-range chickens, and carefully selected and seasoned only with Japanese scallops and sea salt.
Suitable for:People who suffer from lower back and leg pains, afraid of cold, dizziness, apathy, and sexual malfunction.
Eight Treasures Soup
Effects:Improves temperament and blood health, regulates menstruation and relieves pain, and brings calmness to the body and soul.
Suitable for: Sallow complexion, fatigue, chills, leucorrhoea (whitish or yellowish discharge), frequent farting, bad appetite, postural dizziness, low menstrual flow, and headaches during menstruation. People with eczema and skin dryness can also benefit, as well as those with constipation caused by blood deficiency.
“Eight Treasures” Paste
Effects:Nourishes chi and blood, provides pain relief and regulates menstruation.
At the same time calms the heart and lifts the spirit, and warm the woman's uterine and help in pregnancy.
Suitable for: Sallow complexion, easily fatigued, chills, leucorrhoea (whitish or yellowish discharge), frequent farting, loss of appetite, dizziness caused by external factors, over-production of menstrual blood, frequent headaches. Also great for hand eczema, dry skin, constipation caused by blood deficiency, dry hair, and hair loss.
Skin Soothing Paste
Effects:Nourish blood and replenish qi, dispel wind and relieve itching to repair allergic skin, promote healthy and radiant skin.
Suitable for: People with chronic eczema, peeling and itching dry skin.
Kang Won Herbalist
Kang Won TCM Practitioner also recommends seeking medical attention as soon as rheumatic symptoms begin to appear. Early consultation allows us to provide you with suitable treatment and prevention plans based on your symptoms and underlying causes.
Our TCM Practitioner specializes in diagnosing and treating various internal health issues in the internal medicine field. We are dedicated to balancing the body's energy flow to alleviate internal problems and improve overall health. Therefore, if you have any concerns about rheumatic diseases, we welcome you to consult with us in person to learn more.
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