Acupuncture Randwick

Qi deficiency (Qi Xu) is one of the most common patterns encountered in TCM clinical practice. It occurs when the body's vital energy is insufficient to perform its normal functions — whether due to chronic illness, overwork, poor diet, emotional strain, or constitutional weakness. Because Qi powers virtually every bodily function, its deficiency can manifest in many ways depending on which organ system is most affected.

General Qi deficiency symptoms include fatigue (especially after exertion), shortness of breath, weak voice, spontaneous sweating, poor appetite, and a pale tongue with a thin white coating. The pulse is typically weak or empty. When Qi deficiency specifically affects the Spleen, digestive symptoms predominate — bloating, loose stools, and poor nutrient absorption. Lung Qi deficiency manifests as susceptibility to colds, chronic cough, and weak breathing. Heart Qi deficiency produces palpitations and fatigue on mild exertion. Kidney Qi deficiency causes low back weakness, frequent urination, and reduced vitality.

Treatment of Qi deficiency centres on tonification — building up the body's energy through rest, nourishing diet, appropriate exercise (like tai chi or qigong), acupuncture at tonifying points (such as ST-36, Zusanli — "Leg Three Miles"), and Qi-tonifying herbs. The formula Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) is the foundational prescription for Qi deficiency, containing Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), and Gan Cao (Licorice).