Constitution Check 2: “気（Vitality）, Blood, and Water”
These elements—気（Vitality）, Blood, and Water—are key concepts for assessing one’s health and constitution.
The key concepts are three: 気, Blood, and Water. However, the symptoms vary depending on whether these are sufficient or deficient. This constitution can be divided into six states and is highly variable on a daily basis.
The category with the most symptoms applicable to you represents your current state. If symptoms are evenly distributed across categories, prioritize alleviating the most severe symptoms. It’s also possible and important to address multiple aspects simultaneously if needed.
・Vitality Deficiency： (気虚, Kikyo)
This is a state of insufficient vitality, where you may feel unmotivated or lack energy.
- Stomach feels heavy
- Easily fatigued
- Short of breath easily
- Voice has become softer
- Forgetfulness
- Tongue is pale with teeth marks on the edges
- Difficulty waking up in the morning
- Feeling sluggish and easily tired
- Difficulty waking up in the morning
- Lack of appetite
Recommended Foods for Those with Vitality Deficiency
・Vitality Stagnation： (気滞, Kitai) or Vitality Depression ：(気鬱, Kiutsu)
This is a state where 気 is stagnant, often associated with pent-up frustration or stress.
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Migraines
- Irritability, hysteria, and emotional instability
- Excessive gas
- Irregular or painful menstruation
- Insomnia
- Frequent sighing
- Yellowish, thick coating on the tongue
- Overreacting to minor things
- Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the chest, upper abdomen, or sides
Recommended Foods for Those with Vitality Stagnation
（In general, the state commonly referred to as depression might correspond to a condition of 気 Deficiency (気虚). However, if symptoms include hysteria or emotional instability, it may be indicative of 気 Stagnation (気滞). These two conditions require entirely different approaches. Foods beneficial for 気 Stagnation can suppress motivation and may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with 気 Deficiency. Conversely, foods helpful for 気 Deficiency might worsen the condition of someone experiencing hysteria. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a specialist before choosing specific foods. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional.Additionally, issues with 気 may be related to the quantity and circulation of blood. Since 気 and blood always circulate together in the body, approaching the problem from both angles is also recommended.）
・Blood Deficiency ：(血虚)
This is a state of blood deficiency. It is subtly different from anemia but has similar symptoms.
- Increased hair loss
- Palpitations
- Frequent dreaming
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness upon standing
- Light-headedness
- Poor skin color and luster
- Pale complexion
- Increased forgetfulness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent leg cramps
・Blood Stagnation ：(血瘀)
This refers to a state of poor blood circulation, also known as “stasis blood.”
- Heavy and sluggish body
- Persistent shoulder stiffness
- Varicose veins
- Dry skin
- Palpitations or arrhythmia
- Pain
- Bluish or purplish spots on the tongue
- Bluish or purplish discoloration of lips or skin
- Menstrual pain or irregular menstrual cycles
- Susceptibility to neuralgia or headaches
・Fluid Deficiency： (津液虚)
“津液” refers to body fluids and moisture. This condition indicates a deficiency in fluids and moisture in the body.
- Skin feels dry or greasy
- Frequent thirst
- Palms and soles feel warm or hot
- Heavy feeling in the head or body
- Face easily becomes red
- Dark-colored urine
- Cracks on the surface of the tongue
- Frequent dry cough
- Night sweats
・Water Poisoning (水毒) or Phlegm Dampness (痰湿)
This condition indicates poor circulation of fluids in the body.
- Prone to feeling unwell on rainy days
- Tendency to experience swelling
- Heavy and lethargic feeling in the body
- Prone to motion sickness
- Body feels hot in the evening
- Night sweats
- White, thick coating on the tongue
- Rumbling sound when pressing on the abdomen
- Increased phlegm or saliva production
- Stomach feels unsettled or lacks hunger
Recommended Foods for Those with Water Poisoning or Phlegm Dampness
As blood and 気 are thought to move together, symptoms of both 気 Deficiency and Blood Deficiency may appear simultaneously. While recommended foods vary depending on the symptoms, there are many complementary combinations. For example, beef, chicken, and broccoli can be beneficial for both 気 and Blood Deficiency. Soy milk can help improve both Water Poisoning and Yin Deficiency.
If the condition is severe, it’s best to start by consuming the recommended foods. Once improvement is felt, aim to incorporate all the recommended foods for each specific symptom in a balanced way. For instance, a bowl of beef bowl (gyudon) could address both 気 and Blood Deficiency, as well as 気 Stagnation. Beef provides energy, while onions help circulate energy. Adding miso soup ingredients to this would create a complete meal incorporating traditional Chinese and Japanese herbs.
Now, let’s look at the recommended foods.
Recommended Foods for Those with Vitality Deficiency
Recommended Foods for Those with Vitality Stagnation
Recommended Foods for Those with Blood Deficiency
Recommended Foods for Those with Blood Stasis
Recommended Foods for Those with Deficient Body Fluids
Recommended Foods for Those with Water Poisoning or Phlegm Dampness
