Zongqi Overview and Nursing Guide

Zong Qi is an important Qi in the human body in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. It is composed of the essence of water and grains and natural Qi. It gathers in the chest and governs breathing, speech and the movement of the heart. Maintaining Zongqi requires three aspects: diet, exercise, and emotions, supplemented by acupoint massage or traditional Chinese medicine. This article will be divided into five parts: firstly, an overview of the definition and function of Zongqi; secondly, a detailed explanation of the manifestations of insufficient Zongqi; then, diet and life maintenance methods are proposed; then, external treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine are introduced; finally, the main points of maintenance are summarized to help readers systematically master the knowledge of Zongqi maintenance.

The definition and physiological functions of Zongqi

Zong Qi, also known as "big air", is the natural Qi inhaled by the lungs and the water and grain essence transported and transformed by the spleen and stomach in the chest. "Lingshu·Xieke" states that it "accumulates in the chest, emerges from the throat, and penetrates the heart meridians." It can be seen that its core function is to promote breathing, vocalization and blood circulation. People with sufficient Zong Qi have a loud voice, even breathing, and abundant physical strength; otherwise, they have shortness of breath, laziness, palpitations, and weakness. Zhang Jingyue, a physician in the Ming Dynasty, emphasized: "Zong Qi is the root of life and is related to the coordination of the five internal organs." Modern research has also found that Zong Qi is closely related to cardiopulmonary function and immunity, and is a key part of the theory of "righteousness in the body" of traditional Chinese medicine.

Typical manifestations of insufficient Zongqi

When Zong Qi is weak, the human body will experience multi-system symptoms: respiratory symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing, which are aggravated after exercise; cardiovascular symptoms such as heart palpitations and weak pulse; decreased speech function, such as low voice and intermittent speech. Long-term deficiency of Zongqi may also cause loss of appetite and susceptibility to colds. "Medical Zhongshenxilu" records: "If Zong Qi is depressed, there will be less Qi and insufficient breathing." Modern clinical observation has found that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, emphysema and other diseases are often accompanied by Zong Qi deficiency. It should be noted that these symptoms need to be distinguished from simple Qi deficiency or blood stasis. TCM syndrome differentiation is often combined with tongue and pulse (pale tongue with white coating, deep and weak pulse) for comprehensive judgment.

Diet and lifestyle regimen

The preferred dietary therapy for regulating and tonifying Zongqi: Regular consumption of japonica rice, yam, red dates, etc. can nourish the spleen and stomach; stewed chicken with astragalus and ginseng porridge can warm and tonify Zongqi, but people with high blood pressure should use it with caution. It is necessary to have a regular schedule in life to avoid overexertion. We recommend the Baduanjin "holding the three energizers of heaven with both hands" breathing exercise. The "Suixiju Diet Manual" of the Qing Dynasty recommends the method of "swallowing saliva to absorb Qi" when you wake up in the morning: on an empty stomach in the morning, take slow and deep breaths for 36 times, and swallow saliva to nourish Zong Qi. In addition, it is necessary to avoid lying down for a long time to damage the Qi. When sitting for a long time, get up every hour to expand the chest and exercise. In terms of emotions, excessive worry can easily damage the spiritual energy. Meditation and music can be used to relieve stress.

External treatment methods and summary of traditional Chinese medicine

External treatment methods can help improve Zongqi: moxibustion at Tanzhong point (the midpoint between the two breasts) for 15 minutes a day, or massage at Feishu point (1.5 inches from the third thoracic vertebra). Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions such as "Shengxian Decoction" (containing astragalus, anemarrhena, etc.) must be used under the guidance of a physician. The well-known Chinese patent medicine "Buzhong Yiqi Pills" (manufacturers: Beijing Tongrentang, Lanzhou Foci Pharmaceutical) is effective for mild Zongqi depression, but it cannot replace syndrome differentiation treatment. Finally, it is emphasized that the maintenance of Zongqi requires persistence and requires a multi-pronged approach of diet, exercise, and emotions. In severe cases, timely medical treatment is required. As the "Huangdi Neijing" says: "The way of Zongqi is solid on the inside and soft on the outside. Keep it and don't lose it."

Quote source:1. "Huangdi Neijing·Lingshu" medical classics from the Warring States Period to the Han Dynasty 2. Zhang Jingyue's "Lei Jing" Ming Dynasty medical works 3. Beijing Tongrentang official website product description (2023 edition) Note: The use of proprietary Chinese medicines must be based on medical advice. This article does not guarantee the efficacy.