Lung Qi Deficiency
They run out of breath at the slightest effort, speak quietly because talking tires them, sweat while sitting still, and catch cold again and again.
In plain words
They run out of breath at the slightest effort, speak quietly because talking tires them, sweat while sitting still, and catch cold again and again.
Years of coughing, smoking, exhausting work, or a chest infection that never fully cleared gradually wear down the Lung's strength. Without it, air is no longer pushed properly and the protective layer over the skin stops holding: the pores stay open and sweat leaks out on its own. With the door open, any draught brings another cold, and each cold wears things down a little more. It settles in slowly, over months or years.
Characteristic symptoms
- Weak and poorly productive cough, chronic cough
- Shortness of breath that worsens with exertion
- Low, weak and flat voice
- Spontaneous sweating with minimal exertion
- Frequent colds and flu (low surface immunity)
- Pale or shiny, colorless complexion
- Tiredness and easy fatigue
- Sensation of cold and aversion to wind
Key clues to recognize it
- Breathlessness comes with exertion and settles with rest; there is no fever and no body ache.
- Sweats while sitting still or with minimal effort, and mostly during the day.
- Catches several colds a year, and each one lasts longer than it does for other people.
Tongue and pulse
- Tongue
- Pale tongue; white thin coating
- Pulse
- Weak (ruò) or empty (xū) pulse, especially in the Lung position (right cun)
Treatment principle
Tonify Lung Qi, consolidate Wei Qi and strengthen the exterior
Common points
Reference formula
Bu Fei Tang (Tonify the Lung Decoction)
What not to confuse it with
What aggravates it
- Talking for long stretches, teaching, or singing.
- Draughts, air conditioning blowing straight at them, and abrupt temperature changes.
- Physical effort without recovery, and short nights of sleep.
- Smoking and smoky or stuffy rooms.
Lifestyle advice
Practice deep breathing and lung Qi Gong. Avoid cold, wind and sudden temperature changes. Eat white foods that nourish the Lung: pear, turnip, almonds, honey, lotus root, tofu. Quit smoking. Keep the nose and throat hydrated, especially in dry environments.
When to see a doctor
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
