“Blood deficiency” in Chinese medicine is much like anemia in Allopathic medicine. Although there are many different types of anemia, in TCM we work in general to build the blood in patients exhibiting signs of blood deficiency.

Almost all the clinical signs of anemia are directly related to “blood deficiency” in TCM. The top two are the most common symptoms:
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Pale skin
• Poor memory and concentration
• Numbness
• Cold hands and feet
• Vision problems, especially night-blindness
• Palpitations, rapid, or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Delayed or scanty menses
• Brittle, peeling, or pale nails
• Dry skin and hair

Although vegetarianism is thought to be synonymous with alternative medicine, TCM advocates eating meat, especially for those with this pattern. In addition, incorporate more dark leafy greens into your diet. Generally, red colored foods are blood tonics i.e. beets, carrots, dark chocolate, berries, grapes, red beans etc. Not surprisingly, many of the herbs we use to treat this condition contain B vitamins, amino acids, and carotene, just like the foods listed above.

Typically herbs are given to supplement the blood, just as a vitamin supplement would be given in Allopathic medicine.