What does Qi stagnation mean? When visiting a TCM practitioner for illness, the diagnosis may include “Qi stagnation.” So, what does Qi stagnation mean? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Qi Stagnation?
Qi stagnation is a term in TCM that refers to the obstruction of Qi flow in the organs and meridians. It can be caused by dietary irregularities, emotional distress, or a deficiency in Qi leading to poor circulation. Qi stagnation in the spleen may result in reduced appetite and abdominal distension; Qi stagnation in the liver can cause rebellious liver Qi, resulting in rib pain and irritability; Qi stagnation in the lungs may lead to unclear lung Qi, excessive phlegm, and coughing. Qi stagnation in the meridians can cause pain or movement disorders in the related areas or corresponding symptoms. Severe Qi stagnation can lead to blood stasis.
The formation of a Qi stagnation and blood stasis constitution is a gradual process influenced by various factors such as emotions, diet, age, environment, and disease. For example:
1. Emotional depression, tension, introverted personality, and burying grievances can lead to prolonged stagnation affecting Qi and blood circulation.
2. A diet high in greasy and sweet foods, high blood lipids, excessive salt intake, or insufficient water can make the blood overly viscous, leading to poor Qi and blood flow.
3. A constitution of Qi deficiency or Yang deficiency can reduce the driving function, resulting in sluggish Qi and blood circulation or stasis.
4. A cold living environment can cause long-term vascular spasms, leading to slow or stagnant blood flow in the microcirculation.
5. Lack of physical exercise can weaken myocardial contractility, resulting in sluggish Qi and blood circulation.
6. Recent studies have found that various chronic inflammations can cause local tissue congestion, edema, adhesions, or pathological products to accumulate locally, affecting Qi and blood circulation.
The treatment for Qi stagnation primarily focuses on promoting Qi flow. Let’s explore the TCM therapies for Qi stagnation.
TCM Therapies for Qi Stagnation
For a constitution of Qi stagnation and blood stasis, it is advisable to use Qi-moving and blood-activating herbs to unblock Qi and blood, achieving the goal of “using flow to supplement.” Herbs such as Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Dang Gui (Angelica), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Xie Bai (Garlic Chives), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Ren Shen San Qi (Ginseng and Notoginseng), and Yin Xing Ye (Ginkgo Leaf) are beneficial for improving Qi stagnation and blood stasis constitution.
Famous formulas for regulating Qi and activating blood, such as Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver), Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Blood Mansion Decoction to Remove Stasis), and Shi Xiao San (Sudden Smile Powder), should be flexibly selected based on the location of Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
Chinese patent medicines such as She Xiang Bao Xin Wan (Musk Heart-Protecting Pill) and Compound Dan Shen Di Wan (Compound Salvia Drop Pills) can be used for initial cardiovascular stasis, presenting symptoms like chest tightness and pain.
For abdominal distension and pain, belching, or constipation, herbs such as Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Sha Ren (Amomum), Bing Lang (Betel Nut), Dou Kou (Cardamom), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Da Fu Pi (Areca Peel), Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Shen Qu (Fermented Mass), Shan Zha (Hawthorn), Gu Mai Ya (Barley Sprout), and Ji Nei Jin (Chicken Gizzard Lining) can be used, or formulas like Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pill) and Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Aucklandia and Betel Nut Pill) can be employed to promote Qi, relieve pain, aid digestion, and relieve constipation.
If a Qi stagnation and blood stasis constitution is accompanied by emotional depression, psychological counseling should be prioritized, along with the use of liver-regulating and Qi-moving herbs such as Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), Lu E Mei (Green Plum), and Ba Yue Zha (August Fruit). Chinese patent medicines like Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pill) and Yue Ju Wan (Escape Resentment Pill) have good effects in relieving depression.
Additionally, patients should maintain a cheerful disposition to help improve Qi and blood circulation. Regular physical activity is recommended, with exercise intensity tailored to the individual, aiming for a slight sweat during each session. Avoiding negative emotions such as anger, fear, and worry is crucial for the smooth flow of Qi and blood.
Source: Yang Sheng Zhi Dao Wang