This article is based on the theories from: “Zhongyi Zhenhou Bian Zhi Guiding” (Guidelines for TCM Symptom Differentiation and Treatment), “Fangjixue” (Pharmacology of Formulas).
Hello, I am a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wen Junran.
In recent days, I have been writing some popular science articles about the concept of “Qi” in TCM for my readers, discussing issues such as “Qi deficiency” and “Qi sinking”.
I believe that in today’s increasingly aging society, such health promotion is very necessary.
Today, I will write another article for you. This one concerns “Qi stagnation”. This is a problem that many people, both young and old, may experience.
What is Qi stagnation? We know that Qi is a very subtle fundamental substance in the body, the energy of life. These energetic substances are constantly flowing and operating. When their flow and operation become stagnant, that is Qi stagnation.
This is actually a very common syndrome. However, due to insufficient popular science education in TCM, many people do not know or understand it. Once, we provided services in a community. An elderly person living alone insisted that he was in pain: chest pain, rib distension, discomfort in the abdomen, and back pain. However, no issues were found at the hospital. The elderly man was gloomy all day because of this. A few of us in TCM recognized that he was suffering from Qi stagnation syndrome, and after using some Chinese patent medicine, his condition improved significantly.
What exactly is Qi stagnation syndrome? I summarize it in three words for your understanding: Stagnation, Pain, Distension.
1. Stagnation refers to emotional depression.
Such individuals often feel inexplicably unhappy, tend to think negatively about everything, and view the surrounding world with a bit of negative emotion, whether it be pessimism, dislike, or indifference. On the surface, they may appear pleasant and smiling, but privately, especially when alone or relaxed, their emotions are unhappy. However, if you ask them what is making them unhappy, they cannot articulate it.
The reason for this is that those with Qi stagnation often have liver Qi stagnation issues. The liver governs emotions. When liver Qi is stagnant, emotions cannot be expressed, leading to feelings of depression and unhappiness.
2. Pain refers to bodily pain.
Such individuals may experience pain anywhere in the body, including limbs, lower back, and ribs. The pain is particularly noticeable in the ribs and lower back. This pain is not severe, and its location may change, with varying intensity. If you ask the patient where it hurts, they may not be able to specify or provide a vague response. This is a manifestation of pain due to Qi stagnation, where obstruction leads to pain.
3. Distension refers to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the body.
This sensation primarily occurs in areas such as the chest, stomach, intestines, and ribs. When does this distension occur? It happens when one is anxious or upset. Some people may sit there feeling distended in their abdomen, with sounds as if gas is moving around, and they feel a strong urge to pass gas. Once they do, they feel much better. Others may experience frequent belching, stomach distension, or hiccups. Some may even feel the need to sigh. This sighing is not necessarily due to sadness, but rather a way to relieve discomfort in the body. This is a manifestation of Qi stagnation and accumulation.
Such situations are often seen in patients with liver and gallbladder diseases, as well as digestive system disorders. Even in the absence of organic disease, sub-healthy individuals may experience this. Younger individuals under significant stress or with heavy worries are prone to this. Older individuals, especially those who are lonely, widowed, or experiencing family discord, are also susceptible. In summary, poor emotional health is a major trigger for this syndrome.
What should be done at this time? Some Chinese patent medicines can be used, but they should not be used indiscriminately. I suggest using a herbal tea. 7 grams of Chai Hu (Bupleurum), 9 grams each of Chao Zhi Qiao (Stir-fried Bitter Orange) and Zhi Xiang Fu (Processed Cyperus), 10 grams of Bai Shao (White Peony), and 6 grams of Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), steeped in water as a tea. This can help to move Qi, soothe the liver, relieve depression, and alleviate pain, providing some improvement.
I hope this article raises awareness among readers, especially those with elderly family members, to take it seriously.
End of article.