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Written by Ban Xia Dong Qing
A joyful heart is a good medicine
Sometimes, the cause of Qi deficiency is not necessarily a lack of Qi; it may be due to obstruction in the middle jiao (中焦, zhōng jiāo), leading to poor Qi circulation.
At this time, clearing the dampness in the middle jiao can help the Qi mechanism of the spleen and stomach to rise and fall smoothly, and the Qi deficiency will improve quickly.
Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan (木香顺气丸, Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pill) is a commonly used Chinese patent medicine that can be found in almost any pharmacy.
Its predecessor is Mu Xiang Shun Qi Tang (木香顺气汤, Mu Xiang Shun Qi Decoction), a powerful formula in TCM for promoting Qi flow. When Qi is stagnant and not flowing smoothly, this is the remedy to use.
This medicine is particularly suitable for those with bloating, digestive issues, and a sensation of blockage in the stomach when angry.
Often, improper diet, such as consuming high-sugar, high-fat, and high-protein foods, especially in the evening without adequate exercise, leads to these issues. The tongue is pale red with a thick, greasy white coating in the middle.
From the name Mu Xiang (木香, Saussurea), it is clear that it is the chief herb.
Mu Xiang regulates the Qi of the three jiaos: the upper jiao (上焦, shàng jiāo) including the heart and lungs, the middle jiao (中焦, zhōng jiāo) including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach, and the lower jiao (下焦, xià jiāo) including the bladder, helping to regulate Qi.
Qing Pi (青皮, Green Tangerine Peel) breaks Qi stagnation, acting like a hammer to disperse the trapped Qi.
After dispersing, it also needs to be regulated; from top to bottom, the throat down to the chest and ribs is governed by Zhi Ke (枳壳, Bitter Orange), while the chest and ribs to the lower abdomen is governed by Hou Po (厚朴, Magnolia Bark).
Bin Lang (槟榔, Areca Nut) is responsible for descending the stagnant and turbid Qi in the gastrointestinal tract.
Xiang Fu (香附, Cyperus) soothes the liver and regulates Qi, particularly effective for Qi stagnation due to emotional distress.
Chen Pi (陈皮, Aged Tangerine Peel) and Qing Pi are like brothers; Chen Pi is older and milder, with less potency in moving Qi, mainly drying dampness and working with Cang Zhu (苍术, Atractylodes) to expel dampness from the spleen and stomach.
Sha Ren (砂仁, Amomum) awakens the spleen; when the spleen and stomach are trapped by dampness, it can help restore their function quickly.
Additionally, when the spleen and stomach function is hindered, food intake becomes difficult to digest, leading to stagnation; Sha Ren can break this stagnation.
Finally, Gan Cao (甘草, Licorice) harmonizes the other herbs.
The entire formula works to soothe the liver, regulate the spleen, and promote Qi flow, allowing the spleen to ascend and the stomach to descend, achieving harmonious Qi movement.
Individuals who can use Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan generally have a white, greasy tongue coating; when they stick out their tongue, it feels slippery, indicating significant cold-dampness.
When the spleen and stomach experience Qi stagnation due to cold-dampness, leading to bloating and discomfort, Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan can help regulate Qi, relieve bloating, and restore function.
Once Qi is flowing smoothly, the spleen and stomach will regain their ability to separate the clear from the turbid, and the body will recover.
If there is excess heat, Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan is not particularly suitable. It can be used briefly to break the stagnation, but afterward, one should add herbs to clear heat and transform damp-heat.
Further ReadingAt the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, focus on tonifying Qi with a Chinese patent medicine to boost vitality and reduce illness.When meridians are blocked, causing pain throughout the body, use a Chinese patent medicine to invigorate and promote smoother Qi and blood flow.A single Chinese patent medicine can address multiple issues: tonifying Qi, supporting the spleen, and eliminating dampness.
This article is for educational reference only. The combinations and formulas mentioned must be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner; do not attempt blindly.
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