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Written by/Happy Heart
A happy heart is a good medicine.
Why does Qi stagnate? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that Qi must flow smoothly; if it is obstructed, it leads to stagnation.
Especially in the stomach and large intestine, which are part of the six fu organs, if they are full but cannot function properly, their role as conduits is compromised, leading to blockage.
Factors such as phlegm-dampness, improper diet, blood stasis, and liver Qi stagnation can all lead to Qi stagnation, resulting in obstruction of the fu organs, which can cause distension, pain, belching, flatulence, and even nausea and vomiting.
Today, I will share an empirical formula composed of Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange) and Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel), which can relieve Qi stagnation and alleviate bloating.
Zhi Shi has a pungent and bitter taste, is slightly cold in nature, and enters the spleen, stomach, and large intestine meridians.
According to the “Yao Jie” (Explanation of Medicinal Properties): “Zhi Shi is sour and bitter, quickly effective, breaks up stagnation, relieves fullness, eliminates phlegm and fluid retention, and resolves stubborn food accumulations. It clears away stagnation and is powerful in eliminating all corrupt and obstructive substances; nothing else can achieve this effect.”
According to the “Lei Gong Pao Zhi Yao Xing Jie” (Explanation of Medicinal Properties of Lei Gong): “Its nature is fierce, capable of breaking walls and overturning structures; those with weak Qi should avoid it.“
The effect of Zhi Shi can be summarized in one word: “break.” Its function can break Qi and eliminate accumulation, transform phlegm and relieve fullness, making it a key herb for treating Qi stagnation.
It can be used not only for food stagnation but also for phlegm-dampness obstructing Qi, applicable to various conditions of stomach distension, abdominal bloating, belching, and flatulence caused by Qi stagnation.
Many may not be familiar with Qing Pi, but everyone knows Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel).
Chen Pi has a Qi-regulating effect, while Qing Pi can also regulate Qi, and its effect is significantly stronger than that of Chen Pi.
Qing Pi has a bitter and pungent taste, is warm in nature, and has the ability to soothe the liver, break Qi, disperse masses, and eliminate stagnation.
Qing Pi enters the stomach meridian and has a strong effect in dissipating accumulation and stagnation, suitable for Qi stagnation due to undigested food, with symptoms of stomach fullness, abdominal pain, belching, and flatulence.
For conditions of Qi stagnation and blood stasis, combining it with blood-activating and accumulation-eliminating herbs yields better results.
Qing Pi also enters the liver and gallbladder meridians, which can soothe the liver and relieve depression, providing excellent effects for rib-side pain and chest and abdominal fullness caused by liver Qi stagnation.
Its nature is dispersing, warming, and downward-moving, with strong effects in breaking Qi stagnation, especially when processed with vinegar, which can significantly improve rib pain, liver Qi invading the stomach, stomach pain with acid reflux, and abdominal bloating and pain.
Thus, the combination of Zhi Shi and Qing Pi has a significant breaking Qi, relieving distension, and eliminating stasis effect.
It provides good relief for stomach distension, post-meal bloating, belching, and flatulence caused by Qi stagnation. Although the efficacy is good, it still requires differentiation.
Further Reading
What are “Qi stagnation,” “Qi depression,” “Qi reversal,” and “Qi sinking”? Can you distinguish them?
Zhang Zhongjing said, “For treating chest obstruction and fullness, Zhi Shi is the key herb.”
Why does excessive dampness cause abdominal fullness?
⊙Note: The content of this article is for the purpose of popularizing TCM knowledge or for learning reference. Please consult a physician for guidance if needed.
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