What does Qi stagnation mean? When visiting a TCM practitioner, the diagnosis may be ‘Qi stagnation’. So, what does Qi stagnation refer to?
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 weak constitution leading to Qi deficiency. Qi stagnation in the spleen results in reduced appetite and abdominal distension; Qi stagnation in the liver leads to rebellious liver Qi, causing rib pain and irritability; Qi stagnation in the lungs results in unclear lung Qi, producing phlegm and cough. Qi stagnation in the meridians can cause pain or movement disorders in the related areas along the meridian, or corresponding symptoms. Excessive 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 the circulation of Qi and blood.
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 circulation of Qi and blood.
3. Qi deficiency and Yang deficiency can reduce the driving function, leading to sluggish or stagnant Qi and blood flow.
4. A cold living environment can cause long-term vascular spasms, slowing down or stagnating blood flow in the microvasculature.
5. Lack of physical exercise can weaken myocardial contractility, leading to sluggish Qi and blood flow.
6. Recent studies have found that various chronic inflammations can cause local tissue congestion, edema, and adhesions, or pathological products to accumulate locally, affecting the circulation of Qi and blood. The treatment for Qi stagnation primarily focuses on promoting Qi flow.
TCM Treatments for Qi Stagnation
For a constitution characterized by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, it is advisable to use herbs that promote Qi and invigorate blood to achieve the goal of ‘supplementing through unblocking’. 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) can help improve the Qi stagnation and blood stasis constitution.
Patent medicines such as She Xiang Bao Xin Wan and Compound Dan Shen Di Wan can be used for initial symptoms of cardiovascular obstruction, such as chest tightness and chest pain.
For abdominal distension and pain, belching, or constipation, herbs like Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Chen Pi (Aged 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 Wheat), Shan Zha (Hawthorn), Gu Mai Ya (Barley Sprout), and Ji Nei Jin (Chicken Gizzard Lining) can be used, or formulas like Bao He Wan and Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan 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 herbs that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, 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 Melon). Patent medicines like Xiao Yao Wan and Yue Ju Wan are also effective for relieving depression.
Additionally, patients should maintain a cheerful disposition to help improve the circulation of Qi and blood. Regular physical activity is recommended, with exercise intensity tailored to the individual, aiming for a slight sweat during each session. It is important to avoid negative emotions such as anger, fear, and worry that can adversely affect the circulation of Qi and blood.
Dietary Adjustments
For a Qi stagnation and blood stasis constitution, it is advisable to choose foods that promote Qi and invigorate blood, such as:
1. White radish, citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, hawthorn, peach kernels, leeks, yellow wine, red wine, onions, ginkgo, lemons, pomelos, kumquats, rose tea, and jasmine tea.
2. Peach kernels, rapeseed, and black soybeans have blood-invigorating and stasis-eliminating effects; reports suggest that black fungus can clear accumulations on blood vessel walls; moderate consumption of red wine can dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation; hawthorn or rice vinegar can lower blood lipids and blood viscosity.
Those with a Qi stagnation and blood stasis constitution should limit salt and monosodium glutamate intake to avoid increasing blood viscosity and worsening blood stasis. For example:
Avoid foods that easily cause gas, such as sweet potatoes, taro, fava beans, and chestnuts; limit intake of fatty meats, cream, eel, crab roe, egg yolks, fish roe, chocolate, fried foods, and sweets to prevent elevated blood lipids that can block blood vessels and affect Qi and blood circulation; avoid cold drinks to prevent adverse effects on Qi and blood flow.
