Qi stagnation

This method is used to treat syndromes of Qi stagnation. It involves the use of pungent and aromatic ingredients that enter the Liver, San Jiao, Lung,... 

Stagnation of Qi exists either alone or in many pathological conditions. There are a range of different strategies to treat Qi stagnation. 

Lastly, eliminating the stagnation of blood, food, dampness and phlegm may also assist the movement of the Qi and reduce Qi stagnation. 

When using mineral substances that can suppress Stomach-Qi, Lung-Qi and Kidney-Qi, causing Qi stagnation and constipation, one should exercise caution in treating patients who suffer from disorders that involve the aforementioned organs. 

The drugs for treating hypertension can quickly descend the Qi and Yang of Liver, but they may suppress the Liver-Qi. They may also slow down water metabolism and blood circulation. Therefore the syndrome can change into one of Liver-Qi stagnation with Kidney-Yin and Liver-Yin deficiency, or Liver-Qi stagnation with dampness accumulation in the Middle-Jiao. 

Zhi Ke is bitter and slightly cold, and enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It can regulate the Spleen-Qi and Stomach-Qi in a gentle and slow way. It moves horizontally in the Upper- and Middle-Jiao, opens the chest and reduces distension. In an exterior syndrome it is used to treat Qi stagnation in the chest, stomach and hypochondria, which causes distension in the upper abdomen, a stifling sensation in the chest, reduced appetite, irritability and depression. 

In a severe condition, promoting bowel movement is a quick and effective way to purge accumulation, drain the heat, protect the fluid in the intestines and relieve pain and distension due to Qi stagnation. 

Mu Xiang is aromatic, pungent, bitter and warm, and has a drying nature. It can effectively move the Qi and reduce pain due to Qi stagnation. As it also enters the Liver meridian, it is particularly suitable for use in conditions where the Liver-Qi attacks the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine. 

Cold is a Yin pathogenic factor. It has a contracting nature and can easily injure the Yang. When internal cold accumulates in the intestines, the Yang fails to spread warmth and Qi and is unable to transform and transport food, resulting in Qi stagnation. All of these cause constipation, abdominal pain, distension and fullness, reduced appetite, cold limbs and tiredness. 

Sha Ren is pungent and warm, and enters the Spleen, Large Intestine and Kidney meridians. In particular, it can relieve distension in the abdomen and treat Qi stagnation with dampness in the Large Intestine. 

Qing Pi is used mainly to treat pain due to Liver-Qi stagnation as it enters the Liver meridian. 

Liver-Qi stagnation add Xiang Fu (Cyperi rhizoma) and Chai Hu (Bupleuri radix) to spread the Liver-Qi. 

If the blood cannot flow vigorously, there may be a thready pulse. When the blood is too weak to move, Qi stagnation is often present - the pulse is then not only thready, but also wiry. Patients may suffer from emotional disturbances... 

Liver-Qi stagnation with Liver-heat add Xia Ku Cao (Prunellae spied) and Bai Shao Yao... 

First of all, Qi stagnation shows in pain and distension of the hypochondriac regions, chest and abdomen. It also shows in changes of mood and irritability. 

Second, Yin deficiency and Qi stagnation may produce heat, which is manifested as a bitter taste in the mouth, heartburn and a quick temper. 

Herbs that regulate the Liver-Qi are often selected as Liver-Yin deficiency commonly coexists with Kidney-Yin deficiency and frequently causes Liver-Qi stagnation. 

Fu Ling is neutral and bland. On the one hand, it may reduce the Qi stagnation in the Middle-Jiao as it has a descending tendency on the other hand, it can increase urination and leach out dampness, which is caused by slower water metabolism. 

If there is Liver-Qi stagnation in the syndrome, this is often revealed by tension in the symptoms, such as severe palpitations, shortness of breath, abdominal cramp, urgent and frequent urination and diarrhea. 

Ban Xia and Chen Pi are often used to regulate the Qi in the upper abdomen and reduce Qi stagnation, thus accelerating the transformation and transportation of food and drink in the Middle-Jiao. They can soothe the Stomach-Qi and treat nausea and fullness of the stomach. 

Chen Pi and Ban Xia serve as deputies. They soothe the Stomach-Qi, promote digestion and improve appetite, thus enhancing the ability of the chief herbs and treating Qi stagnation caused by food accumulation. 

Second, special attention is paid to the Heart. Although the Liver is obviously involved in the attack, and Liver-Qi stagnation and wind are present, the Heart is the organ where the Shen resides and this controls all activities while patients are conscious. When patients suddenly lose consciousness, this suggests that the Heart-shen is disturbed. Herbs that particularly remove phlegm from the Heart and open the Heart orifice should be used. The substances that sedate the Heart-shen, calm the mind and regulate the Qi, blood and Yin of the Heart should also be used. 

Syndrome of Qi stagnation in the Stomach, Spleen and Large Intestine. . . 258... 

This chapter introduces the principles, methods and strategies for the composition of the formulas that regulate, smooth or spread the Qi. They are used to treat the syndrome of Qi stagnation. 

The characteristic of the syndrome of Qi stagnation is distension in the affected region. The quality of distension is determined by the degree of stagnation generally speaking, fullness exists in a mild case, distension is seen in an advanced case and pain occurs in a severe condition. 

The syndrome of Qi stagnation varies according to the affected organs and regions ... 

If the Lung-Qi stagnates, the symptoms are breathlessness, stifling in the chest, cough and wheezing. 

If the Stomach-Qi and Spleen-Qi stagnate, the manifestations are fullness and distension of the entire abdomen, reduced appetite, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and irregular bowel movement. 

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