Qi stagnation syndromes

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,... 

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. 

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. 

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 ... 

Although Qi moves in every organ of the body, the Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine and Lung directly influence Qi movement. As the syndromes of Qi stagnation are more often seen in these organs, in this chapter the syndromes and compositions of formulas are introduced particularly for these organs. 

Since Xiang Fu is gentle and effective in regulating the Liver-Qi, it is often selected in formulas for treating both excess and deficiency syndromes that are associated with Liver-Qi stagnation. 

If there is obvious Liver-Qi stagnation but the cause is unclear, it is most likely caused by Liver-blood deficiency. In that situation, the Liver-blood is too weak to nourish the Liver, so the Qi moves slowly and tends to become stagnant. The syndrome of Liver-blood deficiency manifests as dizziness, vertigo, headache, migraine, tiredness, pale complexion, brittle nails and hair, irregular menstruation, irritability and mood swings. 

In this syndrome, each of the three factors (Liver-Qi stagnation, Liver-blood deficiency and Spleen-Qi deficiency) can influence, or be influenced by, the other two. This may lead to disharmony between the functions of the Liver and Spleen and cause related manifestations. 

In clinical practice, this formula is used not only to relieve Shao Yang syndrome, but also to treat Qi stagnation in the Liver and Gall Bladder meridians when Liver-Qi overacts on the Stomach, impairing digestion and weakening the body s resistance. 

---