Qi Stagnation Symptoms & Treatment
Qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns Chinese medicine practitioners see in the clinic. In fact, I would argue that, in our modern society, almost everyone has a certain degree of qi stagnation.
This is largely due to our sedentary lifestyles, high stress levels, and living out of sync with the natural rhythms of our bodies and the world around us. When we are stressed, we become tense, and that means qi cannot flow as freely as it should. Diet also plays a role, as many of us tend to choose foods that clog up and slow down our digestive systems, rather than aiding their transportive functions.
One of the primary symptoms of qi stagnation is pain. In Chinese medicine, there is a famous saying: bu tong ze tong (不通则痛), meaning “without free flow, there is pain.” This pain tends to be distending and mobile in nature, and is usually relieved by heat or pressure.
Other common symptoms of qi stagnation include:
Discomfort in the abdomen, chest, or throat
Bloating
Depression
Irritability
Mood swings
Sighing
The organ that is most affected by qi stagnation is the Liver, and this can have a knock-on effect on the digestive organs. Stomach qi can also be obstructed by the retention of food.
Liver Qi Stagnation
The Liver is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of qi, which requires a calm emotional state and relaxation of the muscles. When there is mental or physical stress, the muscles become tense and qi cannot flow smoothly, leading to stagnation.
In addition to the general qi stagnation symptoms listed above, Liver qi stagnation can cause:
Feelings of swelling in the upper abdomen
Upper abdominal pain
Abdominal rumbling
Hiccups
Belching
Acid reflux
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Unhappiness
Feelings of a lump in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Irregular, painful periods
Breast tenderness
Premenstrual syndrome
The occurrence of these symptoms depends on where in the body the qi is stagnating, and not all may be present in every person with Liver qi stagnation. It is also typical for these symptoms to fluctuate depending on a person’s emotional state.
Liver Invading Spleen
When Liver qi stagnates, it can easily affect the Spleen. This pattern is often referred to as “Liver invading Spleen” or “Liver and Spleen not harmonised.” It is especially common in those with Spleen qi deficiency and weak digestion.
The symptoms of the Liver invading the Spleen include:
Irritability
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Flatulence
Fatigue
In this pattern, it is essential to address both the Spleen weakness and the stagnation of Liver qi. Therefore, dietary changes are an essential part of treatment, in addition to stress management and emotional regulation.
Small Intestine Qi Pain/Small Intestine Qi Tied
These two patterns can often occur alongside Liver qi stagnation or Liver invading Spleen. They may also be related to the excessive consumption of cold or raw foods, which are said to block the function of the Small Intestine.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, these Small Intestine patterns may cause:
Severe abdominal pain
Lower back pain
Abdominal pain relieved by passing wind
Constipation
Vomiting
Dislike of abdominal pressure
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but generally speaking, soothing the Liver, nourishing the Spleen, and warming the intestines, while avoiding cold and raw foods, should be beneficial.
Food Stagnation
Food stagnation, or the retention of food in the Stomach, is not technically a form of qi stagnation, but it does affect the Stomach’s ability to descend qi downwards, which can also affect Heart qi and disturb the mind.
It can occur as a result of overeating, eating too fast, eating on the go, or eating while stressed or worried. The symptoms of food stagnation include:
Lack of appetite
Abdominal fullness and discomfort
Belching
Acid reflux
Nausea
Vomiting
Loose, foul-smelling stools
Bad breath
Insomnia
This pattern is a case of prevention being better than cure, and can be avoided by not overeating, eating slowly and chewing food well, sitting down to eat, and eating mindfully when in a relaxed state of mind.
Treatment for Qi Stagnation
Lifestyle changes can go a long way towards treating qi stagnation, with regular movement, stress management, and emotional regulation being at the top of the list. Eating well is also key, as it helps ensure the digestive organs are strong enough to withstand the impact of qi stagnation, should it occur.
References:
Maciocia G (1989) The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (first edition) - Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, London
Wiseman N, Feng Y (2014) A Practical Dictionary of Chinese Medicine - Paradigm Publications, Taos, NM