TCM II - Qi Stagnation

Question 1

Signs and symptoms

Answer 1

• Feeling of distension
• Pain that moves from place to place
• Abdominal masses that appear and disappear
• Depression, Irritability
• PMS, Mood swings
• Frequent sighing

Question 2

Tongue

Answer 2

• Normal, Possibly red sides

Question 3

Pulse

Answer 3

• Wirey (like a guitar string hitting the fingers)

Question 4

Aetiology

Answer 4

• Anger, Frustration
• Chronic stress
• Lack of exercise

Question 5

Affected organs

Answer 5

• Liver and lungs

Question 6

Lifestyle Advice

Answer 6

• Eat moderate portions; do not eat late at night
• Frustration and resentment cause Qi stagnation, or are caused by it. Try to regulate the emotions
• Alcohol and cigarettes and move Qi temporarily but will, in time, make the stagnation worse
• Keep things moving with walking, singing and dancing

Question 7

Diet advice

Answer 7

• Avoid heavy meals, fried greasy foods, spicy foods, cold foods, alcohol and coffee
• Eat Qi-moving foods, such as fermented foods (miso, sauerkraut, sourdough rye), steamed veg, sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, leek, asparagus, chives, watercress
• Warming / moving herbs and spices: ginger, basil, oregano, cumin, fennel, pepper (in small amounts)