Tendency towards Qi Stagnation Constitution

Manifestation Characteristics

• Physical Signs: The primary characteristic is the stagnation of Qi, which mainly manifests as emotional depression and other signs of Qi constraint.

• Body Shape: The body shape is typically thin, although a minority may be overweight.

• Common Manifestations: Emotional instability, feelings of melancholy and unhappiness, a pale-red tongue with a thin white coating, and a slightly wiry pulse.

• Psychological Characteristics: The personality tends to be introverted and unstable.

• Disease Tendencies: Susceptible to conditions such as Zang Zao (visceral agitation, a type of emotional disorder), Mei He Qi (globus hystericus, the sensation of a plum pit stuck in the throat), Lily disease (a精神 disorder with emotional and physical symptoms), and Yu Zheng (depression syndrome).

• Adaptability: Poor ability to adapt to mental or emotional stress; does not adapt well to overcast and rainy weather.

Conditioning Methods

• Environmental and Lifestyle Adjustments: Keep indoor spaces well-ventilated. Home decor should be bright and cheerful. It is important to regulate one’s mood on overcast and rainy days.

• Physical Exercise: It is better to be active than sedentary. Engage in activities like running, mountain climbing, martial arts, and swimming to promote the circulation of Qi and blood. Pay special attention to practicing breathing exercises (Tu Na) to open up and guide out stagnation.

• Mental Adjustment: Based on the principle that “joy overcomes worry,” one should proactively seek happiness and participate in more social activities to cultivate a cheerful and open-minded disposition.

• Dietary Conditioning: Drinking a small amount of alcohol can help to activate blood circulation and lift the mood. Consume more foods that move Qi, such as bergamot, orange, citrus peel, chives, cilantro, and garlic.

• Medicinal Conditioning: Herbal formulas are primarily composed of herbs that soothe the liver, regulate Qi, and relieve depression. Commonly used herbs include Xiang Fu (Cyperus Tuber), Wu Yao (Lindera Root), Chuan Lian Zi (Sichuan Pagoda Tree Fruit), Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel Fruit), Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel), and Yu Jin (Turmeric Tuber). A representative patent formula is Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pill).