Qi stagnation mechanism
Qi stagnation is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that refers to the blockage or restriction of the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) in the body. Qi is believed to be a vital energy or life force that flows through the body’s energy pathways or meridians, and is responsible for maintaining health and vitality.
When Qi becomes stagnant, it can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms. The mechanism of Qi stagnation is complex, but it is generally believed to be caused by a combination of lifestyle factors, emotional stress, and environmental factors.
Some common causes of Qi stagnation include:
Emotional stress: Strong emotions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety can disrupt the flow of Qi in the body, leading to stagnation.
Poor diet: Eating a diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can also contribute to Qi stagnation.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity or prolonged sitting can lead to stagnation of Qi in the body.
Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pollution, can also disrupt the flow of Qi in the body.
To alleviate Qi stagnation, TCM practitioners may recommend a combination of therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications such as exercise and stress reduction techniques. The goal of these treatments is to restore the flow of Qi and bring the body back into balance.
20 acupoints for qi stagnatio with details
Here are 20 acupoints that are commonly used for the treatment of Qi stagnation, along with a brief description of their location and function:
Liver 3 (LV3) – Located on the foot, in the depression between the big toe and second toe. This point is used to promote the free flow of Qi and relieve stagnation.
Pericardium 6 (PC6) – Located on the inner arm, about two finger widths above the wrist crease. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the chest and promote relaxation.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4) – Located on the hand, in the web between the thumb and index finger. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the body and relieve pain.
Stomach 36 (ST36) – Located on the leg, about four finger widths below the kneecap. This point is used to strengthen the digestive system and promote the free flow of Qi.
Ren 12 (RN12) – Located on the abdomen, about four finger widths above the navel. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the digestive system and promote the absorption of nutrients.
Gallbladder 34 (GB34) – Located on the leg, in the depression in front of and below the head of the fibula bone. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the liver and gallbladder.
Spleen 6 (SP6) – Located on the leg, about three finger widths above the inner ankle bone. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the spleen and promote the production of blood.
Kidney 3 (KD3) – Located on the foot, in the depression between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the kidney and strengthen the lower back.
Triple Heater 5 (TH5) – Located on the wrist, on the back of the hand, in the depression between the tendons of the fourth and fifth fingers. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the upper body and relieve stress.
Conception Vessel 6 (CV6) – Located on the abdomen, about two finger widths below the navel. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the digestive system and relieve abdominal pain.
Lung 7 (LU7) – Located on the arm, on the line connecting the thumb and the wrist, about one and a half finger widths from the wrist crease. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the lungs and promote the circulation of Qi.
Bladder 18 (BL18) – Located on the back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the lower border of the shoulder blade. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the liver and relieve liver-related symptoms.
Governing Vessel 20 (GV20) – Located on the top of the head, midway between the ears. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the upper body and promote mental clarity.
Small Intestine 3 (SI3) – Located on the hand, on the outer side of the hand, in the depression behind the small finger. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the small intestine and relieve pain.
Bladder 21 (BL21) – Located on the back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the lower border of the shoulder blade. This point is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the stomach and relieve digestive symptoms.