Introduction: Influenced by various factors such as work pressure, family pressure, and academic pressure, many people often feel bored and unhappy nowadays and tend to sigh frequently. Prolonged periods of such feelings may lead to the formation of a “qi stagnation constitution.” So, what does the “qi stagnation constitution” specifically refer to? How should individuals with a “qi stagnation constitution” regulate it? How is the “qi stagnation constitution” formed? Patients with a “qi stagnation constitution” should
During my lunch break today, I suddenly received a call from a relative who suspected that their child might be suffering from depression. The child has been sighing frequently, unwilling to talk to people, and avoids going out, just staying indoors all the time. I replied, “The child may be suffering from depression, but it cannot be ruled out that it is also due to a qi stagnation constitution.”
The qi stagnation constitution is actually an explanation in traditional Chinese medicine, referring to patients who have long-term emotional stagnation that affects their personality, leading to symptoms such as introversion, instability, emotional fragility, and frequent negative emotions.
Patients may also develop sensitivity and suspicion due to long-term stagnation of qi. This constitution is more common in young and middle-aged women.
● Common Symptoms of Qi Stagnation Constitution
The patient’s complexion may be affected, such as a dark yellow complexion and poor complexion. Personality can also be affected, showing symptoms like irritability, easy agitation, long-term melancholy, introversion, and sensitivity. Additionally, patients may experience systemic symptoms like chest tightness, a white coating on the tongue, and red edges of the tongue.
● Pay Attention to Psychological Adjustment of Patients
Regularly communicate with them and engage them in activities they enjoy, which can have a positive effect on their mental well-being. If patients have negative emotions or high levels of stress, correction can be achieved through communication with others to maintain psychological balance, improving the symptoms of qi stagnation. It’s essential to avoid imposing excessive mental stress on oneself, acknowledge both strengths and weaknesses.
● Lifestyle Adjustments – Exercise, Diet
Engage in aerobic exercises such as jogging, yoga, swimming, skipping, brisk walking, etc., as this can enhance blood circulation, unblock meridians, and relieve qi stagnation due to the patient’s stagnated qi. Regarding diet, it is recommended to consume more coarse grains like wheat, sorghum, millet, rich in fiber content to aid digestion and metabolism.
Additionally, include foods like radish, onion, hawthorn, rose, and pomelo in the diet to promote qi flow, aid digestion, invigorate the mind, and improve symptoms of qi stagnation constitution.
● Traditional Chinese Medicine Adjustment – Using Chinese Medicinal Herbs or Formulas
Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Herbs such as xiang fu, bai dou kou, sha ren, wu yao, and xiao hui xiang, qing pi, yu jing, chuan xiong, chen pi, can be used to regulate the liver and qi, accelerate metabolism, and alleviate stagnation of qi.
Patented Chinese Medicine: Under medical advice, use qi-regulating medicines like Xiao Yao San, Xiao Yao Wan, Wu Mo Yin Zi, Chai Hu Shu Gan San, Ban Xia Hou Po Tang, etc. However, it is not advisable to self-administer; the choice of Chinese herbs or medicines should be based on the condition and taken in appropriate amounts as prescribed, to avoid adverse effects.
Furthermore, acupuncture and cupping therapy can be used as conventional methods to regulate qi flow. These methods accelerate metabolism, expedite the removal of cold, dampness, toxins, and waste from the body, promoting overall well-being.
1. Influence of parental genetic factors.
2. Staying up late frequently, irregular sleep patterns, inadequate sleep duration. Sufficient sleep is crucial as the body detoxifies during the night. Staying up late can hinder the detoxification process of organs like the liver, adversely affecting hormonal balance and leading to a possible stagnation of qi and blood.
3. Prolonged high levels of stress, frequent occurrence of anxiety, and other negative emotions. Such conditions negatively impact several areas like the liver, heart, and stomach, affecting mental well-being and dietary habits, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite and digestive issues.
4. Experiencing sudden or significant mental shocks, such as encountering terrifying events or the sudden death of a loved one.
5. Conditions like neurasthenia, bipolar disorder, menopausal syndrome, depression, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, etc., could be the underlying causes. High self-expectations and excessive pursuit of perfection can also contribute.
● Avoid consuming raw and cold foods such as ice cream, chilled beverages, refrigerated foods; watermelon, persimmon, and excessively cold foods can be consumed in moderation but not excessively at once.
● Psychological adjustments – avoid self-pitying, learn to accept oneself with imperfections, encourage and affirm oneself more. If diagnosed with depression or similar illnesses, seek regular psychological treatment. In severe cases, consider using psychoactive medications for adjustment. Ignoring treatment may worsen the qi stagnation condition.
● Maintain regular, stable, and sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late. Ideally, go to sleep before 11 p.m., and adults should aim for about 8 hours of sleep each night.
● Minimize exposure to tragic TV shows or books; engage in outdoor activities, listen to uplifting music, do activities you enjoy, watch comedies to uplift your mood. This not only nurtures a positive mindset but also effectively alleviates symptoms of the qi stagnation constitution. Encourage reading motivating literature and watching TV shows with inspiring content regularly.
Conclusion: For individuals who frequently feel bored, unhappy, and sigh often, it is advisable to assess whether they exhibit symptoms of the “qi stagnation constitution” as described above. If present, it is recommended to address it promptly through adjustments in diet, psychology, lifestyle habits, medication, etc. Avoid putting excessive pressure on oneself daily. If family and friends show any of these symptoms, it is recommended to treat them with understanding, encouragement, and companionship, as this can be beneficial for their recovery from a qi stagnation constitution. Failure to address the condition as it worsens may not only affect the mental well-being of the patient but also have negative impacts on immune function and overall organ health.
