The pattern of "Qi Stagnation in the Chest," as detailed in the context of Liver fixation from "Essentials from the Golden Cabinet," involves a significant obstruction of Qi dynamics within the chest area.

This blockage impedes the movement of Qi into the Blood, causing it to become constrained within the collaterals. Symptoms manifest as sensations of fullness, distention, or pain in the chest, which notably improve with external pressure or massage. This relief indicates the connection between the physical manifestations and the Stagnation of Qi.

Interestingly, when patients are not experiencing these symptoms, they tend to prefer warm beverages. This preference suggests that, although the obstruction is evident at the Blood level, its underlying cause is rooted in the Qi level, specifically due to a constraint of Yang energy. The diagnosis is further supported by the wiry and large qualities of the pulse, signifying stagnation and a channel-level issue, respectively, rather than a deeper organ dysfunction.

Additionally, this pattern is relevant in certain gynecological conditions. For instance, uterine bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, attributed to blood Stagnation rather than Deficiency, can occur when a woman’s Qi is insufficient to manage the increased volume of Yin fluids and Blood in her body.

The pattern of Qi Stagnation in the Chest, therefore, has implications beyond the immediate symptoms and can manifest in different physiological contexts, requiring a treatment approach that addresses both Qi movement and blood dynamics.