Stomach Qi Stagnation
Stomach Qi Stagnation
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Diagnostic Signs
No particular signs on the tongue except that in severe cases it may be Red on the sides in the central section
Wiry (Xian)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the epigastric distension, belching and irritability.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Bad eating habits lead to Stomach Qi Stagnation: eating in a hurry, working while eating, eating in a state of tension or while upset as well as eating standing up.
Anger, frustration and resentment (the same emotions that affect the Liver) may affect the Stomach and cause this pattern. They are more likely to lead to this pattern when paired with bad eating habits.
Pathological Mechanism
Epigastric distension is the main symptom of Stomach Qi Stagnation.
Since the Stomach is part of the Middle Burner, the Qi Stagnation there disturbs the normal descending of Stomach Qi, which results in belching, nausea, vomiting and hiccups.
Irritability is also due to the Stagnation of Qi.
There won't be much particular signs on the tongue except that in severe cases it may be red on the sides in the central section.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Invigorate Stomach Qi, remove stagnation, restore the descending of Stomach Qi
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
If you have bad eating habits (such as eating in a hurry, working while eating, or eating standing up), change them as they worsen this pattern.
Also work on your emotions (particularly anger, frustration and resentment) as they're also a key source for this pattern.
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