We all know that smooth qi and blood flow are essential for health. Impaired circulation affects our well-being. Qi is vital to us—simply put, if qi is stagnant, it harms our health. So how can we restore smooth qi flow?How can we improve qi stagnation?
The qi within the human body is a subtle substance that is constantly active and possesses great vitality. It circulates throughout all the internal organs and meridians, permeating every part of the body, constantly propelling and stimulating various physiological activities. If, for some reason, the flow of qi is impeded, leading to local or systemic stagnation or obstruction of qi movement, it can cause functional disorders in certain organs or meridians. This condition is known as "qi stagnation."When qi stagnates in a specific area, it can cause distension, pain, and even blood stasis or fluid retention, forming pathological products like blood stasis or phlegm-fluid accumulation. Acupoints that promote qi circulation, eliminate qi stagnation, and unblock meridians are called qi-regulating points. Commonly used qi-regulating points in clinical practice include the Shanzhong (CV17) and Yunmen (LI11) points.
Zhanzhong (CV17):
Also known as Yuanzhen, Zhanzhong is sometimes called Shangqihai (Upper Sea of Qi) due to its emphasis on treating upper-jiao qi disorders. Belonging to the Ren Meridian, it is a convergence point for the pericardium meridian's qi and also serves as a meeting point for the Foot Taiyin, Foot Shaoyin, Hand Taiyin, and Hand Shaoyin meridians.Furthermore, the body's zongqi converges at Shanzhong, hence it is also called the "qi meeting point." It regulates qi, opens the chest, descends qi, and unblocks collaterals. It is commonly used to treat heart and chest disorders such as chest pain, breast hyperplasia, cough, and asthma. This point is located on the midline of the sternum, between the nipples, at the level of the fourth intercostal space.Technique: Apply friction therapy using the thenar eminence, palmar base, or hypothenar eminence of the palm. Rub back and forth in straight lines until local warmth is felt.
Yunmen Point:
This point is where the lung qi of the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin originates. Internally connected to the upper burner lung qi, it serves as the gateway for lung qi to enter and exit, hence its name Yunmen (Cloud Gate). It is a crucial point for dispersing lung qi, with functions to open the lungs, broaden the chest, and regulate qi. Primarily used to treat conditions involving stagnation of lung qi, obstruction by pathogenic factors, and failure of lung qi to disperse, such as chest fullness, cough, and asthma.Yunmen Point is located 6 cun lateral to the midline of the sternum, in the depression below the outer end of the clavicle. Technique: Press and knead Yunmen Point until a sensation of soreness and distension is felt, for approximately 10 minutes.
What to do when qi is stagnant? Qi stagnation can impair physical health and trigger various illnesses. To fundamentally improve well-being, we must ensure the smooth flow of qi and blood.