Symptom family: Breathing Patterns

What is Sighing?

Sighing is a deep and prolonged inhalation followed by a slower exhalation, often involuntary and sometimes accompanied by sound. It's a common physical response to stress, fatigue, or frustration, serving as a natural regulator of emotional and physiological states.

While occasional sighing is normal and can even be a healthy way to express emotions or reset breathing patterns, frequent or excessive sighing might indicate underlying health concerns, ranging from anxiety and stress to more complex respiratory conditions.

How does TCM view Sighing?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets sighing as an indication of Qi (vital energy) stagnation, particularly involving the Liver and Heart. TCM posits that emotional upheaval, stress, or internal disharmony can disrupt the smooth flow of Qi, leading to its stagnation and resulting in frequent sighing.

This perspective underscores the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and energetic health in TCM, highlighting the importance of identifying and addressing the root cause of Qi Stagnation to alleviate symptoms like sighing.

Root Causes of Sighing in TCM

TCM identifies Qi Stagnation as a primary cause of sighing, especially when linked to emotional stress or internal imbalance. Heart Qi Stagnation and Liver Qi Stagnation are two patterns commonly associated with this symptom. Heart Qi Stagnation can manifest as frequent sighing accompanied by palpitations and a feeling of oppression in the chest, reflecting emotional distress impacting the Heart's ability to circulate Qi effectively.

Liver Qi Stagnation, on the other hand, might present with hypochondriac distension and mood swings, indicating that constrained emotions are impeding the liver's role in ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. Addressing these patterns involves both alleviating the immediate symptom and restoring overall harmony to the body's Qi dynamics.

Explore below more details about what might cause Sighing according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Qi Rebellion
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Sighing

Common Symptoms: Depression Lack Of Appetite Chest Distension Stifling Sensation In The Chest Throat Lumps Irritability Palpitations Shortness Of Breath

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Qi Stagnation Frequent sighing, Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Liver Qi Stagnation Frequent sighing, Sighing, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Yi Guan Jian
Pericardium Qi Stagnation Frequent sighing, Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sighing, Throat lumps, Palpitations, Depression, Irritability, Lack of appetite, Weak limbs, Cold extremities... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Qi Stagnation Frequent sighing, General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Si Mo Tang | Qi Ge San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sighing

To counteract sighing resulting from Qi stagnation, TCM utilizes specific formulas that promote Qi movement and alleviate emotional distress. Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang and Chai Hu Shu Gan San are two formulas particularly suited to this purpose. Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang is recommended for Heart Qi Stagnation, employing ingredients like Crow-Dipper Rhizomes to facilitate the movement of Qi and relieve chest oppression.

Chai Hu Shu Gan San is preferred for Liver Qi Stagnation, utilizing Bupleurum Roots to soothe the Liver and disperse stagnant Qi, addressing the root of emotional and physical tension. These formulas exemplify TCM's approach of using nuanced herbal blends to restore balance and health.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sighing, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Qi Rebellion

All Formulas Recommended for Sighing Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang Heart Qi Stagnation, Pericardium Qi Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Si Mo Tang Qi Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation
Qi Ge San Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Sighing

In addition to herbal medicine, TCM emphasizes acupuncture as a means to alleviate sighing by directly influencing Qi flow. Points like Qiuxu GB-40 and Taichong LIV-3 on the Gall Bladder and Liver Channels, respectively, are pivotal in resolving Liver Qi Stagnation by clearing Heat and invigorating Qi.

Similarly, Jiuwei REN-15 on the Directing Vessel calms the mind and regulates Heart Qi, addressing emotional disturbances that contribute to sighing. By targeting these acupoints, TCM practitioners aim to restore the harmonious flow of Qi, reduce emotional stress, and consequently diminish the frequency of sighing.

Explore below some acupoints used to address sighing, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Spleen Channel
  • Liver Channel
Zhejin GB-23

Zhejin GB-23

1 cun anterior to Yuanye GB-22, approximately level with the nipple.

Yanglingquan GB-34

Yanglingquan GB-34

In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

Yangfu GB-38

Yangfu GB-38

4 cun above and slightly anterior to the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.

Qiuxu GB-40

Qiuxu GB-40

Anterior and inferior to the external malleolus, in the depression on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle that goes to the little toe.

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