Pericardium Qi Stagnation
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The Pericardium in Chinese Medicine The concept of Qi The concept of Qi Stagnation
Key attributes
Chinese name: 心包气滞 Pinyin name: Xīn Bāo Qì Zhì
Pattern nature: Full
Pattern hierarchy: Specific pattern under Qi Stagnation
Causes
Precursor patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation
Common causes: Emotional stress
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Depression Weak Limbs Cold limbs Throat lumps Palpitations and six other symptoms
Pulse type(s): Overflowing (Hong), Empty (Xu)
Tongue description: Slightly pale purple color tongue
Treatment
Treatment principle: Regulate the Pericardium and Heart Qi, calm the Mind, move Qi in the chest
Common formulas: Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Pathology
Pericardium is located in the center of the chest and it plays the connecting role for both the Heart and the Lung's Qi and Blood. Therefore, sighing and slightly shortness of breath are due to the chest Qi Stagnation of the Lung Channel. On the other hand, the Pericardium Channel's Qi Stagnation gives rise to the distension, pain and tightness of the chest. The Qi here is called Gathering Qi (宗气 Zong Qi).
Emotional stress can cause chest Qi Stagnation and as vicious circle, worsen the emotional conditions.
Causes
Precursor patterns: Pericardium Qi Stagnation can derive from Liver Qi Stagnation
Emotional stress: Emotional stress such as sadness, grief, worry and guilt obstructs Qi in the chest and cause Qi Stagnation here.
Diagnosing Pericardium Qi Stagnation
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Overflowing (Hong) or empty (Xu)
Tongue description: Slightly pale purple color tongue
Main symptoms: Depression Weak Limbs Cold limbs Throat lumps Palpitations Irritability Poor appetite Chest fullness Mild chest pain Frequent sighing Stifling sensation in the chest
Diagnosis commentary: Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the feeling of chest distension and palpitations.
Treating Pericardium Qi Stagnation
Treatment principle
Regulate the Pericardium and Heart Qi, calm the Mind, move Qi in the chest
Herbal formulas used to treat Pericardium Qi Stagnation
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Regulates the flow of Qi, treats esophageal spasm. Clears Phlegm.
Formula summary
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote Qi movement.
Besides Pericardium Qi Stagnation, Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang is also used to treat Stomach Qi Stagnation or Heart Qi Stagnation.
Consequence patterns
The Liver and Pericardium channel are related within the Terminal Yin (Jue Yin) channels. Therefore Pericardium Qi Stagnation may cause Liver Qi Stagnation or vice versa.
Prolonged Pericardium Qi Stagnation can cause Blood Stagnation. This situation tend to happen more if both the Heart and the Pericardium's Qi is stagnant.
Prolonged Pericardium Qi Stagnation can always cause Blood Stagnation in the same Organ.