Qi stagnation constitution (Qi Yu)
On this page
- Overview
- Recognising the pattern
- Dietary approach
- Foods to favour
- Foods to limit
- Lifestyle
- Related pages
1. Overview
Qi stagnation (Qi Yu), also called Liver qi stagnation, is the most common pattern in modern Western populations and reflects the impact of chronic emotional stress on the smooth flow of qi. People with this constitution are emotionally sensitive, often anxious or low, prone to PMS and digestive disturbances triggered by stress. Diet emphasises gentle qi-moving foods and avoidance of stagnation-promoting habits.
2. Recognising the pattern
- Sighing frequently; sensation of a lump in the throat
- Distending, moving pains; breast tenderness before periods
- Irritability, frustration, mood swings
- Anxiety or mild depression
- PMS, irregular periods, menstrual pain
- Symptoms worsen with stress, improve with relaxation
- Tongue: normal or slightly purple, often unchanged
- Pulse: wiry, particularly on the left wrist
3. Dietary approach
The qi-moving diet is light, fragrant and aromatic. Foods that gently move qi include rose petals, chrysanthemum, citrus peel, jasmine, mint, turmeric and spring onion. Avoid heavy, greasy and overly rich food that bogs qi down further.
4. Foods to favour
- Rose tea, chrysanthemum tea, jasmine tea, mint tea
- Citrus fruit (especially the peel: chen pi)
- Radish, white radish, daikon (move qi downward)
- Spring onion, leek, garlic, ginger
- Turmeric, saffron
- Buckwheat, oats
- Light, lean proteins: chicken, white fish
- Vinegar in small amounts (sour flavour enters the Liver)
5. Foods to limit
- Excessively rich, greasy, heavy meals
- Excess alcohol (acute Liver burden)
- Excess caffeine (irritates Liver qi)
- Skipping meals when stressed
- Eating quickly under stress
- Bottling up emotions
6. Lifestyle
Daily exercise — particularly aerobic exercise — powerfully moves Liver qi. Express emotions; talk to friends; counselling if persistent. Yoga, t'ai chi, qi gong, breathing exercises and meditation. Spend time in green nature (Liver-nourishing). Sleep before 11pm (Liver detoxification time is 1–3am).
