Breathing Exercise to Move Stagnant Qi

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi (vital energy) must flow smoothly throughout the body for physical and emotional well-being. When Qi becomes stagnant—due to stress, emotional suppression, lack of movement, or improper breathing—it can lead to discomfort, pain, mood swings, fatigue, and even digestive or menstrual issues.

Breathing plays a vital role in Qi movement. In TCM, the Lungs (Fei) govern Qi and respiration, making breathing exercises an essential tool for unblocking stagnation, regulating emotions, and restoring internal harmony. Gentle breathwork practices help soothe the Liver, tonify the Spleen, and calm the Shen (mind/spirit).

Key Organ Systems Involved

1. Liver (Gan)
   • Ensures smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.
   • Most commonly involved in Qi stagnation—especially from emotional stress.
   • Associated with frustration, anger, and suppressed emotions.
2. Lungs (Fei)
   • Govern Qi and respiration.
   • Responsible for the intake and distribution of Qi through breath.
   • Weak Lung function leads to shallow breathing and worsens stagnation.
3. Spleen (Pi)
   • Transforms food into Qi and Blood.
   • A weak Spleen can cause Qi to be insufficient and sluggish.
   • Overthinking and worry weaken the Spleen.
4. Heart (Xin)
   • Houses the Shen (mind).
   • Emotional tension or Heart Fire can disturb mental clarity and breathing rhythm. 

Common TCM Patterns of Qi Stagnation

1. Liver Qi Stagnation
   • Symptoms: irritability, sighing, chest tightness, mood swings, PMS
   • Tongue: slightly red sides
   • Pulse: wiry
2. Lung Qi Constraint
   • Symptoms: shallow breathing, chest oppression, sadness, fatigue
   • Tongue: pale with thin white coat
   • Pulse: weak or tight
3. Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness
   • Symptoms: bloating, heaviness, brain fog, low energy
   • Tongue: pale, swollen with teeth marks
   • Pulse: soft or soggy
4. Liver Qi Invading the Stomach
   • Symptoms: stress-related digestive discomfort, acid reflux, nausea
   • Tongue: red sides, thin coat
   • Pulse: wiry

Treatment Principles in TCM

• Smooth the flow of Liver Qi
• Open and regulate Lung Qi through breath
• Strengthen Spleen Qi for stable transformation and transportation
• Calm the Shen and regulate emotions
• Harmonize Qi flow between the organs

Diet and Lifestyle Tips (TCM-Based)

Diet Tips

• To soothe Liver Qi: eat leafy greens, celery, peppermint, citrus peel (chen pi)
• To strengthen Lung Qi: include pears, white fungus, almonds, and warm soups
• To boost Spleen Qi: avoid raw and cold food, favor cooked grains, ginger, pumpkin
• Avoid: overeating, caffeine, alcohol, and greasy or overly spicy foods

Lifestyle Tips

• Practice daily breathwork, stretching, or gentle walking to move Qi
• Avoid emotional suppression—journaling and expression help release Qi
• Get enough sleep and rest to support Spleen and Liver
• Protect the chest and back from Wind and Cold, especially after breathwork

Daily Acupressure for Qi Stagnation

1. LV3 – Tai Chong (太冲)
   • Location: top of the foot, between the first and second toes
   • Function: moves Liver Qi, relieves emotional stress and chest tension
2. LI4 – He Gu (合谷)
   • Location: between thumb and index finger
   • Function: promotes circulation of Qi throughout the body
   • Note: avoid during pregnancy
3. CV17 – Shan Zhong (膻中)
   • Location: center of the chest, level with the nipples
   • Function: opens the chest, regulates Lung and Heart Qi
4. PC6 – Nei Guan (內關)
   • Location: 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons
   • Function: opens the chest, calms the Shen, regulates Qi
5. SP6 – San Yin Jiao (三陰交)
   • Location: 3 cun above the medial malleolus
   • Function: harmonizes Liver, Spleen, and Kidney, regulates Qi and emotions

Technique: Apply light-to-moderate pressure with your thumb for 1–2 minutes per point, breathing deeply throughout.

Breathing Exercise to Move Stagnant Qi

Name: Four-Gate Deep Liver Qi Flow

Instructions:

1. Posture: Sit comfortably with your back straight.
2. Inhale through your nose for a slow count of 4, expanding your belly.
3. Hold the breath gently for a count of 2.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6, releasing tension from your chest and shoulders.
5. As you breathe out, visualize stagnant Qi leaving your body.
6. Repeat for 5–10 minutes daily, ideally in the morning or early evening.
7. Combine with pressing LV3 and LI4 (the “Four Gates”) for maximum Qi movement.

TCM Treatment Recommendation

• Acupuncture therapy: using points like LV3, LI4, PC6, SP6, CV17 to regulate Qi and calm the Shen
• Cupping or Gua Sha: on the back or shoulders to release stagnation 

Conclusion

Qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns in TCM, especially in today’s fast-paced, emotionally demanding world. The breath is both a tool and a medicine in TCM—deep, mindful breathing is a natural and accessible way to restore Qi movement, soothe emotions, and bring the body back into harmony. Combined with acupressure, diet, and holistic lifestyle support, breathwork becomes a profound daily practice for healing and balance.

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Sources

1. Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. Elsevier, 2005. ISBN: 9780443074899
2. Deadman, Peter et al. A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications, 2007. ISBN: 0951054651
3. Chen, John K. & Chen, Tina T. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. Art of Medicine Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780974063504