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The human body is governed by Qi. If the movement of a single breath ceases, the mechanisms of life stagnate; if continuity is interrupted even slightly, the distinction between heaven and earth (or the separation of life from death) becomes apparent. The reason Yin and Yang ascend and descend is Qi; the reason blood and vessels flow smoothly is also Qi. The reason Ying (Nutritive Qi) and Wei (Defensive Qi) circulate is Qi; the reason the Five Zang and Six Fu organs nourish and generate each other is also this Qi. When abundant, it fills; when deficient, it empties; when smooth, there is peace; when rebellious, disease arises. Is not Qi the very root of the human body? Humans have seven emotions, which give rise to seven types of Qi disorders. The "Seven Qi" refers either to Cold, Heat, Anger, Resentment, Joy, Worry, and Sorrow, or alternatively to Joy, Anger, Worry, Thought, Grief, Fright, and Fear; both interpretations are generally accepted. So, how should one begin to regulate these Qi? It is said: When Qi knots, Phlegm is produced; when Phlegm is excessive, Qi becomes more knotted. Therefore, regulating Qi must first involve resolving Phlegm. For example, in Qiqi Tang (Seven Qi Decoction), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) is used as the principal herb, assisted by Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), which is an excellent method. Moreover, cold generates cold Qi. Although regulating Qi involves resolving Phlegm, one cannot dispense with formulas that warm the Middle Jiao. The use of Cinnamon Twig within such formulas serves precisely to warm the Middle. Otherwise, if the Seven Qi interfere with each other, saliva and Phlegm condense like cotton wadding or membranes, or even obstruct the throat like a plum pit—unable to be coughed out or swallowed down. One may experience abdominal fullness and difficulty eating, or upper-body asthma and急促 breathing. These conditions are termed Ge Qi (Qi Obstruction), Qi Zhi (Qi Stagnation), Qi Mi (Qi Constipation), and Qi Zhong (Qi Stroke). They can lead to Wu Ji (Five Accumulations), Liu Ju (Six Gatherings), Hernia, Pi Masses, Jia Masses, heart and abdominal masses with pain, and attacks so severe they feel like impending death, affecting virtually every part of the body.

Cold Qi Syndrome results from raw and cold foods injuring the Spleen, wind-cold invading the Stomach, or deficiency-cold in the Blood Sea. Since cold generates cold Qi, one may use Heji Ju Qiqi Tang (Seven Qi Decoction from the Imperial Pharmacy), Zhizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction), Chenxiang Jiangqi Tang (Aucklandiae Descending Qi Decoction), or Dachencheng Wan (Great Aucklandia Pill).

Phlegm Knotting Syndrome can be treated with Sanyin Qiqi Tang (Three Causes Seven Qi Decoction), Zhimi Qiqi Tang (Pointing to the Maze Seven Qi Decoction), or Yijian Erchen Tang (Simplified Two-Chen Decoction).

Middle Fullness Syndrome, characterized by epigastric distension and loss of appetite, water retention causing edema, and swelling of the face and eyes, can be treated with Zhike San (Immature Bitter Orange Powder) added with Nanmuxiang (Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum), Daliuqi Yin (Great Flowing Qi Drink), Zhimi Qiqi Tang, Shunqi Muxiang San (Regulating Qi Aquilariae Powder), Sanhe San (Three Harmonizing Powder), or Wupi San (Five-Bark Powder) added with Banxia and Fuling (Poria).

Upper Qi Syndrome, characterized by rebellious Qi moving upward and rapid breathing, can be treated with Fenqi Zisu Tang (Separating Qi Perilla Leaf Decoction) or Suzi Jiangqi Tang (Perilla Seed Descending Qi Decoction). Alternatively, Suhexiang Wan (Styrax Pill) can be chewed and taken with Michuan Jiangqi Tang (Secret Transmission Descending Qi Decoction).

Qi Obstruction Syndrome, characterized by disharmony of Yin and Yang, obstruction in the Zhongwan region, symptoms of the Five Ge (Obstructions) including belching, and inability to swallow food, can be treated with Wuge Kuanzhong San (Five Ge Widening the Middle Powder) or Heji Ju Qiqi Tang added with Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix).

Qi Stagnation Syndrome manifests as distension if stagnant in the chest and diaphragm, edema if stagnant in the hands and feet, and dragging pain if stagnant in the waist. For distension, use Yixiang San (Fragrant Powder), Tiaoqi San (Regulating Qi Powder), or Chenxiang Jiangqi Tang, combined with Shenbao Wan (Divine Preservation Pill) or Pengjian Wan (Pengju Decoction Pill) to promote flow. For edema, use Sanhe San combined with Shengliao Wuling San (Raw Material Five-Ling Powder), or Wupi San added with Guizhi and swallowed with Qingmuxiang Wan (Green Aquilariae Pill), or Jufang Liuqi Yin (Bureau Formula Flowing Qi Drink) added with Chifuling (Red Poria) and Zhike. For lower back pain, use Yushanren Jiangqi Tang (Dr. Yu's Descending Qi Decoction), Jufang Qiqi Tang added with Juhe (Tangerine Seed) or La Gui (Spicy Cinnamon) decocted to moisten Tiaoqi San, followed by swallowing Qing'e Wan (Blue Jade Pill).

Qi Constipation Syndrome, characterized by retained food failing to digest, stagnation in the intestines and stomach, and constipation, can be treated with Suhexiang Wan combined with Yinggan Wan (Responsive Pill), or Yangshi Shexiang Wan (Yang's Camphor Pill), or Jufang Mahuan Wan (Bureau Formula Hemp Seed Pill), all taken with Zhike San.

Patients with Qi disorders often suffer from Qi failing to return to its origin, resulting in Qi Zhong (Qi Stroke). The presentation resembles Wind-Stroke: sudden collapse, coma, and locked jaw, but without Phlegm. This is called Qi Zhong and must not be mistakenly treated with wind-dispelling drugs or agents that open the collaterals and pores. First, prepare a soup with Ginger Juice and take Suhexiang Wan. Next, use Qiqi Tang or Daliuqi Yin added with Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma). Once the Qi flows and consciousness returns, use Zhizhong Tang added with Muxiang to harmonize the Middle and guide the Qi back to its normal pathway. If regulation fails further, Qi rebels leading to syncope, and complications may arise.

Wu Ji (Five Accumulations) are accumulations in the Five Zang organs and are difficult to treat; Liu Ju (Six Gatherings) are gatherings in the Six Fu organs and are easier to treat. Water accumulation forms Pi (masses); blood accumulation forms Zheng (fixed masses). Qi, blood, and fluid retention can all form lumps. In mild cases, Shenbao Wan is taken with Shexiang Tang (Camphor Decoction), or small doses of Pengjian Wan, Zhuangqi Awai Wan (Colliding Qi Asafoetida Pill), or Sanleng Jian Wan (Burreed Decoction Pill) are used. In severe cases, Ruyi Wan (Ruyi Pill) or Dingzhu Wan (Top Pearl Pill) are used according to judgment.

Another syndrome involves gurgling sounds in the abdomen and internal stagnation, without other discomfort. This is caused by Fluid Retention. Treatments include Xiaoyin Wan (Eliminating Fluids Pill), Beishu Wan (Double Curcuma Pill) [formulas see Fluid Retention category], or Erjiang Wan (Two Gingers Pill) taken in combination.

Humans possess the nature of blood, Qi, and mental awareness, but do not have constant sorrow, joy, anger, or happiness. Some women, who are typically willful, are easily injured by the Seven Emotions. If menstruation is delayed or absent, myriad diseases may arise. Qi fills the chest and diaphragm; nausea prevents eating; if food is ingested, Phlegm and saliva are vomited. There may be a mass like a nut obstructing the chest and throat causing pain; or a mass like an egg striking the epigastrium causing pain; or abdominal masses that move and cause pain, radiating to the lower back. Paroxysmal heat sensations, limb weakness, inability to walk, turbid white urine with floating oil, and continuous leukorrhea occur. The patient wastes away daily, resembling Deficiency Consumption. However, although solid food is rejected, the patient often desires boiled dates and dark plums. Banxia regulates Qi and resolves Phlegm; Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus) calms the fetus and regulates Qi; Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) opens obstructions in the chest and throat. Taking these will naturally bring peace. If harsh, warming agents are wrongly used to warm the Stomach, the fetal Qi will become disturbed, and the illness will not heal. Regarding turbid urine, avoid drying and astringent herbs; instead, modify Erchen Tang with Baifuling (White Poria) to administer Baixia Wan (White Turbidity Pill) [formula see Phlegm-Saliva category]. As for illnesses triggered by the Seven Emotions, rebellious Qi fills the chest. Not only does the "plum-pit" sensation block the throat, but severe cases attack with fullness and stifling distress, especially common postpartum. Hence, it is said: During pregnancy, calm the fetus; after delivery, regulate the Qi. (Men and women experiencing a "plum-pit" sensation in the chest or throat should avoid anger and consume cold-free diets.)