For the qi depression constitution: let go of stress and loosen mind and body

A heavy mood from the morning, irritability that will not lift, no drive to speak of. You may have put it down to being weak, but in fact it may simply be that the circulation of qi has slowed. Chinese medicine holds that when the qi circulating through body and mind stalls through stress or suppressed feeling, signs of it appear in body and mind alike. When stalled qi shows up as a constitution, that is the qi depression constitution".

This article covers what marks out the qi depression constitution, how to look after yourself, and gentle yakuzen wisdom you can bring into everyday meals.

\ Know your type and look after yourself /
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What is the qi depression constitution?

Chinese medicine holds that qi, our energy, circulates through the body.
When that flow stalls through stress, tension or suppressed feeling, all sorts of trouble appears in body and mind. That is qi depression.

The organ most closely tied to it is the Liver (kan). The Liver regulates the circulation of qi and carries the balance of the emotions too. When it goes out of order, unsteady emotions, low mood, irregular periods and an unsettled autonomic nervous system come more easily.

Self-care for the qi depression constitution

1. Bring in aromatic ingredients to get qi circulating

Aroma has the power to move qi. When stress builds up, make a point of bringing in ingredients with a fresh, light aroma.

Ingredients to try:

• Citrus such as mandarin, yuzu and lemon
• Aromatic vegetables such as celery, coriander and basil
• Herbs such as shiso, shungiku and mint
• Vegetables with aroma and bite, such as onion, garlic and ginger

These are held to smooth the circulation of the Liver and lift the mood.

2. Let anger and what you bottle up out, well

People of the qi depression constitution tend to hold feelings in. It is common among perfectionists and people who take things seriously, who end up blaming themselves for not getting things right. What helps is deliberately making time to loosen up. A walk, deep breathing, music you love, a scent, a chat: any form will do.

Making a change of air into a habit is the first step in settling the flow of qi.

3. Start caring for it before stress reaches the body

Stalled qi brings trouble not only to the mind but to the body.

• No appetite, or eating too much
• A bloated stomach, constipation or diarrhoea that carries on
• Heavier period pain and PMS
• A gnawing stomach, a blocked feeling in the chest

These are signs that the circulation of qi has worsened. You may believe you are not feeling stressed, but the body is honest. Settle it with Yasai Yakuzen while it is still small.

Yasai Yakuzen for the qi depression constitution

Adding a little yakuzen thinking to vegetable-led meals makes a table that goes easy on stress and settles the mind.

Ingredients to try	What marks it out, and what it does
Mandarin, yuzu, lemon and other citrus	A fresh aroma moves qi and lightens the mood
Celery, coriander, basil and other aromatic vegetables	Their distinctive aroma smooths the Liver's circulation and softens heaviness of mind
Shiso, shungiku, mint and other herbs	Aroma and a cooling nature gently loosen stalled qi and irritability
Onion, garlic, ginger	A sharp aroma warms what has stalled inside and gets it moving
Citrus peel (chinpi)	Gets qi circulating and eases a troubled stomach and a blocked feeling in the chest
Herbal tea, fruit vinegar	Aroma settles the mood and sets the scene for time to relax

See all vegetables and their benefits

How to eat it:

• Add aromatic vegetables to miso soup or a broth
• Scatter citrus peel over a salad or a stir-fry
• Set the scene for time to relax with herbal tea or fruit vinegar

Simply getting qi circulating lightens both mind and body

The qi depression constitution is a state where the circulation of qi has stopped a little. That is not a bad thing. It is evidence that mind and body are signalling that they are a bit tired That is all.

. Which is exactly why, rather than pushing, you should loosen, unpick and eat a little more gently. Today's meal should sit quietly alongside your mind and body.

\ Recommended for the qi depression type /
▶ Check in more detail with the Yasai Yakuzen check