Obstruction

Of Obstructions some come of abundance of Humors, and some from the Quality, as when they are gross or clammy: Blood-letting is the best remedy against those which come from plenty, and the use of attenuating things is best against those that come of Quality”. (Galen)

Obstruction is one of the primary causes of diseases upon which there is a whole School of thought. Obstruction refers to the blockage of fluid or humors, of Vital Spirit (Qi), or of Blood. In the Chinese Tradition, obstruction is of Qi or Blood. However, obstruction is usually complex, and often chronic.

“A new Obstruction is easily taken away, an old hardly”
“An Obstruction made by Humors, is worse than that which comes of Wind”. (The Practice of Physick, 1663)

“The Humors which stop with its thickness is chiefly Phlegm, which will easily grow gross and clammy. Melancholy is next, which by its coldness, thickness, and drossiness, may cause Obstructions: Also Blood may do the same by its quantity and thickness. And lastly, Choler [Bile] staying long in the Liver grows thick, and breeds dangerous Obstructions”. (The Practice of Physick, 1663)

Complex obstruction involves two or more of Heat, Cold, Damp, Phlegm, Dryness, Wind, Qi, and Blood. Often, in chronic conditions, a number of factors, even of opposite nature, are found together.

The main formulas for obstruction in the Western Tradition are based on those of Mesue. His formulas of Agrimony, Wormwood, Rhubarb and Lacca formed the basis in the treatment of Obstructions for centuries. They contained medicines to clear obstructions of Qi and Blood, and clear Phlegm and Heat.

TCM has a family of formulas which form the basis in the treatment of Qi obstruction; these are the ‘Chai Hu‘ formulas. The other main family for obstructions is the ‘Zhu Yu‘ formulas for Blood Stasis.

Special Formula: