Food stagnation

This is what happens when one eats too much, eats too fast, or doesn't chew food sufficiently.

Food congests the digestive tract, which blocks (stagnates) the normal flow of Qi, first in the digestive system, and then all over the body. It can be acute or chronic.

The consequences are vast and varied:

• chest pain

• stomach pain

• nausea

• constipation

• loose stool

• gas and bloating

• fatigue

• irritability

• anger

• foggy mind

• worry

• anxiety or dread

• restlessness

• difficulty falling asleep

• difficulty staying asleep

• vivid dreams

• hot flashes

• sweats

• headache

• sinus congestion

• jaw tension and/or pain

• bad breath

• pain anywhere

I don't always remember to do so, but I try to ask myself at the start of each meal, "Is it worth feeling any of these just to be able to eat lawlessly?"

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P.S. Food stagnation can also happen when one eats by the book, but does so while working, ruminating, or emotional.