Excessive inactivity

Of the five forms of taxation damage described in the relevant pass of plain Plain Questions (素问 sù wèn), namely prolonged vision damages the blood; prolonged lying damages qì; prolonged sitting damages the flesh; prolonged standing damages the bones; and prolonged walking damages the sinews, prolonged lying and sitting constitute excessive inactivity rather than excessive activity. A lack of physical exertion can cause the qì and blood flow to become inhibited. Amongst the viscera, it most easily affects the spleen, slowing down digestion and affecting the production of qì and blood.

• Excessive inactivity affects digestion, causing distension and fullness in the stomach duct and abdomen, and reduced eating.
• When the source of qì and blood formation is affected, signs such as lack of physical strength, devitalized essence-spirit (lack of mental energy), heart palpitation at the slightest exertion, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating. The Plain Questions (素问 sù wèn) statement that prolonged lying damages qì refers precisely to this.
• Lack of exercise in patients who tend to overeat causes obesity.
• When right qì of the body is affected, patients tend to fall ill easily.
• Immobility in bed-ridden patients causes bedsores.

These arise in severe illness with severe qì and blood vacuity, which is locally exacerbated by constant pressure on the flesh that obstructs the flow of qì and blood, depriving the skin and flesh of nourishment.