The Five Stagnations are Qi, Blood, Fluid, Cold and Food. These are determined according to their location in the Triple Warmer or Three Jiao's. Even though the triple warmer in TCM has its own meridian and is regarded as an organ function, it refers to the coordination of several organs and physiological functions with each other. The Upper Warmer refers to all the organs and parts from the base of the sternum upwards; the Middle Warmer includes the organs and parts in the middle region from the navel to the base of the sternum; the Lower Warmer refers to all the organs and parts from the navel downwards. Interestingly, even though the physical location of the Liver would be in the Middle Warmer, it is actually considered a Lower Warmer organ.

According to TCM theory, any substance that is in excess or not moving is potentially toxic and injurious. Therefore, what the Five Stagnations are about is clearing toxicity. A basic strategy is to first clear toxicity and then, if necessary, give tonics. From this study, it may appear that toxins are all physical, but in fact, they are also mental or at least can be aggravated by emotional stress.

Abstinence of light fasting from food for many types of Stagnations as well as appropriate exercise, must always be considered an option. On the other hand, abstinence from emotional stress and meditation is, for some, another important stagnation clearing strategy. As for exercise, Qi Gong and yoga exercise combining conscious movement, breath and internal visualization is probably the best physical exercise for relieving stagnation.