Today, plum-pit qi is commonly diagnosed as laryngopharyngeal reflux, neurogenic pharyngitis, or globus pharyngis. While it is easy to focus solely on acid reflux, this condition is closely linked to complex interactions between the brain and nervous system, much like the qi stagnation described in Donguibogam.
First, stress directly impacts the autonomic nervous system. Prolonged stress excessively stimulates the sympathetic nerve, which increases gastric acid secretion and weakens the lower esophageal sphincter. The muscular barrier that normally remains shut to prevent stomach contents from backing up becomes loose. Consequently, small amounts of gastric acid or stomach contents travel up the esophagus, irritating the larynx and pharynx. Continued irritation causes the pharyngeal mucosa to swell and become inflamed, leading to a foreign body sensation in throat, hoarseness, and chronic cough.
Furthermore, the body relies on an essential connection known as the gut-brain axis. Emotional stress alters the gut microbial environment, which in turn affects inflammatory responses and neurotransmitter balance in the brain. More than 90 percent of serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter for mood regulation, is produced in the gut. Poor digestive health can heighten low mood and anxiety, and these negative emotions amplify the stress response, reinforcing a difficult cycle.
Neuroscience also highlights the role of esophageal hypersensitivity. Minor acid reflux or an esophageal motility disorder that might go unnoticed by most people can be perceived as an intense foreign body sensation or pain by someone sensitive to stress or anxiety. The brain processes these physical sensations with heightened reactivity, serving as a modern explanation for how the emotional tension Donguibogam described as blocked qi translates into physical symptoms. A throat that feels consistently constricted may not just reflect physical irritation, but a warning signal from the nervous system that the body needs rest. Rather than treating it merely as an isolated throat issue, it helps to pay attention to what your body and mind are experiencing.
