Plum Pit Qi (Globus Sensation) — A Feeling of Something Stuck in the Throat

A foreign-body sensation you can neither swallow nor spit out

Plum pit qi (梅核氣) is a unique Korean medicine diagnosis describing a sensation in the throat as if a plum pit were lodged there. It corresponds to globus sensation in modern medicine. Endoscopic exams show no abnormalities, yet the feeling of catching when swallowing, throat tightness, or persistent phlegm continues.

Korean medicine diagnosis: qi stagnation with phlegm accumulation (氣鬱痰結)

Stress causes liver qi to stagnate, which in turn congeals fluids so that phlegm accumulates in the throat.

• Qi stagnation: stress → liver qi blocks at the throat → throat tightness
• Phlegm accumulation: stagnant qi disturbs fluid metabolism → phlegm gathers in the throat → sensation of something stuck

Treatment

• Banhahubak-tang (半夏厚朴湯): The signature formula for plum pit qi — pinellia clears phlegm, magnolia bark descends qi, and perilla leaf relieves liver qi stagnation
• Acupuncture: Tiantu (CV22) and Lianquan (CV23) restore qi flow in the throat; Taichong (LR3) and Hegu (LI4) release liver qi
• Auricular acupuncture: Treatment at the throat and liver points provides ongoing benefit

Plum pit qi vs. conditions to rule out

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux: acid reflux → worse after meals, worst in the morning
• Pharyngeal/laryngeal tumor: when accompanied by difficulty swallowing or weight loss, examination is mandatory
• Thyroid disease: if there is swelling or tenderness at the front of the neck, get a thyroid evaluation
• The above conditions must be ruled out before diagnosing plum pit qi