Pattern Full/Empty

Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation

Xīn Xuè Xū Jiān Gān Qì Yù Jié 心血虚兼肝气郁结
Affects: Liver Heart

Educational content Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic Signs

Causes & Pathology

Common Causes

Pathological Mechanism

This pattern is characterized by emotional disturbances primarily stemming from the Heart and Liver systems.

Heart Blood Deficiency in TCM is indicated by symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and dreaming of going far away. This condition suggests a lack of nourishment and stability for the Mind (Shen), housed in the Heart, leading to emotional and mental disturbances. The Blood Deficiency fails to anchor the ethereal and corporeal souls, causing feelings of disorientation and impulsiveness.

Liver Qi Stagnation is suggested by symptoms of emotional upheaval, including uncontrollable crying, manic behavior, or severe disorientation, especially relating to loss of self-control. The Liver, responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and emotions, when constrained, manifests as emotional irregularities and mood swings. Additionally, symptoms like yawning or deep sighing reflect the frustrated attempt of the yang to reintegrate with the body, a sign of the Liver's struggle to maintain harmony in the flow of Qi and emotions.

The condition is further exacerbated in cases of recent or recurring Blood loss, such as in postpartum women, where the loss of Blood further depletes Heart blood and disrupts Liver Qi.

In TCM, treatment for this pattern would focus on nourishing the Heart blood to stabilize the spirit and smooth the Liver Qi to ease emotional disturbances. This holistic approach would address both the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder.

Treatment Approach

Treatment Principle

Nourishes the Heart, calms the spirit, harmonizes the Middle Burner, and relaxes hypertonicity.

Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations

Anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, vivid dreams, mental disorientation, a pale complexion, and a thin, wiry pulse.

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Related TCM Concepts

Heart Blood Deficiency / Empty Liver Qi