Liver Blood Stagnation
Liver Blood Stagnation
Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Diagnostic Signs
Purple tongue or purple spots on sides.
Wiry (Xian)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Other Associated Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the dark and clotted menstrual blood and purple tongue.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Prolonged suppressed or overly expressed frustration, anger or resentment can largely disturb the normal Qi circulation and cause Qi Stagnation in the Liver, which then can develops to Liver Blood Stagnation.
Unhealthy diet rich in stimulants, drugs, fatty and oily foods, recreational drugs, alcohol, coffee, black tea can give to Liver Qi Stagnation, which then develops to Liver Blood Stagnation.
Overwork without sufficient rest over a long term can cause Liver Qi Stagnation, which may develop to Liver Blood Stagnation.
Pathological Mechanism
Liver Blood Stagnation usually develops from other patterns and Liver Qi Stagnation, Cold and Heat are the three most common ones. Sometimes Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency and Phlegm can also be the precursors.
Liver Qi Stagnation is the most common cause. If left unchecked for a while without being addressed properly, it eventually leads to stagnant Blood in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels. Both vessels have a great impact on the menstruation function in women. It can typically cause dark and clotted menstrual blood as well as menstrual cramps and irregular periods.
Pain caused by Liver Blood Stagnation is often sharp and stabbing. It usually fixed in one place in the abdomen or chest. Sometimes swelling or mass comes along as well. It usually happens to women, but occasional men can also experience pain due to Liver Blood Stagnation.
The Liver stores Blood and it manifests in the nails. Therefore Stagnant Liver Blood causes purple or darkness in patients' lips, tongue, face and nails. Sometimes there may be vomiting of Blood and epistaxis if the Liver Channel is blocked.
Liver Blood Stagnation shouldn't be taken lightly as it can potentially lead to very serious conditions such as coronary heart disease or stroke.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Smooth the Liver, move Qi and Blood, eliminate Stagnation.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Xiao Yao San
Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen, Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood, Alleviates pain
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Invigorates Blood, Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
Shi Xiao San
Invigorates Blood, Dispels Blood Stagnation
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Avoid hot, spicy, caffeinated, fried and greasy foods. Also avoid nuts and nut butters, avocados, cheese and dairy, chips of all kinds, turkey and red meats, alcohol.
Avoid drinks such as coffee, black tea, cocoa, colas and chocolate, drugs and stimulants.
Eat plenty of grains, legumes, vegetables and dark leafy greens, such as kale, collards, dandelion, mustard, beet and mustard greens. Lemon juice also helps decongest the Liver.
Try other therapies such as moxibustion, cupping over the back and breathing exercises.
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