Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
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Diagnostic Signs
Red with redder sides and dry yellow coating.
Wiry (Xian)
Diagnostic Considerations
The main characteristics symptoms for this pattern are the breathlessness, the asthma, the feeling of fullness of the hypochondrium, the headache and the Wiry pulse.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
An excessive consumption of hot-natured and greasy foods tends to create Heat in the Liver.
The emotions of anger, frustration and resentment affect the Liver in that they make Liver Qi stagnate which, after a long time, leads to Liver Fire.
Pathological Mechanism
The Liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi, which includes the normal descending of Lung Qi.
Liver-Qi Stagnation, which is necessary for this pattern to develop, causes the feeling of distension of the chest and hypochondrium. If it persists over a long period of time, it can turn into Liver Fire.
Fire, like a real fire, rises and therefore prevents Lung Qi from descending, resulting in the symptoms of breathlessness and asthma.
The rising of Liver Fire also causes headache, dizziness, red face, bloodshot eyes, thirst and a bitter taste in the mouth. If Fire enters the Blood, it creates Heat in the Blood and leads to characteristic bleeding symptoms such as the blood-tinged sputum.
The symptoms of scanty dark urine and constipation are because of Fire's hot nature which condenses the Body Fluids.
Within the Five Phases theory this pattern is described as Wood insulting Metal.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Clear the Liver, drain Fire, subdue Liver Qi, stimulate the descending of Lung Qi.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Avoid excessive intake of alcohol, drugs and caffeinated foods and drinks. Stay clear from hot-natured and greasy foods such as lamb and beef, chips of all kinds, nuts and nut butters, avocados and dairy foods.
It is extremely important in this pattern to find constructive and beneficial ways to express and release the pent up anger, frustration, irritability and resentment. Find work which is satisfying and enjoyable. Discover creative outlets and actively pursue them.
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