Liver Qi Stagnation
Liver Qi Stagnation
Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Diagnostic Signs
Normal or slightly red on the sides
Wiry (Xian)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Other Associated Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the depression, moodiness and general feeling of distension, especially distention in the hypochondrium, chest, epigastrium or abdomen.
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.
Unhealthy diet rich in stimulants, drugs, fatty and oily foods, recreational drugs, alcohol, coffee, black tea can give to this pattern.
Overwork without sufficient rest over a long term can cause this pattern.
Pathological Mechanism
When Liver Qi does not flow smoothly or regularly, it becomes Stagnant and in Excess. This leads to Heat accumulating in the Liver. This affects not only the Liver, but other connected Organs as well as the Seven Emotions.
Liver Qi Stagnation is not only the most seen Liver disharmony, but also one of the most common TCM patterns in general.
The feeling of ‘Distension’ (zhang 胀) is the main symptom of Liver Qi Stagnation, especially distention in the hypochondrium, chest, epigastrium or abdomen. To describe this feeling, the term ‘bloating’ is also often used in English-speaking countries.
Emotionally speaking, patients are often depressed, moody and irritable. For women, they often have painful and irregular periods as well as premenstrual breasts distension. Wiry pulse can also be used to diagnose this pattern.
To treat Qi Stagnation, it is important to avoid using tonifying herbs as they create Excess and thus worsen Stagnation , like putting more cars to a bad traffic jam. Therefore, it is recommended to give herbs that Regulating Qi and Blood together with Herbs that clear Heat.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Smooth the Liver, invigorate Liver Qi
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Xiao Yao San
Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen, Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation, Tonifies Spleen
Yue Ju Wan
Promotes the movement of Qi, Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood, Alleviates pain
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Avoid fried and fatty foods, nuts and nut butters, avocados, cheese and dairy, chips of all kinds, turkey and red meats, alcohol, hot and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated foods, drugs and stimulants. Also avoid drinks such as coffee, black tea, cocoa and colas.
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 cupping over the back and breathing exercises.
Most importantly find a way to deal with negative emotions like anger, frustration, resentment, irritability, mood swings. It is better to express and release them instead of keeping them inside. Find a job or hobby that is enjoyable or fulfilling.
Avoid mental over-work, physical over-exertion or excessive sexual activity. Take proper rest after all these exercises or work. Try going to bed before 11 pm.
Try regular exercises such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong, swimming, dancing or walking in the nature.
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Pattern Relationships
Derives From
Qi StagnationCan Develop Into
Related Conditions
This pattern can manifest as: