Pattern Full/Empty

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Gān Fēng Nei Dòng - Gān Yáng Huà Fēng 肝风内动 - 肝阳化风
Affects: Liver

Educational content Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic Signs

Causes & Pathology

Common Causes

Pathological Mechanism

Liver Yang Rising can create Interior Wind if the condition is left unchecked for a long time. This pattern is normally seen among the elderly.

Liver Yang Rising has different symptoms based on what caused it in the first place. If caused by Liver Yin Deficiency the symptoms includes tremors, facial tics, severe dizziness, tinnitus, and headache. Use formula like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Qi Ju Di Huang Wan.

If by Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency the symptoms will be the same as for Liver Yin Deficiency with the addition of backache, scanty urination and night sweats. Use formula such as Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang.

Lastly if caused by Liver Blood Deficiency the symptoms will be similar to Liver Yin Deficiency without the facial tics and with the addition of insomnia. Use formulas like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang.

Many factors can result in this pattern, emotional stress and diet are the two most dominant reasons. Other causes include excessive exercises and sexual activities, prolonged physical exertion and chronic menorrhagia.

Treatment Approach

Treatment Principle

subdue Liver Yang, extinguish Wind, nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, nourish Liver Blood

Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations

Eat a simple diet of legumes, grains, cooked vegetables and greens. The foods that decongest and help the Liver include vegetables, bitter foods and dark leafy greens, such as kale, collards, dandelion, mustard, beet and mustard greens. Lemons also clear Heat and congestion from the Liver.

Avoid foods which are raw and cold, fried and greasy, hot and spicy and any caffeinated drinks including coffee, black tea, cocoa colas. Also avoid chips of all kinds, turkey and red meats, chocolate, nuts and nut butters, avocados, cheese and dairy, alcohol, drugs  and stimulants.

Try other therapies such as meditation or contemplation.

Pay a lot of attention to get good and sufficient rest and sleeping.

Deal with mental stress. Find a solution to express these emotional issues instead of keeping them inside.

As for exercise, gentle stretches are helpful, such as Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. You should avoid strenuous exercise and exertion.