Pattern Full

Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel

Hán Níng Gān Mài 寒凝肝脉
Affects: Liver

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Diagnostic Signs

Tongue

Pale and wet with a white coating

Pulse

Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Wiry (Xian)

Key Characteristic Symptoms

Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth Testicular pain Contraction of the scrotum Vertical headaches Feeling of cold Cold hands and feet Vomiting of clear fluids Shrinking of the vagina

Diagnostic Considerations

The key characteristic symptoms are the hypogastric pain that also gets reflected in the scrotum and testicules (or vagina for some women), the cold hands and feet and the Wiry-Deep-Slow Pulse.

Causes & Pathology

Common Causes

Invasion of Exterior Cold

Pathological Mechanism

This is caused by invasion of the Liver Channel by Cold, from the Exterior.

The Liver Channel flows around the genitalia and Cold contracts. This explains the pain and contraction in the scrotum (primarily) as well as the testicules/vagina.

Treatment Approach

Treatment Principle

Clear the Liver, expel Cold.

Recommended Herbal Formulas

Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations

Eat only cooked foods and absolutely nothing raw or Cold in energy or temperature. As such avoid rice, millet and other grains, legumes, winter squash, cooked vegetables and greens.

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Related TCM Concepts

Cold Liver Channel Liver