32: Liver Qi Stagnation in Chinese Medicine (including treatments!)

32: Liver Qi Stagnation in Chinese medicine: symptoms, causes, acupuncture, food and more! (Podcast)

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🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Chinese Medicine Treatments Made Easy Book

Show Notes

Today, we’re discussing Liver Qi Stagnation and the Liver system as a whole in TCM. My teacher back in school used to say, “If you don’t understand something or you can’t grasp why, go back to foundation.” The liver’s primary role is to ensure the smooth flow of Qi. Better liver function leads to better Qi flow, making us more supple and easy-moving. This function also extends to the tendons, ligaments, sinews, and joints, which is why tight joints often indicate liver issues.

Liver Qi Stagnation Symptoms 😒

The symptoms of Liver Qi stagnation can often be subtle but noticeable if you know what to look for:

Tension: Shoulder tension, neck tension, tight hip flexors, and tight ankles.
PMS: Breast tenderness, more bloating, mood swings, clumsiness, and irritability.
Emotional Symptoms: Impatience, irritability, stress, frustration, and usually a wiry pulse on the left side

Root Causes 🫚

Stress is the primary root cause of Liver Qi stagnation. It tightens the body and can even result in clenching the jaw during sleep. Lack of movement is another significant cause, often seen in individuals who sit in front of a computer all day.

Consequences of Ignoring Liver Qi Stagnation ⚠️

Failing to address Liver Qi stagnation can lead to various complications:

Liver Yang Rising: Includes symptoms like temporal headaches, red eyes, waking up at night, feeling warmer and more irritable.
Liver Fire: Characterized by high blood pressure, constant red eyes, and an inability to fall back asleep when waking up at night.
Liver Blood Stasis: This leads to more severe conditions like intense pain, dysmenorrhea, and a purple tongue.

Deficiency Conditions Liver Qi stagnation can also lead to other deficiency conditions by over-acting on the spleen and stomach:

Spleen Qi Deficiency: Symptoms include loss of appetite and loose stools, often seen with IBS-like symptoms.
Stomach Qi Rebelling: This includes symptoms such as constant nausea, acid reflux, and bad breath.

Excess Fluids Excess fluids like phlegm and dampness can also accumulate due to Liver Qi stagnation, making it crucial to address this imbalance promptly.

Treating Liver Qi Stagnation ❤️‍🩹

Patient Education On Stress Management

Patients should find ways to effectively manage stress through activities like yoga, tai chi, exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time with family and pets.
Encourage daily routines that allow for relaxation and stress relief.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an excellent treatment for Liver Qi stagnation, helping to transition the patient from a sympathetic (fight or flight) state to a parasympathetic (rest and recover) state.
Key acupuncture points include Liver 3 (combined with Large Intestine 4, collectively known as the Four Gates) and Gallbladder 34.

Herbal Formulas

Chai Hu Shugan San: A soothing liver powder aimed at relaxing and calming the liver.
Xiao Yao San: A commonly used formula for Liver Qi stagnation that also addresses spleen deficiency.

Dietary Recommendations

Consume meals that make you feel 80% full instead of overeating.
Avoid alcohol as it exacerbates liver conditions.
Add warming spices like marjoram and basil and consume liver-friendly foods like apple cider vinegar, lemons, Granny Smith apples, and raspberries.

Disclaimer

The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.