Understanding and Treating Liver Qi Stagnation in TCM

Introduction

• Presenter: Clara from AcuPro Academy
• Content: Aimed at acupuncture students and practitioners to make Chinese Medicine easier and fun to learn

Key Points

Functions of the TCM Liver System

• Flow of Qi: Liver ensures better flow of Qi; crucial for tendons, ligaments, sinews, and joints
• Eyes: Reflects health (red eyes, eye twitching)
• Blood Storage: Important for menstruation in women
• Nails: Health clues (brittle, purple, pale nails)
• Vision and Goals: Liver governs vision and planning

Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation

• Tension: Shoulder, neck, hip flexors, and ankles
• Women: PMS, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings
• General Symptoms: Impatience, irritability
• Diagnosis: Wiry pulse, particularly on the left side; tongue remains pink

Root Causes

• Primary: Stress (major root cause)
• Secondary: Lack of movement, poor exercise habits

Consequences if Untreated

1. Liver Yang Rising
   • Symptoms: Temporal headaches, red eyes, nighttime waking (1-3 AM), red tongue sides, feeling warmer, irritability, anger
   • Pulse: Wiry and rapid
2. Liver Fire
   • Advanced symptoms: High blood pressure, red bloodshot eyes, constipation, bitter taste, dry yellow tongue coat
3. Liver Blood Stasis
   • Fixed pain: Dysmenorrhea, shoulder knots, stabbing headaches
   • Tongue: Purple
   • Pulse: Wiry, choppy
4. Deficiency Impact: Affects spleen and stomach, leading to:
   • Spleen: Qi deficiency, loss of appetite, loose stools, fatigue
   • Stomach: Qi rebelling, nausea, acid reflux
5. Excess Fluid: Phlegm and dampness buildup due to stagnation

Treatment and Management

Acupuncture Points

• Liver 3: Moves Qi
• Large Intestine 4 (LI4): Moves blood
• Gallbladder 34 (GB34): Relaxes joints, relieves tension
• Bladder 18 and Ren 14: Back Shu points
• Spleen 6: Moves Liver Qi and strengthens Spleen
• Additional Points: Yin Tang and Shen Men for stress relief

Herbal Formulas

• Chai Hu Shu Gan San: Soothes liver, relieves stress
• Xiao Yao San: For Liver Qi stagnation overacting on spleen, creating spleen deficiency

Dietary Recommendations

• Moderation: Eat to 80% fullness
• Avoid Alcohol: Prevents excess heat in the liver
• Warm Ingredients: Marjoram, basil, lemongrass (not too hot)
• Sour Foods: Apple cider vinegar, lemon, Granny Smith apples, raspberries

Importance of Patient Education

• Stress Management: Encourage activities to reduce stress (Yoga, Tai Chi, exercise, meditation, etc.)
• Breathing Exercises: Emphasize calming practices

Conclusion

• Liver Qi stagnation is common and treatable with Chinese Medicine
• Should be addressed early to prevent severe consequences
• Ongoing patient education and lifestyle changes are crucial for effective treatment and long-term health
• For more resources, visit AcuPro Academy's website