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Lecture on Liver Qi Stagnation in TCM

Jul 5, 2024

Lecture on Liver Qi Stagnation in TCM

Introduction

  • Presenter: Clara from AcuPro Academy
  • Topic: Liver Qi Stagnation
  • Goals: Discuss symptoms, consequences, root cause, and treatments including acupuncture points, formulas, and food.

Functions of the Liver in TCM

  • Qi Flow: Liver ensures proper flow of Qi, which impacts flexibility and ease of movements (tendons, ligaments, joints).
  • Eyes: Liver health reflected in eyes (red eyes, twitching).
  • Menstruation: Stores blood necessary for menstruation. Issues like scanty bleeding or cramping indicate liver dysfunction.
  • Nails: Liver health reflected in nail health (color, brittleness).
  • Vision & Goals: Controls planning and vision for personal and professional goals.

Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation

  • Physical: Tension in shoulders, neck, tight hip flexors, tight ankles.
  • PMS Symptoms: Increased symptoms before menstruation (breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings).
  • Mental/Emotional: Impatience, irritability, frustration.
  • Pulse: Wiry, mainly on the left side.
  • Tongue: Typically stays pink unless other patterns are present.

Root Causes

  • Stress: Main cause leading to tension and tightening in the body.
  • Lack of Movement: Sedentary lifestyle can lead to Qi stagnation.
  • Dietary Habits: Poor dietary habits can also contribute.

Consequences if Not Addressed

  1. Liver Yang Rising
    • Symptoms: Temporal headaches, red eyes, waking between 1-3 AM, warm feeling, irritability.
    • Tongue: Red sides.
    • Pulse: Wiry.
  2. Liver Fire
    • Symptoms: High blood pressure, red-bloodshot eyes, anger, constipation, bad taste in mouth.
    • Tongue: Red with dry yellow coat.
    • Pulse: Wiry and rapid.
  3. Liver Blood Stasis
    • Symptoms: Fixed pain (e.g. dysmenorrhea, stabbing headaches, shoulder pain).
    • Tongue: Purple.
    • Pulse: Wiry, choppy.
  4. Impact on Spleen/Stomach
    • Wood controls Earth; stress can lead to Spleen Qi Deficiency or Stomach Qi Rebellion.
    • Spleen Qi Deficiency: Poor appetite, loose stools, IBS.
    • Stomach Qi Rebellion: Nausea, acid reflux, bad breath, food cravings.
  5. Fluid Dampness & Phlegm Production
    • Excess body fluids can result from Qi not moving properly, leading to dampness or phlegm.

Treatment

Lifestyle and Patient Education

  • Emphasize stress management:
    • Practices: Yoga, Tai Chi, exercise, meditation, journaling, reading, walks, breathing exercises.

Acupuncture Points

  • Liver 3: Moves Qi.
  • Large Intestine 4 (LI4): Moves blood. Combined with Liver 3 forms the "Four Gates" to open Qi and blood flow.
  • Gallbladder 34: Good for joints, shoulder tension, and headaches.
  • Bladder 18: Back Shu point for Liver.
  • Liver 14: Front Mu point for Liver.
  • Spleen 6: Moves Liver Qi and strengthens Spleen (not during pregnancy).
  • Additional Points: Yin Tang, Shen Men for calming the mind.

Herbal Formulas

  1. Chai Hu Shu Gan San: Major formula for soothing Liver Qi.
  2. Xiao Yao San: For Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency.

Dietary Recommendations

  • Avoid large meals, aim for 80% fullness.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Include warm spices (e.g., marjoram, basil, lemongrass).
  • Incorporate easy-to-digest foods such as apple cider vinegar, sour foods (lemon, Granny Smith apples, raspberries).

Resources and Conclusion

  • Books: Clara offers three books on acupuncture points, TCM foundation, and treatments.
  • Website: Includes more resources, free content, courses, and treatment protocols.

Full transcript