One of the functions of the Liver is to facilitate Liver-Qi Coursing, the free circulation of energy throughout the body. When this function fails, Qi stagnates in one or several areas of the body.
It can produce:
- Blood stasis: if Qi does not circulate well, it does not propel blood through some area and this stagnates.
- Heat/Fire.
- In the long term heat and fire can consume and condense fluids, damage Yin and create Phlegm.
- Accumulated masses: fibroids, cysts, fibromas, etc.
Symptoms
- Depression, melancholy, irritability, fluctuating mood.
- Oppression and distension of chest and abdomen.
- Frequent sighing.
- Pain and swelling of hypochondrium or epigastrium.
- Sensation of foreign body in throat, globus hystericus.
- Neck lymphadenopathy.
- Alternation of constipation-diarrhea.
- Tongue can be normal if of short duration. If longer duration can have red edges.
- Wiry pulse.
- In women: pain and swelling of chest premenstrual, painful menstruation, irregular, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhea, infertility
Causes
- Emotional stress related to: anger, repressed rage, resentment, worry, shame or guilt.
- Medications
- Liver-Blood deficiency
- Dampness or Phlegm hinder the circulation of Qi and Blood
Treatment
Drain the Liver and move stagnant Qi: