Yes, today we are going to discuss Liver Qi stagnation. Why? Because in the comments section, many friends have reported issues such as insomnia with vivid dreams, constipation, abdominal distension, and even a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, all of which are often linked to Liver Qi stagnation during diagnosis.

So today we will talk about Liver Qi stagnation. We won’t delve into the causes and processes of this condition, as that is not of much interest to everyone.

What are the 4 Symptoms Caused by Liver Qi Stagnation?

1. Affects Blood Circulation and Fluid Metabolism

When Liver Qi is stagnant, blood circulation becomes obstructed, leading to blood stasis. Over time, this stasis can develop into “zheng ji” (pathological masses), similar to uterine fibroids in Western medicine.

Women may experience issues such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea.

Qi stagnation can also lead to metabolic disorders of fluids, resulting in pathological products like damp phlegm, which can manifest as limb edema, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, or goiter (similar to thyroid nodules in Western medicine).

2. Affects Spleen and Stomach Function

When the Liver’s ability to disperse Qi is impaired, it can disrupt the Spleen’s function, a condition known as “Liver-Spleen disharmony.” Simply put: in the first round, the overactive Liver overwhelms the Spleen! Symptoms may include fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, abdominal distension and pain, diarrhea, and borborygmi (gurgling sounds in the intestines).

Liver Qi stagnation can also affect the Stomach, referred to as “Liver Qi invading the Stomach” or “Liver-Stomach disharmony.” In the second round, the overactive Liver also overwhelms its companion, the Stomach!

This leads to impaired functions of food intake and digestion in the Stomach, resulting in symptoms such as belching, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, fullness and pain in the chest and abdomen, and loss of appetite.

3. Affects Bile Excretion

If the Liver’s ability to disperse is impaired, such as in cases of Liver Qi stagnation or Liver Qi rebellion, it can lead to bile stagnation, affecting the digestion and absorption of food. The Liver becomes trapped, unable to fulfill its role of regulating bile secretion.

Symptoms may include decreased appetite, bitter taste in the mouth, jaundice, aversion to greasy foods, abdominal distension, and pain. Prolonged bile stagnation can lead to the formation of gallstones.

4. Affects Emotions

When Liver Qi is stagnant, it can lead to feelings of depression, sadness, and anxiety. If Liver Qi stagnation transforms into heat, it is like continuously increasing pressure in a pressure cooker; the more Qi accumulates, the higher the temperature, often resulting in irritability, anger, excitement, insomnia, and vivid dreams.

Thus, smooth Liver Qi is a necessary condition for happiness! Additionally, our mindset is within our control, and managing our emotions is key to maintaining a good mood every day!

What to Do About Liver Qi Stagnation?

1. Si Ni San (Four Reverse Powder)

This formula disperses stagnant heat and regulates the Liver and Spleen. It is used for symptoms such as cold extremities, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Originating from the “Shang Han Lun” (Treatise on Cold Damage), it is a foundational formula for improving Liver-Spleen Qi stagnation.

2. Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pill)

This formula soothes the Liver, strengthens the Spleen, nourishes the blood, and regulates menstruation. It is used for symptoms caused by Liver Qi stagnation and Spleen deficiency, such as discomfort, chest and hypochondrium pain, dizziness, decreased appetite, and menstrual irregularities. For those with internal heat and thirst, a modified version of Xiao Yao Wan is recommended; if there are no obvious signs of internal heat, the standard Xiao Yao Wan can be used.

3. Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan (Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Pill)

This formula soothes the Liver, regulates Qi, and alleviates distension and pain. It is used for symptoms of Liver Qi stagnation, such as chest and hypochondrium fullness, food stagnation, and vomiting of sour fluids.

4. Zuo Jin Wan (Left Metal Pill)

This formula is suitable for symptoms of acid reflux, vomiting, and bitter taste caused by anger, with a tongue that is typically red and has a yellow coating.

5. Yue Ju Bao He Wan (Yue Ju Digestive Pill)

The main function of Yue Ju Bao He Wan is to soothe the Liver, relieve stagnation, and promote digestion. It is suitable for those with symptoms of indigestion, chest tightness, belching, diarrhea, and vomiting. Clinically, it is also used to improve stomach pain and pain in the flanks.

Reflections

The impact of Liver Qi stagnation is not limited to women; it can cause many issues that cannot be generalized.

Many people may wonder if they can directly use the five methods provided in the article for their symptoms. I would like to emphasize: are you sure you can consider all four diagnostic methods?

Additionally, symptoms such as constipation, insomnia, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, abdominal distension, and vivid dreams are just one of the roots of the problem; therefore, I recommend everyone to first conduct a proper diagnosis.

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