Warm rain and clear winds break the frost, with willows and plum blossoms, spring feelings are stirring.Spring is the season of growth, making it the perfect time for liver care.According to the principles of TCM seasonal health, spring is the best time to nourish the liver.Spring corresponds to the Wood element, which is connected to liver Qi.Liver Qi stagnation is a common condition, especially among women.
So what is liver Qi stagnation?
It primarily refers to the abnormal function of the liver’s ability to regulate and disperse Qi, leading to emotional depression, fullness and pain in the chest and flanks or lower abdomen, irritability, and sighing.
Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
1. Low mood, frequent sighing, or irritability;
2. Body temperature fluctuations, cold hands and feet;
3. Chest tightness, headaches, pain in the chest, flanks, lower abdomen, breast tenderness, rib pain, and headaches;
4. Emotional sensitivity, suspicion, easily startled, and prone to insomnia;
5. Constipation, facial blemishes;
6. Bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, or a sensation of a lump in the throat;
7. Digestive issues, including decreased appetite, belching, abdominal bloating, loose stools, or diarrhea;
8. Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and in severe cases, amenorrhea;
9. Breast hyperplasia in women, thyroid nodules, etc.
Four Simple Tips for Liver Care
Liver Qi stagnation often arises from poor emotional health or external pathogenic factors.
How to regulate it? The core of regulation is two words: regulate Qi. The blockage needs to be cleared.These four simple and practical tips for liver care can help you get started.
1. Going to bed early is the best way to nourish the liver; sufficient liver blood is the foundation for regulating Qi.
2. Avoid all greasy and fried foods; keep your diet light, and try not to eat before bed.
3. Massage the liver meridian: Before bed, use your palm to massage from the thigh root to the knee for about 3 minutes; the liver meridian runs along the inner thigh.
4. Soak your feet and massage the soles. Foot soaking can accelerate Qi and blood circulation. For those who dislike massage, a simple method is to step on pebbles, stimulating acupoints and promoting Qi regulation.Dietary Therapy
1. Herbal tea substitutes: You can choose herbs that have liver-soothing and Qi-regulating effects as tea substitutes, such as Mei Hua (Rose) tea, Mo Li Hua (Jasmine) tea, He Huan Hua (Mimosa) tea, Lu E Mei (Green Plum) tea, Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) tea, Bō He (Mint) tea, and Fo Shou (Buddha’s Hand) tea for certain liver-soothing effects;
2. Ginger, Wu Mei (Black Plum), Da Zao (Jujube), and Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) tea: Ginger and jujube can regulate the spleen and stomach, Wu Mei is sour and sweet, nourishing Yin and entering the liver meridian, while Goji berries nourish blood and soften the liver. Brewing these ingredients together can nourish the liver.
3. Mo Li (Jasmine), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), and honey drink: 1g of jasmine, 1g of dried tangerine peel, steeped in hot water, and add an appropriate amount of honey can soothe the liver, regulate Qi, strengthen the spleen, and eliminate dampness.
Medication Treatment
If symptoms are severe and cannot be alleviated by emotional therapy or herbal tea therapy, medication treatment may be necessary. Commonly used TCM formulas include Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer), Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver), and Si Ni San (Frigid Extremities Powder).
It is best not to self-medicate; seek guidance from a physician who will diagnose and treat based on your condition.
Source: Xiqu Gastroenterology Department, Zhou Chuntao
