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In spring, the liver qi (肝气) rises, and while it is vigorous, it can also be unstable. Excessive rising of liver qi can lead to heat, while stagnation of liver qi can damage the liver. Therefore, soothing the liver in spring is of utmost importance.
For those who already have liver stagnation, the situation can worsen. When liver qi is stagnant and the flow of qi is obstructed, more problems can arise. The organs are interconnected; if one has issues, the others cannot remain unaffected. Thus, stagnation of liver qi impacts the entire body. Today, we will discuss the harms caused by unrelieved liver qi.
The liver is known as the “General’s Office” (将军之官), responsible for commanding and coordinating various physiological functions in the body. The liver stores blood (肝藏血) and governs the smooth flow of qi (肝主疏泄). When liver qi is not flowing smoothly, symptoms can be numerous and varied. Many times, what you perceive as strange ailments are actually caused by unrelieved liver qi.
Manifestations of Liver Qi Stagnation
1. The tongue is pointed, with red edges.
2. Bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, and sometimes dizziness.
3. Poor digestive system status, often with spleen and stomach issues, such as stomach pain, bloating, constipation, or even diarrhea.
4. Body temperature fluctuates between hot and cold.
5. Irritability, palpitations, chest tightness, sometimes with nausea, frequent belching, or even vomiting.
6. Painful areas in the ribs.
7. Insomnia with vivid dreams.
Next, let’s explore how liver qi stagnation affects the five organs.
Damage to the Liver
Liver qi stagnation is essentially an emotional issue. Constant feelings of depression and unhappiness can impair liver function. Anger and frustration can harm the liver, as the liver governs emotions (肝主情志), and fluctuations in emotions can affect the liver.
Liver Fire Attacking the Lungs
Since the liver belongs to the wood element and the lungs belong to the metal element, excessive liver fire can harm the lungs. Symptoms include coughing or coughing up blood, chest and rib pain, irritability, and signs of internal heat. Those with “liver fire attacking the lungs” may also experience insomnia, with some unable to sleep through the night, while others wake up very early.
Liver Fire Attacking the Stomach
As the liver belongs to wood and the spleen and stomach belong to earth, under normal circumstances, the liver’s ability to regulate can promote the spleen and stomach’s function. However, when the liver is depressed and fails to regulate, it can lead to symptoms such as lack of appetite, poor digestion, or bitter taste in the mouth, with a tender tongue and a thin, slightly rapid pulse.
Cardiovascular System
The heart belongs to fire, while the liver belongs to wood. If liver fire is excessive, it will inevitably affect the heart. Therefore, individuals with liver qi stagnation may experience palpitations and chest tightness. The liver stores blood, and stagnation can slow blood circulation, leading to symptoms of blood deficiency, such as insomnia and vivid dreams.
Renal System
The liver’s ability to regulate is essential for male ejaculation and female ovulation and menstruation. The coordination between the liver and kidneys is crucial for regulating these functions. If liver qi stagnation occurs, men may experience difficulties with ejaculation, while women may have delayed menstruation, reduced flow, or dysmenorrhea.
The liver is associated with tendons, manifests in the nails, connects to the eyes, is expressed through anger, and is linked to tears. The smooth flow of liver qi allows the qi of all organs to rise and fall appropriately, ensuring harmony of qi and blood, stability of the five organs, and continuous vitality.
In the past, it was only known that drinking alcohol harms the liver and that staying up late damages the liver. Now, it is important to realize that invisible emotions can also harm the liver and affect overall health. Therefore, maintaining a joyful mood, a peaceful mindset, and being unperturbed by praise or blame is also a form of health preservation. Reconcile with yourself, cultivate your character, and start by regulating your emotions.
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