The liver is a very important organ in our body responsible for detoxification. When people frequently experience anger and depression, it can harm the liver. This leads to a condition known as gan yu qi zhi (肝郁气滞), which is a term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Today, we will explore what gan yu qi zhi is and what symptoms it presents.
Gan yu qi zhi primarily refers to the abnormal function of the liver’s ability to regulate and disperse qi, leading to a state of stagnation.
In TCM, it is believed that “the liver is a strong organ that prefers smoothness and dislikes stagnation; in terms of emotions, it is associated with anger.” This expresses that the liver is a strong and impulsive organ that thrives on calm and gentle emotions, and dislikes anger and depression.
How to Determine Liver Qi Stagnation
In TCM, it is said that all diseases arise from qi stagnation. Therefore, only by resolving the issue of liver qi stagnation can women reduce their illnesses or even avoid them altogether.
1Causes of Liver Qi Stagnation
Several factors can lead to liver qi stagnation:
Family disharmony: Frequent arguments between spouses or tense relationships with in-laws can lead to liver qi not being smooth.
Social pressure: For example, older unmarried women often face pressure from parents, relatives, and colleagues regarding marriage, along with societal criticism of their situation, which can create significant stress and lead to liver qi stagnation.
Work pressure: In modern workplaces, there is no gender preference, and women face unprecedented pressure, especially white-collar women who are pulled between family and career, leading to widespread liver qi stagnation.
Poor self-regulation: Many women struggle to cope with issues, often fixating on the negative aspects of life and work, which can lead to liver qi stagnation.
2Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
One manifestation is qi stagnation, which means that qi is trapped in the body, leading to feelings of depression and oppression, commonly described as feeling “stifled” or “angry inside.” This is a typical sign of liver qi stagnation. Prolonged liver qi stagnation can lead to heat accumulation, resulting in excessive liver fire and irritability. Some individuals may sigh frequently, feel unhappy, and risk developing serious illnesses due to self-neglect; others may become impulsive and easily angered, causing distress to themselves and others.
Many women report that they are aware of their poor health and wish to take blood-nourishing supplements, but they often experience mouth ulcers or insomnia after taking them. Some believe this is due to “deficiency not receiving nourishment,” but these issues are often caused by liver fire blocking the absorption of nutrients.
The dangers of liver qi stagnation are significant and beyond imagination; it can lead to blood stasis, weak temper, dampness accumulation, and even yin deficiency with yang excess… In summary, the “crimes” of liver qi stagnation are numerous.
Today, many people suffer from liver qi stagnation, especially women who juggle family responsibilities, career demands, child-rearing, and filial duties, making it difficult to avoid liver qi stagnation.
How to Determine if You Have Liver Qi Stagnation
To diagnose, one must look for evidence, and self-diagnosis is no different. The most critical evidence for liver qi stagnation can be found on the tongue. Generally, a person’s tongue is oval-shaped, while those with liver qi stagnation have a pointed tongue, often with a red tip and edges—this is a key clue for liver qi stagnation.
Of course, to confirm liver qi stagnation, you will need the following “evidence”:
Bitter mouth: Many women report a bitter taste in their mouth, especially upon waking.
Dry throat: A feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat, as if there is no saliva, although some may still have visible saliva on their tongue.
Feeling of obstruction in the throat: A sensation of something stuck in the throat, like a hawthorn seed, which cannot be coughed up or swallowed, known as “mei he qi” (梅核气).
Dizziness: Some women frequently experience dizziness, either all day or in sudden episodes, and some may also have headaches.
Poor appetite: “Liver wood counteracts spleen earth,” so liver qi stagnation can lead to various spleen and stomach issues, such as lack of appetite, bloating, and stomach pain.
Body temperature fluctuations: Feeling hot when dressed and cold when undressed, or feeling hot in a warm room and cold outside.
Irritability: Individuals with liver qi stagnation often feel irritable and easily angered.
Nausea: Due to “liver wood counteracting spleen earth,” leading to stomach qi rising, causing belching, acid reflux, or even vomiting.
Chest tightness: A feeling of tightness in the chest, sometimes diagnosed as heart issues. However, those with heart problems should first address liver qi stagnation if their tongue is pointed.
Rib pain: A persistent feeling of pain in the ribs.
Insomnia and vivid dreams: Insomnia can stem from either blood deficiency or liver qi stagnation. Vivid dreams are also a sign of liver qi stagnation, as such individuals often dream frequently upon falling asleep.
Low mood: Feelings of sadness and sensitivity to emotional stimuli.
Cold hands and feet: Many know that cold extremities can result from yang deficiency, blood deficiency, or blood stasis, but few recognize that liver qi stagnation can also cause cold hands and feet. If cold extremities accompany the above symptoms, consider the possibility of liver qi stagnation.
All of the above are criteria for diagnosing liver qi stagnation. If at least one or two symptoms match, and the tongue is pointed, it is likely liver qi stagnation. In fact, even without these symptoms, women can be aware of their emotional state, any distressing events, feelings of anger, and work-related stress… These are things that individuals know best, so the true diagnostic standard for liver qi stagnation lies within oneself.
Four Chinese Patent Medicines to Improve Liver Qi Stagnation
Women with liver qi stagnation should undergo TCM diagnosis and take herbal remedies. Here are some recommended Chinese patent medicines.
1Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pill)
The main ingredients are Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Bai Shao (White Peony), Bo He (Peppermint), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Chao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice), Fu Ling (Poria), and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger). Among these, Chai Hu and Bo He help regulate qi, while Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish blood and regulate menstruation.
This patent medicine has the effects of soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, and regulating menstruation, and can treat breast swelling, lack of appetite, depression, and menstrual irregularities caused by liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency.
2Shu Gan Wan (Liver Soothing Pill)
This patent medicine is very effective for treating liver qi stagnation, with main ingredients including Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis), Chuan Lian Zi (Melia Fruit), Pian Jiang Huang (Turmeric), Chen Xiang (Agarwood), Mu Xiang (Saussurea), Sha Ren (Amomum), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange), Dou Kou Ren (Cardamom), Bai Shao, Fu Ling, Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), and Zhu Sha (Cinnabar).
Main effects: Soothing the liver and stomach, regulating qi, and alleviating pain. It can relieve stomach pain, chest tightness, and belching caused by liver qi stagnation.
3Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan (Bupleurum Liver Soothing Pill)
The main ingredients include Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Chai Hu, Zhi Qiao (Fried Bitter Orange), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), Bai Shao, Chen Pi (Fried Tangerine Peel), and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice). This medicine has the effects of soothing the liver, regulating qi, invigorating blood, and alleviating pain, suitable for patients with liver qi stagnation who experience chest and rib pain, irritability, and restlessness.
4Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Wan (Gardenia Free and Easy Wanderer Pill)
This patent medicine adds Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Root) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia) to the original Xiao Yao Wan, which helps clear liver fire, regulate menstruation, and soothe the liver. It is suitable for women with liver qi stagnation who experience irritability, chest and rib pain, dry mouth, lack of appetite, hot flashes, early menstruation, menstrual irregularities, and breast swelling.
In addition to using medications, dietary adjustments can also be a good choice for regulating liver qi. When cooking, consider adding herbs that help regulate liver qi, such as Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Shan Zha (Hawthorn), Da Zao (Jujube), Fo Shou (Buddha’s Hand), Huang Qi (Astragalus), and Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries).
Additionally, vegetables and fruits like celery, bananas, radishes, and citrus can help clear liver fire and cool the liver and blood, and should be consumed regularly.
Cupping and Moxibustion for Regulating Liver Qi Stagnation
Regulating liver qi stagnation through moxibustion and cupping is highly effective. The specific acupoints for moxibustion and cupping are as follows:
1Tai Chong (Liver 3)
This point is located on the foot, in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones. Cupping followed by moxibustion at this point can help regulate qi, soothe the liver, invigorate blood, and promote smooth qi and blood flow.
2Qi Men (Liver 14)
This point is the front-mu point of the liver, located in the sixth intercostal space, four inches from the midline (directly below the nipple). Moxibustion at this point can help soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and invigorate blood. Cupping at this point, along with Gan Shu (Bladder 18) and Ge Shu (Bladder 17), can help soothe the liver, invigorate blood, and resolve stasis, primarily treating chest and rib pain. Rubbing the sides of the ribs with both hands can also help soothe the liver and relieve stagnation.
3Shan Zhong (Ren 17)
This point is located at the center of the chest, at the level of the fourth intercostal space (between the nipples). Cupping at this point can invigorate blood circulation, open the chest, regulate qi, and relieve cough and asthma. Even massaging this point can yield good results, alleviating symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, and vomiting. If there is no significant discomfort, leave the cupping for 5-10 minutes.
Generally, a course of treatment consists of 10 sessions, with cupping done every 5 days and moxibustion every other day. The color of the cupping marks reflects individual constitution and health status:
Dark purple marks indicate blood stasis;
Dark red marks indicate heat and more severe conditions;
Pale and slightly swollen marks with moisture indicate spleen yang deficiency leading to water retention;
Marks with clear patterns and enlarged pores indicate wind and dampness.
During cupping, one may feel local tightness, coolness, or swelling. If there is no significant discomfort, the cupping marks will naturally fade within 3 to 5 days without special treatment.
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