Liver Qi Stagnation, also known as Liver Qi Depression, is clinically characterized by: mental depression, emotional instability, frequent sighing, chest fullness and discomfort, rib pain, pain in unspecified locations, abdominal fullness with belching, loss of appetite, irregular bowel movements, and in women, menstrual irregularities. The tongue is pale red with a thin greasy coating, and the pulse is wiry. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver has both broad and narrow definitions: The broad definition of the liver refers to the entire liver system, and from the holistic perspective of TCM, we should consider how to nourish the body. The narrow definition of the liver refers specifically to the liver organ itself. Characteristics and physiological functions of the broad definition of the liver: Characteristics: 1. **Mainly Ascending and Expanding**: The liver corresponds to the wood element in the Five Elements theory, akin to the energy of spring. In modern terms, as the external temperature gradually rises in spring, plants grow upwards and outwards, symbolizing vitality. Therefore, liver Qi corresponds to the energy of spring, which rises and disperses, representing endless vitality. 2. **The Liver Prefers Smooth Flow and Dislikes Depression**: Smooth flow means that all pathways are unobstructed. Consider a seed trapped under a stone; if it cannot grow upwards, it will grow sideways. This reflects the idea that emotional depression can obstruct the upward movement of liver Qi, causing it to disperse laterally, which can inhibit the function of the spleen, leading to symptoms such as abdominal fullness, belching, and loss of appetite. 3. **The Liver is a Rigid Organ**: The liver has strong and urgent physiological characteristics. The wood element is associated with flexibility and rigidity; trees in nature exhibit contrasting properties in different seasons. In winter, trees are easily broken, while in spring, they are more resilient. This illustrates the role of Yin and Yang, where dryness is Yang and moisture is Yin. The liver stores blood, and its rigidity can lead to issues if not balanced by the softness of blood. This is a significant factor in late-stage liver cancer diagnoses. Physiological Functions: 1. **The Liver Governs Smooth Flow**: This refers to the liver’s role in maintaining the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, ensuring that it is unobstructed and not stagnant. The dysfunction of the liver’s smooth flow can manifest in three main ways: Firstly, **Liver Qi Stagnation**: This is characterized by emotional depression, frequent sighing, and discomfort in the chest, ribs, and lower abdomen. Secondly, **Excessive Liver Qi**: Also known as Liver Yang Rising, this can lead to irritability, headaches, facial flushing, and discomfort in the chest and ribs. In severe cases, it can cause vomiting of blood or sudden fainting, particularly in patients with hypertension due to Liver Yang Rising. Thirdly, **Weak Liver Qi**: This results in insufficient smooth flow, leading to a series of symptoms such as emotional depression, timidity, fatigue, dizziness, and weak pulses. The physiological activities derived from the liver’s function of smooth flow include: 1. **Regulating Mental and Emotional States**: Emotional activities are responses of the organs to external stimuli, and balanced emotional activity is crucial for the smooth flow of Qi and harmonious blood circulation. Thus, TCM emphasizes the inseparability of physiological and psychological health. 2. **Coordinating Spleen and Stomach Functions**: The orderly ascent of the spleen and descent of the stomach is essential for the digestion and absorption of food. If liver Qi stagnates, it can disrupt this balance, leading to symptoms such as abdominal bloating and diarrhea. 3. **Promoting Bile Secretion**: Dysfunction in bile secretion can affect spleen and stomach functions, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite and abdominal bloating. 4. **Maintaining Blood Circulation**: The lungs govern Qi and assist the heart in circulating blood, while the liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi. If liver Qi stagnates, it can lead to blood stasis, resulting in menstrual irregularities and other symptoms. 5. **Regulating Body Fluids**: Qi promotes the distribution of body fluids. If liver Qi stagnates, it can lead to the accumulation of pathological products such as phlegm and dampness. 6. **Regulating Menstrual and Seminal Flow**: The liver’s smooth flow is essential for the regularity of menstruation in women and ejaculation in men. The discussion of liver blood storage highlights the liver’s role in nourishing the body and maintaining emotional balance. If liver Qi is stagnant, it can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders and emotional disturbances. In summary, regulation involves preventive measures to maintain health, while treatment focuses on alleviating existing ailments. For instance, engaging in outdoor activities can help alleviate depression by removing oneself from negative environments. If one cannot change their environment, they should focus on improving their physical condition to remain unaffected by external changes. The article concludes with a promise to share a method for soothing the liver and relieving stagnation in the next installment.
