The liver is a very important organ in our body for detoxification and cleansing. When people frequently experience anger and depression, it can harm the liver. This leads to a condition known as liver qi stagnation, which is a term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Today, we will explore what liver qi stagnation is and what symptoms it presents.
Liver qi stagnation primarily refers to the abnormal function of the liver’s ability to regulate and disperse qi, leading to a state of qi stagnation. TCM believes that: “the liver is a strong organ, it prefers smoothness and dislikes depression; in emotions, it manifests as anger.” This expresses that the liver is a strong and impulsive organ that thrives on calm and gentle emotions, and does not favor anger or depression.
Liver qi stagnation occurs due to the liver’s impaired ability to regulate qi, resulting in emotional depression. So, can TCM massage treat liver qi stagnation?
Acupoints for Liver Qi Stagnation Massage
Xingjian (行间)
Xingjian is an acupoint on the liver meridian, located on the lateral side of the foot, between the big toe and the second toe. It is a point that stimulates the liver meridian and helps to open it up. Massaging Xingjian is very helpful for soothing the liver and regulating qi, making it suitable for those with liver qi stagnation or excess liver fire. Women with a yellowish complexion often massage this point to improve their skin condition. For patients with liver disease, while massaging Xingjian cannot cure the disease, it can help to open the liver meridian, regulate qi and blood, and improve liver function, thus alleviating symptoms effectively.
Taichong (太冲)
Taichong is one of the important acupoints on the liver meridian, known as the source point of the liver. When a person is angry, the liver is also affected, and Taichong, as the source point of the liver meridian, will show some signals, such as changes in temperature or color, tenderness, and increased sensitivity to external stimuli, even abnormal tension in the soft tissues. Qi flows through the liver meridian, and the source point Taichong often regulates the overall qi and blood of this meridian, playing a role in controlling emotions.
Zusanli (足三里)
Since ancient times, Zusanli has been regarded by physicians as a major acupoint for health maintenance and wellness. The name “Zusanli” means it has effects on the “upper, middle, and lower” parts of the body. When there is discomfort in the abdominal area, the method of massaging Zusanli varies depending on the specific location. If there is discomfort in the stomach, press upwards on Zusanli, which is referred to as “upper regulation”; if there is discomfort in the middle of the abdomen, press inward, which is “middle regulation”; if there is discomfort in the lower abdomen, press downwards, which is “lower regulation”.
Sanyinjiao (三阴交)
Sanyinjiao, as the name suggests, is the acupoint where three yin meridians converge at the foot. It is a relatively special acupoint in the human body. It is special because the yin and yang meridians originally run parallel in the hands and feet, but the three yin meridians—spleen, liver, and kidney—cross at the ankle, which is the Sanyinjiao point.
Therefore, Sanyinjiao plays a prominent role in regulating the qi and blood of the liver, kidney, and spleen meridians. The spleen governs blood, the liver stores blood and regulates qi, and the kidney stores essence. Although Sanyinjiao is an acupoint on the spleen meridian, due to its special relationship with the other two meridians, massaging Sanyinjiao can not only strengthen the spleen and stomach but also invigorate liver blood and benefit kidney essence.
Image source: Internet
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