What are the 10 signs of liver qi stagnation?
Nov 10, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, there is no recognized concept of "ten signs" of liver qi stagnation. Liver qi stagnation mainly presents with symptoms such as irregular menstruation, difficulty falling asleep, irritability, anger, poor appetite, dizziness, and blurred vision. If physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice and undergo treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. This condition is primarily treated with proprietary Chinese medicines, such as Xiaoyao Pills, Chaihu Shugan San, and Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills.
Generally speaking, there is no established concept of "ten signs of liver qi stagnation." The main manifestations of liver qi stagnation include irregular menstruation, difficulty falling asleep, irritability and anger, loss of appetite, dizziness, and vertigo. If physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice and receive treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Irregular menstruation: Liver qi stagnation can lead to poor circulation of qi and blood, causing blood stasis in the uterus and affecting the functions of the Conception Vessel and the Governing Vessel—two important meridians that regulate menstruation. Dysfunction of these meridians can lead to menstrual irregularities,表现为 menstrual cycle irregularity, excessive or scanty menstrual flow, abdominal pain during menstruation, and breast tenderness.
2. Difficulty falling asleep: Liver qi stagnation can cause restlessness of the mind, making it difficult for the mind to settle, thus affecting sleep. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the liver is believed to house the ethereal soul ("hun"), and unrest of the "hun" leads to disturbed sleep. Additionally, liver stagnation may impair the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to "stomach disharmony resulting in poor sleep," further aggravating the symptom of insomnia.
3. Irritability and quick to anger: Liver qi stagnation disrupts the smooth flow of qi, impairing emotional regulation. The liver governs the free course of qi and prefers smoothness and dislikes depression. When liver qi becomes stagnant, emotions tend to fluctuate, manifesting as irritability, anger, and emotional instability.
4. Loss of appetite: Liver qi stagnation affects the transforming and transporting functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to dysfunction in ascending and descending movements of qi, and reduced gastric intake. The spleen governs transformation and transportation, while the stomach governs reception and containment. Dysfunction of the spleen and stomach can result in loss of appetite, reduced food intake, and aversion to greasy foods.
5. Dizziness and vertigo: Liver qi stagnation causes poor circulation of qi and blood, preventing sufficient nourishment of the head and eyes, thus causing dizziness and vertigo. Moreover, liver stagnation may affect the dispersion of liver yang, leading to hyperactivity of liver yang, which further exacerbates symptoms of dizziness and vertigo.
Liver qi stagnation is primarily treated with Chinese patent medicines as directed by a physician, such as Xiaoyao Wan (Rambling Powder), Chaihu Shugan San (Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Powder), and Jiawei Xiaoyao Wan (Augmented Rambling Powder). Patients may also benefit from psychological counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy to help regulate emotions, relieve anxiety, and manage stress.
