What are the symptoms of liver qi stagnation?

Mar 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, symptoms of liver qi stagnation include emotional disturbances, distension and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, loss of appetite, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, irregular menstruation, etc. It is important to maintain a cheerful mood in daily life and learn to relieve stress and regulate emotions through appropriate methods such as exercise and listening to music. Additionally, one should develop good living habits, maintain a regular作息 (schedule), avoid staying up late, ensure sufficient sleep, and support the body's normal circulation of qi and blood.

Generally, symptoms of liver qi stagnation include emotional disturbances, distension and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, loss of appetite, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, irregular menstruation, etc. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Emotional Disturbances

Since the liver governs free flow of qi and regulates emotional well-being, liver qi stagnation can lead to emotional discomfort and impaired regulation of emotional states. Patients often exhibit depression, anxiety, frequent sighing, and may also experience irritability and anger.

2. Distension and Pain in the Chest and Hypochondrium

The chest and hypochondrium are areas through which the liver meridian runs. When liver qi becomes stagnant, the circulation of qi and blood is impaired, leading to distension and pain in these areas. The pain is typically described as distending or shifting pain, varying in intensity, and may worsen during emotional fluctuations.

3. Loss of Appetite

In the theory of the Five Elements, wood (liver) over-controls earth (spleen). Liver qi stagnation can impair the transforming and transporting functions of the spleen and stomach, resulting in dysfunction of the脾胃 (spleen and stomach), causing symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and indigestion. Patients may lose interest in food and feel discomfort and fullness in the epigastric region after eating.

4. Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat

The liver governs the free coursing of qi and regulates systemic qi circulation. When liver qi stagnates, the flow of qi becomes obstructed and may combine with phlegm to form phlegm-qi stagnation, blocking the throat and causing a sensation of a foreign body. This manifests as a feeling of something stuck in the throat that cannot be swallowed or coughed out.

5. Irregular Menstruation

In women, liver qi stagnation can affect the Chong and Ren meridians, leading to menstrual irregularities. The menstrual flow may decrease or increase, the color may become dark, and blood clots may appear. Dysmenorrhea may also be present.

Daily recommendations include maintaining a cheerful mood, learning to relieve stress and regulate emotions through appropriate means such as exercise and listening to music. It is also important to develop good living habits, maintain regular作息 (作息 means作息 time or routine), avoid staying up late, ensure sufficient sleep, and support the body's normal circulation of qi and blood.

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Can Bupleurum be used to treat liver qi stagnation?

Bupleurum (Chai Hu) can be used to treat liver qi stagnation. It should be taken according to medical advice, and if any physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Bupleurum has the effects of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, regulating qi and harmonizing the stomach, and relieving depression to open the orifices. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, liver qi stagnation refers to emotional distress and impaired flow of qi and blood, often manifesting as anxiety, distending pain in the hypochondriac region, and other symptoms. Bupleurum is believed to soothe the liver and regulate qi, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms of liver qi stagnation.

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Why shouldn't people with liver qi stagnation drink Wen Dan Tang?

Generally speaking, the claim that individuals with liver qi stagnation should not take Wen Dan Tang (Warm Bile Decoction) is incorrect. People with liver qi stagnation can appropriately consume Wen Dan Tang. This herbal formula functions to warm the middle burner, regulate qi, harmonize the stomach, promote bile secretion, resolve phlegm, and relieve coughing. To some extent, it can help alleviate symptoms of liver qi stagnation. Moreover, liver qi stagnation typically does not lead to severe liver or kidney dysfunction, so taking Wen Dan Tang usually does not cause adverse reactions in those with liver qi stagnation.

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What Chinese patent medicine should be taken for liver qi stagnation?

Under normal circumstances, patients with liver qi stagnation can take over-the-counter traditional Chinese medicines such as Xiaoyao Pills, Chaihu Shugan Pills, Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills, Shugan Liqi Pills, and Yueju Pills to help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, individuals with liver qi stagnation should pay attention to emotional regulation, maintain a cheerful mood, follow a regular routine, and ensure adequate sleep, all of which are beneficial for soothing the liver and regulating qi. Moderate exercise also helps promote the circulation of qi and blood.

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What Are the 10 Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation?

Under normal circumstances, symptoms of liver qi stagnation include emotional depression, distension and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, irregular menstruation, insomnia with vivid dreams, poor appetite, etc. The specific content is as follows: 1. Emotional depression: Patients with liver qi stagnation often exhibit symptoms such as low mood and emotional depression. They may feel sad, helpless, lose interest in daily activities, and may even experience emotional problems such as anxiety and irritability.