Although autumn is the “main stage” for lung nourishment, liver care should not be overlooked, as symptoms often become more pronounced for those with liver qi stagnation in the fall.
What types of people are prone to liver qi stagnation?
Liver qi stagnation, as described in traditional Chinese medicine, refers to a state of poor emotional health, which is common among people in daily life.
Those with liver qi stagnation are often experiencing stress from work or life. It may also arise from an incomplete worldview, leading to unresolved issues or a sensitive personality that easily fixates on problems. In short, various factors can contribute to liver qi stagnation in the body.
Types of liver qi stagnation: liver qi stagnation and excessive liver fire
People with liver qi stagnation can generally be divided into two categories: one is liver qi stagnation and the other is excessive liver fire.
# Liver qi stagnation
This type of qi stagnation results in a state of gloominess and oppression within the body, characteristic of liver qi stagnation.
Such individuals often experience low spirits, tend to brood over issues alone, and may become increasingly negative.
Symptoms of liver qi stagnation
1. Irritability or depression
The most direct manifestation of liver qi stagnation is low mood, sensitivity in personality, frequent irritability, and easily losing temper, often accompanied by headaches, chest and side pains, abdominal bloating, and endocrine disorders.
2. Discomfort in the neck and throat
Since the liver meridian runs through the throat, liver qi stagnation can obstruct local qi flow, leading to a feeling of blockage in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and inability to cough, known in traditional Chinese medicine as “plum pit qi.” There may also be sensations of dryness and roughness in the mouth and throat. If qi stagnation persists, it can further affect the normal circulation of body fluids and blood, leading to phlegm and stasis trapped in the neck, resulting in lumps.
3. Breast diseases
The liver meridian runs along the sides of the body, and poor liver flow can lead to breast hyperplasia, nodules, and even breast cancer.
4. Digestive system diseases
In traditional Chinese medicine, “liver wood inversely restrains spleen earth,” meaning liver qi stagnation may trigger various spleen and stomach issues, such as decreased appetite, belching, abdominal distention, and diarrhea. Additionally, there may be a rising stomach qi sensation, resulting in burping, acid reflux, and even vomiting.
5. Menstrual issues in women
The regularity of menstruation in women is closely related to the liver’s ability to regulate. Liver qi stagnation can lead to symptoms such as short menstrual cycles, low menstrual flow, intermenstrual bleeding, dizziness during menstruation, and insomnia during menstruation.
6. Sleep problems
Insomnia caused by liver qi stagnation is often due to anger leading to poor liver flow, commonly manifested as difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreams, and easy waking. Additionally, due to poor sleep quality and deficiency in qi and blood, symptoms such as fatigue, rough skin, and a dull complexion may appear.
