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【 Stress & Your Liver | Understanding Liver Qi Stagnation 】
When stress builds up, your liver feels the pressure too. In TCM, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi. But stress can disrupt this flow, causing ‘Liver Qi Stagnation.’ This can mean mood swings, headaches, and digestive trouble.
And when your liver’s energy is blocked, your immune system may struggle too. Swipe through to learn how stress affects liver function and what you can do to support your body.
Understanding Liver Qi Stagnation from TCM Perspective
「In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the "Liver" is not equivalent to the "liver" in Western medicine. TCM believes that the Liver's main functions include regulating Qi (vital energy), strategizing, storing blood, and regulating blood flow. The Liver governs the movement of Qi throughout the body, and Qi must flow smoothly and freely. Therefore, the greatest concern is "stagnation." "Liver Qi stagnation" refers to a dysfunction in the Liver's ability to regulate Qi, leading to disruptions in the smooth flow of Qi.
Liver Qi Stagnation is Closely Related to Emotions
In TCM, it is believed that the seven emotions—joy, anger, worry, overthinking, sadness, fear, and shock—primarily affect the flow of Qi. The regulation of these seven emotions is managed by the Liver. When the emotions are balanced and functioning smoothly, Liver Qi flows freely, and there is no stagnation. Conversely, frequent anger or emotional instability can disrupt Liver Qi, leading to Liver Qi stagnation, which in turn can further exacerbate emotional instability.
Liver Qi Imbalance Leading to Migraines
In TCM, the human body is believed to have a meridian system, which serves as the pathway for the circulation of Qi. Internal organs are connected to various parts of the body through these meridians. The location of migraines often corresponds to the Liver meridian and the closely related Gallbladder meridian. From a TCM perspective, migraines are associated with the Liver and Gallbladder, and are typically caused by Liver Qi stagnation, where the flow of Liver Qi becomes obstructed.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Digestive Disorders
TCM holds that "food intake is managed by the Stomach, while transformation and transportation are governed by the Spleen." However, the digestive process of the Spleen and Stomach requires the smooth functioning of the Liver and Gallbladder's regulatory activities. If Liver Qi becomes stagnant due to emotional distress or unresolved feelings, it can adversely affect the Spleen and Stomach, leading to digestive dysfunction.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Wellness Tips to Unblock Liver Qi
1.Emotional Regulation
Emotional Release｜Liver qi stagnation is often associated with emotional suppression. Venting emotions through reasonable means, such as talking to someone, crying, or exercising, can help release the stagnation.
Maintain Optimism｜In TCM, the liver is associated with emotional well-being. When liver qi is not flowing smoothly, it can affect one's mood, and vice versa. Anger is particularly harmful to the liver. To nourish the liver, it's essential to avoid anger, engage in activities you enjoy, and socialize with optimistic and humorous people. This helps maintain a positive mood and promotes the smooth flow of liver qi.
2.Dietary Adjustments
Wellness Tea｜Drinking Chrysanthemum and Wolfberry Tea or our Herbal Wellness Teas, such as 8.1 Digestiva, 10.1 Clarity, 10.2 Vitality, and 11.1 Serenity, can be beneficial.
Liver-Regulating Foods｜Eating foods that help regulate liver qi, such as goji berries, lotus seeds, lily bulbs, wheat winter, Buddha's hand melon, and tangerine peel, can promote the flow of liver qi and alleviate stagnation.
Green Foods｜Green foods nourish the liver, as green is associated with the liver meridian. It's recommended to consume plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Avoid Spicy and Greasy Foods｜Spicy, stimulating, fatty, and fried foods can burden the liver. It's best to avoid them.
3.Regular Routine
Consistent Sleep Schedule｜According to TCM, the liver's function is most active between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. It's important to follow a natural rhythm, ensuring adequate sleep and avoiding staying up late. The night is a crucial time for the body's repair processes, and good sleep habits support the smooth flow of liver qi.
Moderate Exercise｜TCM advocates moderate exercise, such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin. These gentle and rhythmic movements help harmonize the body's energy and enhance overall health. However, vigorous exercise before bedtime should be avoided.
4.Massage for Health
Liver Meridian Massage｜The Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin runs from the soles of the feet to the top of the head, regulating the body's energy flow. When emotions are not flowing smoothly, this meridian can become blocked. Massaging the liver meridian can help unblock these areas, awakening or enhancing the meridian's natural regulatory function and restoring balance and health.
Massage Method｜Sit on the bed with legs crossed, exposing the inner thighs. This area is prone to blockages and should be the focus of the massage. Place one hand on top of the other or use one hand to support the elbow of the other. Apply gentle pressure and push forward. Alternate between the left and right legs, aiming for a slight discomfort. You can also apply some moisturizing oil before massaging. Rest for 3 seconds after each push, and massage for 5 minutes daily.
Precautions｜After 11 p.m., the liver and gallbladder meridians enter a resting state, making it unsuitable for massage. It's also not recommended during menstruation or pregnancy.
Yemen Point Massage｜On the back of the hand, there is an important acupoint for reducing inflammation and fever called the Yemen Point. Located between the fourth and fifth fingers, near the bone of the fourth finger, this point can be tender when pressed. Massaging this point can help with symptoms such as dry eyes, red conjunctiva, dry throat, and mouth ulcers caused by staying up late or excessive anger.
Massage Method｜Use the pad of the index or middle finger to massage the Liquid Gate Point on the other hand for 3-5 minutes, twice daily (morning and evening), as a regular health practice.
Taichong Point Massage｜The Taichong Point is a key point on the Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin, located on the top of the foot, in the depression before the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones. This point is associated with the overall energy flow of the meridian. When pressed, it may feel painful, and its temperature or color may change, especially when one is angry. Regularly massaging this point can help regulate liver qi and nourish liver blood.
Massage Method｜Use the pad of the thumb or middle finger to massage the Taichong Point on the same side for 3-5 minutes, twice daily (morning and evening). You can massage both sides simultaneously.
Harness the power of traditional wisdom and modern science to nurture liver qi
Book a consultation with our TCM Wellness Consultants at Chong Kio. By blending the insights of traditional Chinese medicine with modern Western medical practices, we can tailor a unique dietary and wellness strategy aimed at enhancing your sleep quality on all fronts.
At Chongkio, we believe in lifestyle medicine's power to achieve optimal holistic health. Our selection of herbal remedies includes revitalizing herbal soups and calming herbal teas. Take advantage of our TCM wellness products, including chicken essence and the benefits of cordyceps.
Back
【 Stress & Your Liver | Understanding Liver Qi Stagnation 】
When stress builds up, your liver feels the pressure too. In TCM, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi. But stress can disrupt this flow, causing ‘Liver Qi Stagnation.’ This can mean mood swings, headaches, and digestive trouble.
And when your liver’s energy is blocked, your immune system may struggle too. Swipe through to learn how stress affects liver function and what you can do to support your body.
Understanding Liver Qi Stagnation from TCM Perspective
「In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the "Liver" is not equivalent to the "liver" in Western medicine. TCM believes that the Liver's main functions include regulating Qi (vital energy), strategizing, storing blood, and regulating blood flow. The Liver governs the movement of Qi throughout the body, and Qi must flow smoothly and freely. Therefore, the greatest concern is "stagnation." "Liver Qi stagnation" refers to a dysfunction in the Liver's ability to regulate Qi, leading to disruptions in the smooth flow of Qi.
Liver Qi Stagnation is Closely Related to Emotions
In TCM, it is believed that the seven emotions—joy, anger, worry, overthinking, sadness, fear, and shock—primarily affect the flow of Qi. The regulation of these seven emotions is managed by the Liver. When the emotions are balanced and functioning smoothly, Liver Qi flows freely, and there is no stagnation. Conversely, frequent anger or emotional instability can disrupt Liver Qi, leading to Liver Qi stagnation, which in turn can further exacerbate emotional instability.
Liver Qi Imbalance Leading to Migraines
In TCM, the human body is believed to have a meridian system, which serves as the pathway for the circulation of Qi. Internal organs are connected to various parts of the body through these meridians. The location of migraines often corresponds to the Liver meridian and the closely related Gallbladder meridian. From a TCM perspective, migraines are associated with the Liver and Gallbladder, and are typically caused by Liver Qi stagnation, where the flow of Liver Qi becomes obstructed.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Digestive Disorders
TCM holds that "food intake is managed by the Stomach, while transformation and transportation are governed by the Spleen." However, the digestive process of the Spleen and Stomach requires the smooth functioning of the Liver and Gallbladder's regulatory activities. If Liver Qi becomes stagnant due to emotional distress or unresolved feelings, it can adversely affect the Spleen and Stomach, leading to digestive dysfunction.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Wellness Tips to Unblock Liver Qi
1.Emotional Regulation
Emotional Release｜Liver qi stagnation is often associated with emotional suppression. Venting emotions through reasonable means, such as talking to someone, crying, or exercising, can help release the stagnation.
Maintain Optimism｜In TCM, the liver is associated with emotional well-being. When liver qi is not flowing smoothly, it can affect one's mood, and vice versa. Anger is particularly harmful to the liver. To nourish the liver, it's essential to avoid anger, engage in activities you enjoy, and socialize with optimistic and humorous people. This helps maintain a positive mood and promotes the smooth flow of liver qi.
2.Dietary Adjustments
Wellness Tea｜Drinking Chrysanthemum and Wolfberry Tea or our Herbal Wellness Teas, such as 8.1 Digestiva, 10.1 Clarity, 10.2 Vitality, and 11.1 Serenity, can be beneficial.
Liver-Regulating Foods｜Eating foods that help regulate liver qi, such as goji berries, lotus seeds, lily bulbs, wheat winter, Buddha's hand melon, and tangerine peel, can promote the flow of liver qi and alleviate stagnation.
Green Foods｜Green foods nourish the liver, as green is associated with the liver meridian. It's recommended to consume plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Avoid Spicy and Greasy Foods｜Spicy, stimulating, fatty, and fried foods can burden the liver. It's best to avoid them.
3.Regular Routine
Consistent Sleep Schedule｜According to TCM, the liver's function is most active between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. It's important to follow a natural rhythm, ensuring adequate sleep and avoiding staying up late. The night is a crucial time for the body's repair processes, and good sleep habits support the smooth flow of liver qi.
Moderate Exercise｜TCM advocates moderate exercise, such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin. These gentle and rhythmic movements help harmonize the body's energy and enhance overall health. However, vigorous exercise before bedtime should be avoided.
4.Massage for Health
Liver Meridian Massage｜The Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin runs from the soles of the feet to the top of the head, regulating the body's energy flow. When emotions are not flowing smoothly, this meridian can become blocked. Massaging the liver meridian can help unblock these areas, awakening or enhancing the meridian's natural regulatory function and restoring balance and health.
Massage Method｜Sit on the bed with legs crossed, exposing the inner thighs. This area is prone to blockages and should be the focus of the massage. Place one hand on top of the other or use one hand to support the elbow of the other. Apply gentle pressure and push forward. Alternate between the left and right legs, aiming for a slight discomfort. You can also apply some moisturizing oil before massaging. Rest for 3 seconds after each push, and massage for 5 minutes daily.
Precautions｜After 11 p.m., the liver and gallbladder meridians enter a resting state, making it unsuitable for massage. It's also not recommended during menstruation or pregnancy.
Yemen Point Massage｜On the back of the hand, there is an important acupoint for reducing inflammation and fever called the Yemen Point. Located between the fourth and fifth fingers, near the bone of the fourth finger, this point can be tender when pressed. Massaging this point can help with symptoms such as dry eyes, red conjunctiva, dry throat, and mouth ulcers caused by staying up late or excessive anger.
Massage Method｜Use the pad of the index or middle finger to massage the Liquid Gate Point on the other hand for 3-5 minutes, twice daily (morning and evening), as a regular health practice.
Taichong Point Massage｜The Taichong Point is a key point on the Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin, located on the top of the foot, in the depression before the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones. This point is associated with the overall energy flow of the meridian. When pressed, it may feel painful, and its temperature or color may change, especially when one is angry. Regularly massaging this point can help regulate liver qi and nourish liver blood.
Massage Method｜Use the pad of the thumb or middle finger to massage the Taichong Point on the same side for 3-5 minutes, twice daily (morning and evening). You can massage both sides simultaneously.
Harness the power of traditional wisdom and modern science to nurture liver qi
Book a consultation with our TCM Wellness Consultants at Chong Kio. By blending the insights of traditional Chinese medicine with modern Western medical practices, we can tailor a unique dietary and wellness strategy aimed at enhancing your sleep quality on all fronts.
At Chongkio, we believe in lifestyle medicine's power to achieve optimal holistic health. Our selection of herbal remedies includes revitalizing herbal soups and calming herbal teas. Take advantage of our TCM wellness products, including chicken essence and the benefits of cordyceps.
