So what is liver qi stagnation?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), liver qi stagnation is believed to be a common pattern of disharmony that can affect the body especially in today’s society here in the U.S! According to TCM principles, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi/energy throughout the body and storing blood. When the liver qi becomes stagnant or blocked, it can have various effects on the body and mind.

Stagnant liver qi can affect the emotional and psychological health of an individual. This pattern is often associated with emotional imbalances. People with this pattern may experience irritability, mood swings, depression, or feelings of frustration and anger. They may also have difficulty making decisions or experience a sense of restlessness.

Additionally, stagnant liver qi can affect the digestive system. Symptoms may include abdominal distention, bloating, belching, and changes in appetite. Some individuals may also experience alternating diarrhea and constipation.

Unfortunately liver qi stagnation also commonly effects women’s health and the menstrual cycle. It may contribute to menstrual irregularities, such as painful or irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or mood swings associated with the menstrual cycle. Do you experience bad cramps, irritability, breast tenderness, or hormonal acne right before or at the start of your period? Just know, that this can be alleviated and you don’t have to live through a horrible week every single month!

One of the most common symptoms seen with stagnant liver qi is tension and tightness in the muscles especially of the shoulders. It’s common knowledge that when people get stressed out (liver qi stagnation) they tend to hold it in their shoulders or neck. This is not surprise! The neck and shoulder tension may result in headaches, pain, or generalized body aches.

As if muscle pain, menstrual issues, emotions, and digestive health wasn’t enough, liver qi stagnation also affects the sleep! Some people with this pattern may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep especially between 1am to 3am. Do you find yourself religiously waking during this time? **hint hint** you might have some liver qi stagnation! These patients may also have vivid or disturbing dreams and wake up feeling fatigued.

Lastly, liver qi stagnation can affect the flow of blood and energy to the skin and hair. This may contribute to various skin and hair issues such as acne, eczema, hives, or unexpected hair loss.

Liver qi stagnation can cause many different symptoms throughout the body. Maybe, you can start to see how many seemingly unrelated symptoms might actually be rooted in the same pattern! This is just a glimpse of how traditional Chinese medicine works and treats individually! Identifying these patterns are the basis for every single one of our treatments!