CHA DATABASE:PATTERNS: Liver Qi Depression

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Liver Qi Depression

Pin Yin: gan qi yu
Symptoms:
Breast, epigastric, rib-side and/or lower abdominal distention and pain; frequent changes of severity and location; premenstrual breast distention and pain; "plum-pit Qi" (as if a lump stuck in throat), premenstrual or menstrual lower abdominal cramping, irritability, chest oppression, worsening of symptoms due to emotional stress or upsetment, emotional depression, frequent sighing, easily angered

If heat symptoms are prominent, Liver Qi Depression has transformed to Liver Depression Fire or Depressive Heat. The signs and symptoms of depressive heat include greater irritability, a dry mouth and throat, vexatious heat signs (add mu dan pi and zhi zi)

If Depressive Heat affects the Stomach or Heart, symptoms include Easy hunger and Restlessness and agitation, possible profuse dreams or poor sleep (add huang lian)

Signs:
Tongue Body: normal, or dusky, especially of lateral edges.
Tongue Coat: normal to thick. red with possible yellow fur and/or possible swollen edges if heat is present
Pulse: bowstring; taut.
Complexion, other: lumps[especially of neck region] palpable, temporary, may change location frequently.
Pattern derived from: Qi Stagnation.

Herbs:

--Regulate Qi

-- Quicken Blood, Transform Stasis
-Supplement Blood; especially herbs like Rx Angelicae Sinensis or Rx Paeoniae Lactiflorae, if used as buffers to moderate the harsh effects of other herbs.

Formulas:

-- Harmonize ShaoYang
-- Regulate and harmonize Liver and Spleen
-Promote movement of Qi (Melia Toosendan Powder; Galangal and Cyperus Pill; Top-Quality Lindera Powder; Warm the Liver Decoction; Tangerine Seed Pill)
-Direct Rebellious Qi Downward (Four-Milled Herb Decoction)

-- Quicken Blood, Transform Stasis and dispel Blood Stasis

NOTE: This pattern is often called Liver Qi Stagnation or Liver Qi Constraint in the medical literature; other Wiseman terms include Liver Depression, Liver Depression Qi Stagnation (chinese: gan yu qi zhi) or perhaps most commonly in Chinese as Binding Depression of Liver Qi.

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