Field Guide
TCM — Liver Qi Stagnation
The Liver in TCM ensures the free flow of Qi and emotion. When Liver Qi is constrained — often by stress or suppressed emotion — symptoms shift with mood and cluster on the sides of the body.
The clinical picture
Symptoms, causes & labs
Common symptoms
- Sighing, lump-in-throat sensation
- Rib-side or chest tension
- PMS with irritability and breast tenderness
- Digestive symptoms that flare with stress
Possible root causes
- Chronic stress, unexpressed anger or grief
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Alcohol and greasy food excess
Labs a practitioner may consider
- TCM pulse and tongue diagnosis
- LFTs, sex hormone panel (as Western correlates)
Is this pattern showing up in your body?
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Medical disclaimer
This page is educational only. It is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not self-treat based on the information here. If you have symptoms, consult a licensed healthcare professional.