TCM Liver Excess/Full Patterns of Disharmony

Chart #1 in the series of TCM Liver Patterns of Disharmony.

Chart #2 will concentrate on TCM Liver Deficient/Empty Patterns of Disharmony.

𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿

• Time of day is 1 am to 3 am

• Paired with the Gallbladder

• Controls the sinews which include tendons, cartilage, and ligaments

• Manifests in the nails

• Fluid is tears

• Sound is shouting

• Climate is Wind

• Direction is East

• Taste is sour

• Season is Spring

• Sense is eyes

• Odor is rancid

• Emotion is anger

• Color is green

• Development is birth

• Movement is expansion

• Yin/Yang is lesser Yang

3 Herbs for Blood Stagnation

“Always treat a bruise because a bruise can turn to Bad Blood (Blood Stagnation) and Bad Blood can turn to cancer” - Matt Wood

All Blood Movers enter the Liver and/or Heart channels - which makes sense -  the Liver stores the Blood and the Heart pumps the Blood. Many also enter the Spleen channel which also makes sense, according to TCM the Spleen transforms food and drink into Blood and Qi (energy) and then transports it throughout the body. This is not to say that there aren’t other channels entered by different Blood moving herbs, as an example I included one that also enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels.

Mo Yao - Myrrh - Commiphora Molmol

• A resin used internally and externally

• Blood stasis affecting the uterus for uterine tumors, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and abdominal masses with pain 

• Pain from trauma, strikes and blows, falls and injuries - used as a liniment in a hit or jow formula massaged into a bruise or sore muscle

• Increases circulation throughout the body making it is useful for angina & joint pain

• Promotes healing of chronic sores due to its ability to generate flesh

• Additionally, an effective disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and astringent commonly used in cases of toothaches, gingivitis, bronchitis, and as a gargle for strep throat and laryngitis

• Effective for leaky gut, colitis, ileitis, gastritis, and gastric ulcers

Here is an article on myrrh & frankincense. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/myrrh.htm They are often used in combination for their synergistic strength.  Myrrh is a stronger Blood mover & breaks up Blood stasis whereas frankincense circulates Blood & is better at moving Qi

Chuan Xiong - Szechuan lovage root - Ligusticum wallichii

• Blood mover in arguably the most popular TCM Blood tonic formula - Si Wu Tang 

• Invigorates Blood and promotes the movement of Qi for any Blood stasis pattern

• Chest, flank and rib area pain

• Important herb in gynecology used for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, difficult labor or retained lochia, and menstrual cramps

• Its acrid flavor disperses both Qi stagnation and Wind in cases of spasms, headaches, dizziness,  Bi syndrome, as well as skin disorders

Tao Ren - Peach Seed Kernel - Prunus persica

• Toxic in doses of over 30 kernels for adults and 5-10 kernels for children

• Breaks up Blood stasis and has an affinity for the lower pelvic cavity due to its bitter taste and heavy nature making it useful for menstrual disorders such as endometriosis, amenorrhea, and postpartum abdominal pain

• Also enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels -with its moistening quality it is effective for constipation, moistening the skin, coughs, wheezing as well as Lung and Intestinal abscesses

As always before adding in any new herb speak with your Dr. or a qualified herbalist to make sure it is the right herb for you.

TCM Blood Patterns of Disharmony

Today’s chart is on Blood disharmonies. Some general symptoms are listed for each as well as organs that may be affected, possible pulses, helpful foods and other recommendations.

It is important to look at each individual as a whole rather than just a few symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to learn more please reach me through the ”Contact” tab to set up a free 15-minute call .

4 Herbs to Tonify the Kidneys

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the season of the Kidneys. The Kidneys are at their most vulnerable this time of year so it is the perfect time to nourish them. Here are four herbs to Tonify the Kidneys.

• Walnut - Especially good for cold and weak back and knees. Also good for frequent urination, coughs/wheezing that is worse with exertion, and constipation. Note that eating in excess may cause canker sores.

• Ashwagandha - Normalizes hormones including thyroid, testes, and adrenal glands. Also helps with anxiety, fatigue, muddled thinking, stress, low libido, lowers Blood sugar, insomnia, etc. A calming adaptogen. Note that it takes about a month to build up in your system so the effects of this herb won’t generally be noticed for a while.

• Fenugreek - Especially useful when there is coldness in the body from a weakness of the Kidneys such as abdominal coldness and pain, pain and cold sensations in the knees and feet. Also helpful for fevers, asthma, emphysema, hernial pain, nervous exhaustion, anemia, and pain in the testicles. Note that it should not be taken during pregnancy.

• Damiana - A Kidney tonic especially useful for decreased libido and impotence. Also used as an aphrodisiac. A nervine and mild antidepressant per David Winston it is useful for elderly people with mild depression. Note that this should not be taken during pregnancy.