Spring Liver Support

As a qi gong teacher, the author of this article observes spring's influence on the liver organ and meridian in Chinese medicine, noting its crucial role in qi regulation. While Xiao Yao Wan is often considered for liver qi stagnation, the author, Craig Williams, LAc, AHG, finds it frequently overused for more nuanced presentations. He emphasizes that liver qi stagnation often intertwines with liver yin deficiency due to chronic stress. Consequently, he frequently uses the combination of Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan, which soothes liver qi, invigorates blood, and harmonizes the liver and spleen, and Yi Guan Jian, which nourishes liver yin and blood while soothing qi. Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan is effective for digestive and pain issues related to liver meridian imbalances, while Yi Guan Jian is valuable for chronic qi stagnation leading to yin deficiency, often manifesting as sleep disturbances and tight muscles. Beyond formulas, the author stresses the importance of "letting go" of negative emotions and incorporating stress-reduction practices like qi gong and joyful exercise to resolve liver qi stagnation at its root.