Liver Patterns

Question 1

Key problem areas & symptoms of Liver patterns?

Answer 1

1. Motor issues
   - Nail issues
2. Eye/Vision issues
3. Headaches, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Syncope
4. GYN issues
5. Genital issues
6. Digestive issues
7. Chest Fullness & Costal Distention
8. Psycho-emotional

Question 2

Liver Qi Stagnation signs & symptoms?

Answer 2

MAIN:
• feelings of fullness or stuffiness in the chest, sides, or infracostal regions
• restricted breathing, frequent sighing or clearing of the throat, or perhaps feeling as if something is stuck in the throat
AUX:
• indigestion w/ abdominal or epigastric discomfort
• irregular bowel movements (alt. “normal” and constipation/loose stools)
PSYCH:
• mood swings, tendency to get depressed and doubt oneself, feeling hopeless
• easily frustrated, impatient/irritable, bitchy, fly off the handle, yell/shout, violent outbursts, easily burst into tears, feeling out of control
• inflexible physically and mental/emotionally, high need for order and control, may be ‘addicted to’ exercise, work, coffee or chocolate, alcohol or drugs
EXAM:
• greenish complexion, esp. around the mouth & chin
• T: often appears normal, edges can be red &/or swollen
• P: taut, wiry

Question 3

Liver Blood Stasis signs & symptoms?

Answer 3

MAIN: Liver Qi Stagnation Sx +plus+
• delayed/irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, dark/purple blood w/ clots
• abdominal masses
AUX:
• hematemesis (vomiting blood), epistaxis (nosebleeds)
PSYCH:
• mood swings more erratic & extreme
EXAM:
• dark purple-green complexion
• T: purple, may have stasis spots on edges, dark & contorted sublingual veins
• P: wiry & rough/choppy

Question 4

Liver Fire signs & symptoms?

Answer 4

MAIN: Liver Qi Stagnation Sx +plus+
• throbbing headaches (usu. temporal or eye)
• insomnia (restless, light sleep; vivid dreams)
• dizziness/vertigo, tinnitus (acute, loud & constant) or sudden deafness
• eyes: bloodshot/red, dry (though more red than dry), painful, photophobic
AUX:
• side pain, epistaxis, coughing or spitting up blood
PSYCH:
• greater irritability & volatility, marked impatience, more frequent fits of anger
EXAM:
• red face & eyes, hypochondriac discomfort
• T: red (esp. sides) w/ a dry, yellow coat
• P: full-wiry & rapid

Question 5

Liver & GB Damp Heat signs & symptoms?

Answer 5

MAIN:
• jaundice, nausea/vomiting, bitter taste, LOA
AUX:
• fever, scant, dark urine, fullness & pain in the chest & hypochondrium
• genital itching, pain, redess, swelling, &/or discharge (herpes, STD’s shingles)
• may be constipated or burning diarrhea
PSYCH:
• easily angered (often accompanied by excessive alcohol consumption)
EXAM:
• yellow eyes &/or skin
• T: red / greasy yellow coat
• P: slippery-wiry & rapid

Question 6

Cold Stagnating in the Liver Channel: signs & symptoms?

Answer 6

MAIN:
• aches & strange sensation in the lower abdomen, genitals, &/or inside of thigh
AUX:
• shan/mounting qi (hernia = painful swellings) (alleviated by warmth)
• long, clear urination
PSYCH:
• aversion to cold, preference for warmth
EXAM:
• T: pale, wet/white coat
• P: wiry, deep & slow

Question 7

Liver Blood Xu signs & symptoms?

Answer 7

MAIN:
• pallor, dizziness & blurry vision (floaters, esp. at night), fainting spells (hypovolemia)
• insomnia (difficulty falling asleep; awakens early)
• elongated cycle w/ decreased menstrual flow, blood light colored even watery; cramping occurs at end or after menses or amenorrhea
• headaches (vertex)
AUX:
• numbness & tingling of the extremities, limbs easily fall asleep
• tendons & muscles stiff, tight, & inflexible; muscles twitch, cramp & spasm
• dry skin; nails brittle & dull, deformed, cracked or split
PSYCH:
• tired during and after menses & all Sx worsen
EXAM:
• pale, lusterless complexion; pale lips, nailbeds, & eyes
• T: pale & dry
• P: thin/thready/fine or rough/choppy

Question 8

Liver Yang Rising signs & symptoms?

Answer 8

MAIN:
• headaches (usu. unilateral), dizziness, tinnitus, irritability (hypertension)
• dry eyes, heat sensations in upper body, bitter taste
AUX:
• dry mouth and throat, sudden deafness
• insomnia (awakens early, vivid dreams)
• may have a weak or sore lower back and stumble easily (uncoordinated feet)
PSYCH:
• irritable and impatient, prone to angry outbursts, yelling, & shouting
EXAM:
• eyes red (though more dry than red), tendency to baldness
• T: red (esp. sides), but smt. pale
• P: wiry, but smt. thready

Question 9

Liver Wind signs & symptoms?

Answer 9

MAIN:
• tics, tremors, involuntary shaking, seizures, stroke, paralysis
AUX:
• headaches, dizziness/vertigo, numbness tingling
• increased ocular &/or BP (hypertension)
• stroke sequela: deviation of eye or mouth, aphasia, hemiplegia
EXAM:
• T: stiff or deviated
• P: wiry