Chronic Stress (Liver-Spleen Disharmony)

Overview

Liver depression with spleen deficiency is the most common pattern of chronic stress, falling under the categories of yu syndrome, hypochondriac pain, and diarrhea in TCM. It typically arises from emotional constraint and prolonged mental tension, leading to liver qi stagnation, impaired free coursing, and transverse invasion of the spleen, resulting in spleen failing to transport and transform. Clinically it presents with depressed mood, distending chest and hypochondrium, frequent sighing, abdominal distension, poor appetite, loose and unsmooth stools, and fatigue, with a pale red tongue, thin white coating, and a wiry fine pulse. The disease is located in the liver and spleen, characterized by a mixture of deficiency and excess, with liver depression as the branch and spleen deficiency as the root. Modernly it is commonly seen in chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety-depressive states, and subhealth populations.

Connections

Daily care & prevention

Regulating emotions is essential; practice Baduanjin or Taijiquan to course the liver and fortify the spleen. Eat a light, easily digestible diet, avoiding raw, cold, greasy foods; consume appropriate amounts of Chinese yam, coix seed, tangerine peel, and rose buds. Maintain regular sleep and avoid staying up late. Daily massage Taichong (LR3), Zusanli (ST36), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) for 3-5 minutes each. Engage in moderate aerobic exercise such as walking or jogging until mild sweating. Practice abdominal breathing and mindfulness meditation to relieve mental tension.