An old saying goes, "Nine out of ten stomach ailments are due to liver stagnation," ifYou often feel unwell, bloated after eating, sometimes with acid reflux and belching. Even after examinations, no major issues are found, yet the symptoms keep recurring and never fully resolve.What's going on here? Actually, many times stomach discomfort doesn't originate from the stomach itself, but from "qi."
Think about it, isn't it always the stomach that acts up first when you argue with someone, face work pressure, or stay up late worrying? This is the mischief of "liver qi stagnation." Traditional Chinese medicine says that "the liver governs free flow and regulates the qi of the whole body." If you constantly hold in anger or have emotional blockages, liver qi tends to get stuck, and once it's stuck, it easily bullies the spleen and stomach. This is what traditional Chinese medicine often calls "liver depression affecting the spleen."
The spleen and stomach are unable to properly digest and absorb, and stomach qi cannot descend smoothly, leading to symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and loss of appetite! Today, I will share a classic formula with everyone—Xiangsha Liujunzi DecoctionDespite its ordinary name, it is particularly effective in treating this kind of "stomach illness caused by anger."
In the prescriptionCostus root, Amomum fruitThese two are "experts in promoting qi flow". Muxiang can smooth out the stagnant qi in the liver, while Sharen can clear the obstructed qi in the stomach. With this combination of soothing and clearing, symptoms like bloating and belching—those "stuffy" sensations—can be largely alleviated. Next, there is the so-called "iron triangle for strengthening the spleen"Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocosThese three herbs can tonify spleen qi and strengthen the spleen and stomach, providing fundamental support for the stomach.
Finally addChenpi和licorice rootTangerine Peel can regulate qi and resolve phlegm, preventing dampness from stagnating in the stomach, while Licorice Root harmonizes all the medicinal herbs and alleviates urgency and pain, warming the stomach and preventing discomfort. Although the formula appears simple, it effectively addresses the three aspects of "soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, and promoting stomach qi," naturally clearing away stagnation.
Of course, while the prescription is effective, it is important to remind everyone that each person's constitution is different. For example, some may have excessive dampness, while others may have stomach heat. Adjustments in dosage should be made under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner based on syndrome differentiation. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment should be avoided. The above content is for reference only.
