Coursing the liver and rectifying qì

Also coursing the liver; soothing the liver; discharging the liver. To restore the normal free coursing of liver qì in the treatment of depression of liver qì, which is characterized by rib-side pain and distension, oppression in the chest, mental depression, pain and distension in the stomach duct, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, menstrual irregularities, bitter taste in the mouth, stringlike pulse, and thin tongue fur.

Medicinal therapy: Medicinals that course liver and rectify qì include bupleurum (Bupleuri Radix, 柴胡 chái hú), Chinese angelica (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 当归 dāng guī), white peony (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 白芍药 bái sháo yào), cyperus (Cyperi Rhizoma, 香附子 xiāng fù zǐ), toosendan (Toosendan Fructus, 川楝子 chuān liàn zǐ), corydalis (Corydalis Rhizoma, 延胡索 yán hú suǒ), and officinal magnolia bark (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 厚朴 hòu pò). Formulas include Bupleurum Liver-Coursing Powder (柴胡疏肝散 chái hú shū gān sǎn), Free Wanderer Powder (逍遥散 xiāo yáo sǎn), and Counterflow Cold Powder (四逆散 sì nì sǎn).

Acumoxatherapy: See depressed liver qì.