Feeling Stuck? How Acupuncture Can Help with Liver Qi Stagnation

Do you ever feel frustrated, irritable, or emotionally stuck? Do you notice tension in your body, digestive discomfort, or mood swings? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these can be signs of Liver Qi stagnation—a common imbalance caused by stress, emotional repression, and the daily pressures of life.

The Liver in TCM is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body, and when its function is impaired, Qi becomes stuck. This can lead to physical and emotional symptoms.

Think of a foot stepping on a garden hose - that water can’t flow through! That’s Liver Qi Stagnation. When we lift the foot off the hose (soothe Liver Qi), the water (Qi) can flow!

The Liver in TCM is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When Qi becomes stagnant, it can lead to:

✅ Stress, frustration, and frequent sighing
✅ Anxiety, mood swings, mild depression
✅ Stuck emotionally or feeling overwhelmed
✅ Digestive issues like bloating or irregular bowel movements
✅ PMS, irritability, menstrual cramps, or breast tenderness
✅ Muscle tension, headaches, or jaw clenching

You may also feel depression or a sense of heaviness, anxiety with a feeling of being trapped, repressed anger or sudden outbursts, or difficulty making decisions. Or other physical symptoms like muscle stiffness or a sensation of a "lump in the throat" (Plum Pit Qi - Mei He Qi).

How to Help Liver Qi Stagnation (Emotional Balance & Flow)

Since the Liver thrives on movement and free flow, the key is to keep Qi moving and emotions processing.

1. Acupuncture & Acupressure Points:

• We use an amazing set of points at Mindful Living Chiropractic and Acupuncture that helps

  • Spread Liver Qi, reduces irritability

  • With physical and emotional tension.

  • Calm stress and harmonize emotions

  • Move Qi and help release pent-up emotions.

  • Relieve physical tension (especially in neck, traps/shoulders or hips)

• YES we offer acupuncture AND acupressure! Contact us to learn more.

2. Emotional Processing & Expression:

• Journaling & Self-Reflection → Writing about emotions instead of suppressing them can help move Liver Qi.

• Emotional Release Practices → Scream into a pillow, punch a punching bag, or cry when needed.

• Talking It Out → Expressing frustrations with a trusted friend, therapist, or healer can prevent stagnation.

• Creativity - What’s your creative expression?

  • Are you a words person - write or read!

  • Are you a visual person? Paint, draw or color a coloring book!

  • Are you an audio person? Put on your favorite music (maybe dance!)

  • Are you a sensual person? Try a bath, get a massage (or acupuncture!)

  • Are you an active person? Get moving! (see below!)

3. Movement & Exercise:

• Yoga (Especially Twists & Side Stretches) → Helps open the Liver and Gallbladder meridians.

• Cardio & Walking → Especially in nature to promote smooth Qi flow.

• Qi Gong & Tai Chi → Flowing movements help Liver Qi circulate.

4. Diet & Herbs for Liver Qi Flow:

• Eat Green! → Leafy greens (kale, spinach) help the Liver function.

• Sour Flavors → Lemons, vinegar, and fermented foods gently move stagnation.

• Avoid Stagnation-Causing Foods → Greasy, fried, overly processed foods, and excessive alcohol.

• Herbs:

  • Xiao Yao San (Free & Easy Wanderer) – A famous formula we often prescribe here at Mindful Living Chiropractic and Acupuncture to relieve Liver Qi stagnation, especially for experiencing with stress, PMS, or emotional/physical tension.

  • Peppermint & Chrysanthemum Tea – Helps with emotional and physical tension.

  • Green Tea (Organic) - Helps soothe Liver Qi and Boost Liver Health

5. Breathwork & Meditation:

• Deep Belly Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breathing) → Helps release tension.

• Sighing Intentionally → A natural Liver Qi release technique.

• Liver-Focused Meditation → Visualizing green light in the Liver area and breathing through emotions.

Ready to Feel Better?

If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of Liver Qi stagnation, we’re here to help! Acupuncture and herbal medicine offer powerful, natural solutions to get Qi flowing again and restore emotional and physical balance.

Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward feeling free, relaxed, and at ease in your body and mind.