Treating Irritability and Moodiness with Acupuncture
Everyone suffers
from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a
short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then
acupuncture may be able to help.
Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in
your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional
conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health
conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to
get sick more frequently.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions
Within Oriental medicine emotional disorders can be associated with a
number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability,
and frustration are all signs that our qi is not flowing smoothly. The
liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (life force) throughout the
body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi
is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi
stagnation.
Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen
in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and
symptoms may include distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness
of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation,
belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular
periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods.
Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.
Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for
irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on
moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with
acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal
formula.
If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your
health and wellness, please call to see how acupuncture can help.
Move Your Qi!
The liver is
responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (life force) throughout the body.
When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity
throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your
Qi!
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Oriental
medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases
it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and
flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or
tai qi.
Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the
organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is
connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a
computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver. Eating young plants -
fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the
liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Try Something Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought
to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use
vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing and garnish your sandwich
with a slice of dill pickle.
Do More Outdoor Activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you
have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that
liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea - Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from
incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging
substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins,
and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Get Acupuncture Treatments - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can
help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress,
anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.
Periodic acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems
and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.
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In This Issue
·
Treating
Irritability and Moodiness with Acupuncture
·
Move Your
Qi!
·
The Four
Gates Treatment for Moving Qi
·
Signs and
Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
The Four Gates Treatment for Moving Qi
A popular
treatment for the stress, anger, and frustration associated with liver qi
stagnation is known as the “Four Gates.” The four gates are the right and
left side acupuncture points Liver 3 (Taichong) and Large Intestine 4
(Hegu).
Together these four acupuncture points enhance the circulation of qi and
blood throughout the body and have a calming and analgesic effect. They are
also used to alleviate pain.
Large Intestine 4 is located on the padded area of your hand between
the thumb and index finger, between the first and second metacarpal bones.
Massage this point with your thumb on both hands for approximately 30
seconds.
Liver 3 is located in a hollow on the top of your foot below the gap
between your big toe and the next toe, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal
bones. To stimulate this point, place your right heel in the juncture
between the bones that attach to the large and second toes and gently knead
the point for approximately thirty seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate
liver 3 on your other foot.
Signs
and Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated
with liver qi stagnation:
* Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body
* Depression
* Mood swings
* Sighing
* Hiccups
* Frustration
* Inappropriate anger
* Sensation of a lump in throat
* Difficulty swallowing
* Bitter taste in mouth
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Abdominal distention and discomfort
* Stomachache that improves after massage
* Stomachache that worsens with anger
* PMS with irritability or swollen breasts
* Irregular or painful periods
* Poor appetite
* Churning sensation in stomach
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