Liver Yang Hyperactivity is a syndrome in Traditional Korean Medicine where the Liver’s Yang energy excessively rises. It is often triggered by stress, overwork, or emotional turmoil. In TKM, the Liver is the organ responsible for the circulation of Ki (氣) and Blood (血) and the regulation of emotions. When Liver Yang becomes overactive, it leads to heat (熱證) and upward surging (上衝) symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Headaches & Dizziness: A heavy head, with pain particularly felt in the temples (측두부) or on the top of the head. It can be related to high blood pressure.
- Dry, Red, and Light-Sensitive Eyes: The Liver (肝) is connected to the eyes. When Liver Yang rises, the eyes can become blurry or sensitive to light.
- Heat (화) Symptoms: Easily getting angry or irritable, and experiencing insomnia (失眠).
- Nausea & Loss of Appetite: The Liver’s Ki (肝氣) can surge upward and affect the Stomach (胃), causing nausea and a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Muscle Tension & Spasms: Stiff neck and shoulders, and numbness or tremors in the hands and feet.
Causes
- Mental Stress (anger, depression, worry)
- Overwork & Sleep Deprivation
- Excessive Consumption of alcohol, spicy, or greasy foods
- Liver Yin Deficiency (肝陰不足), where a weakened Liver Yin (陰氣) allows the Yang energy to become relatively strong
Treatment & Management
- Herbal Medicine:
- Herbs to calm the Liver Yang: Gastrodia elata (天麻), Uncaria rhynchophylla (鉤藤鈎), and Chrysanthemum flower (菊花) to alleviate headaches and dizziness.
- Fossilized bones (龍骨) and oyster shell (牡蠣) for a calming effect.
- Coptis (黃連) and Anemarrhena (知母) to reduce heat.
- Lifestyle Improvement:
- Stress Management (meditation, deep breathing, hobbies)
- Regular Sleep (recommended to sleep before 11 PM)
- Reduce Stimulating Foods (limit coffee, alcohol, and spicy food)
- Acupressure & Acupuncture:
- Taichong (太衝, LR3) to promote the smooth flow of Liver ㅏi (肝氣).
- Fengchi (風池, GB20) to relieve headaches.
- Tea Therapy:
- Chrysanthemum tea (to reduce heat in the eyes)
- Cassia seed tea (결명자차) (to improve liver function)
Precautions
If accompanied by high blood pressure, migraines, or anxiety disorders, it is necessary to consult with a TKM practitioner.
Long-term neglect can lead to progression from Liver Fire (肝火) to Liver Yin Deficiency (肝陰虛), so early management is crucial.
Liver Yang Hyperactivity is a common syndrome for modern people. The key is to relieve stress and replenish Yin energy! 😊