Chronic Pharyngitis - Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Pharyngitis · Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Liver-Qi Stagnation is a common pattern in chronic pharyngitis, characterized by globus sensation (plum pit qi), foreign body sensation in the throat, aggravation with stress, chest tightness, and frequent sighing. The core pathogenesis is emotional stress causing Liver-Qi stagnation, leading to Phlegm-Qi obstruction in the throat and autonomic dysfunction.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Foreign body sensation in the throat, globus sensation, worse with stress |

| Associated Symptoms | Chest tightness, frequent sighing, irritability, depression |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with thin white coating, wiry pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Liver-Qi stagnation causing Phlegm-Qi obstruction in the throat |

| Etiology | Chronic stress, emotional distress, anxiety, depression |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver-Qi |

| Tiantu (RN22) | In the depression at the suprasternal fossa | Descends rebellious Qi and relieves throat obstruction |

| Lianquan (RN23) | In the depression above the Adam’s apple, at the midpoint of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage | Local point; treats throat conditions |

| Neiguan (PC6) | 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons | Relieves chest tightness and calms the spirit |

| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Regulates Qi and relieves throat discomfort |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; combine with stress reduction techniques and counseling.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (半夏厚朴汤)

Composition:

Pinellia (Ban Xia), Magnolia (Hou Po), Poria (Fu Ling), Perilla Stem (Su Geng), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Curcuma (Yu Jin), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Soothes Liver-Qi, transforms Phlegm, and relieves throat obstruction.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Pronounced stress | Add Yu Jin, He Huan Pi to relieve depression and calm the spirit |

| Chest tightness | Add Zhi Ke, Xiang Fu to regulate Qi and relieve distension |

| Irritability | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear Liver Heat |

| Insomnia | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |

| Phlegm sensation | Add Zhe Bei Mu, Gua Lou to soften and transform Phlegm |

Western Mechanism Reference

Globus sensation (plum pit qi) with pharyngeal paresthesia, abnormal upper esophageal sphincter pressure, and autonomic dysfunction. Liver-Qi Stagnation corresponds to globus pharyngeus, where autonomic dysfunction and abnormal UES pressure contribute to pharyngeal paresthesia and foreign body sensation.

References

  1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Pharyngitis with Liver-Qi Stagnation.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Liver-Qi Stagnation uses Chai Hu Shu Gan San.

  3. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for throat health.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.