Fibromyalgia - Liver Qi Stagnation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Fibromyalgia · Liver Qi Stagnation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Liver Qi Stagnation is a common pattern in fibromyalgia, characterized by central sensitization with depression, widespread pain related to stress, chest tightness, and frequent sighing. The core pathogenesis is chronic stress and emotional distress causing Liver Qi stagnation, leading to generalized pain, mood disturbance, and autonomic dysfunction.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Widespread pain fluctuating with stress, chest tightness, frequent sighing |

| Associated Symptoms | Irritability, depression, insomnia, premenstrual tension |

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

| Pathogenesis | Liver Qi stagnation leading to Qi obstruction and pain throughout the body |

| Etiology | Chronic stress, emotional distress, lack of physical activity |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

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

| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula | He-Sea point of Gallbladder meridian; regulates Qi and relieves pain |

| BL18 Ganshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 | Back-Shu point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver Qi |

| DU20 Baihui | On the midline of the head, 5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline | Lifts Qi and calms the spirit |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; combine with breathing exercises and stress reduction techniques.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Xiao Yao San (逍遥散)

Composition:

Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Mint (Bo He)

Action: Soothes Liver Qi, nourishes Blood, strengthens the Spleen, and relieves depression.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe depression | Add Yu Jin, He Huan Pi to relieve depression |

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

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

Western Mechanism Reference

Central sensitization with depression, HPA axis dysregulation, and altered pain processing. Liver Qi Stagnation corresponds to fibromyalgia with prominent affective symptoms, where chronic stress and mood disturbance contribute to pain amplification.

References

  1. Database + Textbook.

  2. WHO. (2023). Fibromyalgia fact sheet. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for widespread pain relief.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM chronic pain management.