Infertility - Liver Depression Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Infertility · Liver Depression Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Pelvis

Pattern Overview

Liver Depression is a common pattern in infertility, characterized by psychological factors causing ovulation disorders, elevated prolactin, tubal spasm, endometriosis, and emotional symptoms. The core pathogenesis is chronic stress causing Liver-Qi stagnation, leading to endocrine dysfunction, tubal spasm, and impaired fertility.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Infertility, irregular menstruation, premenstrual tension, emotional instability |

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

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

| Pathogenesis | Liver-Qi stagnation causing endocrine dysfunction and tubal spasm |

| Etiology | Chronic stress, emotional distress, psychological factors, anxiety |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

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

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

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Regulates menstruation and harmonizes Liver and Spleen |

| Qimen (LR14) | On the chest, 4 cun lateral to the midline, below the nipple | Front-Mu point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver-Qi |

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

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Kai Yu Zhong Yu Tang (开郁种玉汤) or Bai Ling Diao Gan Tang (百灵调肝汤)

Composition:

White Peony (Bai Shao), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Angelica (Dang Gui), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Moutan (Dan Pi), Poria (Fu Ling), Trichosanthes Root (Tian Hua Fen)

Action: Soothes Liver-Qi, regulates menstruation, and promotes conception.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Elevated prolactin | Add Xia Ku Cao, Mai Ya to regulate prolactin |

| Tubal spasm | Add Bai Shao, Gan Cao to relax muscles |

| Endometriosis | Add Tao Ren, Hong Hua to invigorate blood |

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

Western Mechanism Reference

Psychological factors causing ovulation disorders, elevated prolactin, tubal spasm, and endometriosis-related infertility. Liver Depression corresponds to infertility associated with stress, where psychological factors contribute to endocrine dysfunction, tubal spasm, and impaired fertility.

References

  1. Gynecology of TCM - Infertility with Liver Depression.

  2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Qi Stagnation → Pivot Layer.

  3. WHO. (2023). Infertility fact sheet. World Health Organization.

Explore More

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

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