Obesity - Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Obesity · 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 obesity, characterized by chronic stress-induced cortisol elevation, visceral fat accumulation, emotional eating, and abdominal obesity. The core pathogenesis is chronic stress causing Liver Qi stagnation, leading to cortisol elevation, visceral fat accumulation, and metabolic dysfunction.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Abdominal obesity, emotional eating, stress-related weight gain |

| Associated Symptoms | Irritability, chest tightness, frequent sighing, depression |

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

| Pathogenesis | Liver Qi stagnation causing cortisol elevation and visceral fat accumulation |

| Etiology | Chronic stress, emotional distress, sedentary lifestyle |

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 |

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

| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |

| Yanglingquan (GB34) | Depression below the head of the fibula | Regulates Qi and relieves pain |

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

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散) + Da Chai Hu Tang (大柴胡汤)

Composition:

Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Soothes Liver Qi, regulates Qi flow, and relieves stagnation.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Stress-related weight gain | Add Yu Jin, He Huan Pi to relieve depression |

| Abdominal obesity | Add Da Huang, Zhi Shi to promote bowel movement |

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

| Chest tightness | Add Zhi Ke, Hou Po to regulate Qi |

Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic stress-induced cortisol elevation causing visceral fat accumulation, emotional eating behavior, and metabolic dysfunction. Liver-Qi Stagnation corresponds to obesity with stress-related weight gain, where chronic stress and cortisol elevation contribute to visceral fat accumulation and emotional eating.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Obesity with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis.

  2. DB-XJB: Chai Hu Shu Gan San.

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

Explore More

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

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