Infertility - Liver Depression Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for infertility with
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 |
|---|
premenstrual tension, emotional instability |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
irritability, depression, abdominal pain |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
and tubal spasm |
| Etiology |
|---|
factors, anxiety |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Ganshu (BL18) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 |
|---|
of Liver meridian; soothes Liver-Qi |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver-Qi |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
menstruation and harmonizes Liver and Spleen |
| Qimen (LR14) |
|---|
the nipple | Front-Mu point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver-Qi |
| Neiguan (PC6) |
|---|
| 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.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.