Obesity - Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for obesity with
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 |
|---|
stress-related weight gain |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sighing, depression |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
visceral fat accumulation |
| Etiology |
|---|
|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver Qi |
| Qimen (LR14) |
|---|
the nipple | Front-Mu point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver Qi |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM obesity management.
Related TCM Patterns for Obesity
- Stomach Heat with Dampness
- Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness
- Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat
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.