The Liver and Asthma
The Liver is also involved in the pathogenesis of asthma especially in the late-onset type. In
early onset asthma, emotional stress affecting the Liver can often be a triggering factor for an
attack.
The Liver can play a role in the pathology of asthma in three possible ways:
- Stagnant Liver-Qi may rebel upwards in the chest and obstruct the descending of
Lung-Qi. From a 5-Element perspective this is called "Wood insulting Metal". - Liver-Fire may also rebel upwards in the chest and similarly obstruct the
descending of Lung-Qi. This is also called "Wood insulting Metal". In addition,
Liver-Fire may dry up the Lung fluids. - Deficient Liver-Yin may fail to nourish the Kidneys and this may lead to the
Kidneys not grasping it. Furthermore, a deficiency of Kidney-Yin may lead to
dryness in the Lungs.
Stagnant Liver-Qi derives from emotional problems such as repressed anger, frustration and
resentment over a long period of time. After some years, stagnant Liver-Qi may easily turn to
Liver-Fire. Liver-Yin deficiency may also derive from emotional problems such as sadness. In
addition, in women, it may be induced by childbirth and overwork.
The three main Liver patterns affecting asthma are therefore:
Liver-Qi stagnant insulting the Lungs
Liver-Fire insulting the Lungs
Liver-Yin deficiency.Liver-Qi Stagnant Insulting the Lungs
Clinical Manifestations
Asthma attacks elicited by emotional stress, a feeling of oppression and distension of the chest
and hypochondrium.
Tongue: the tongue body may not change in colour except in long-standing cases when the sides
might be Red.
Pulse: Wiry.
Treatment Principle