problems it is a purely Full condition. In this case the pulse will be Wiry, either in all positions
or only on the left. If it is secondary to a deficiency of Liver-Blood, Liver-Yin or Liver- and
Kidney-Yin, the condition is primarily Empty. In such a case the pulse will be Fine and Weak at
least on one side.

In women, Liver-Qi stagnation often derives from Liver-Blood or Liver-Yin deficiency. In fact,
Liver-Qi and Liver-Blood-Yin are the Yang and Yin aspects of the Liver. Liver-Blood and
Liver-Yin are the root and the material basis of Liver-Qi. If Liver-Blood/Yin are deficient,
Liver-Qi is deprived of its root and stagnates.

If it is due to Phlegm-Fire, pre-menstrual tension is of the Full type.

Differentiation and Treatment

The patterns examined are:

EXCESS TYPE

Liver-Qi stagnation

Phlegm-Fire harassing upwards

DEFICIENCY TYPE

Liver-Blood Deficiency

Liver- and Kidney-Yin Deficiency

Spleen- and Kidney-Yang Deficiency

Excess Type

Stagnation of Liver-Qi

Clinical Manifestations

Abdominal and breast distension before the period, irritability, clumsiness, moodiness,
depression, hypochondrial pain and distension.

Tongue: in light cases the tongue body may be unchanged. In chronic cases the sides may be
Red.