Disharmony between the liver and stomach

Clinical manifestations : Distension and pain in the costal, hypochondriac and epigastric regions ; belching, acid regurgitation, an empty and uncomfortable sensation in the stomach ; mental depression or irritability ; a thin tongue coating and a string - taut pulse.

Etiology and pathology : This syndrome is often due to injury of the liver by mental depression or irritation, and injury of the stomach by irregular food intake or overstrain and stress. The resulting hyperactivity of the liver and weakness of the stomach, therefore, leads to disharmony between the liver and stomach. Dysfunction of the liver in promoting the free flow of qi produces mental depression or irritability, and distension, fullness and pain in the costal and hypochondriac regions. Invasion of the stomach by the liver qi impairs the descending function of the stomach, manifesting as distension and pain in the epigastric region, belching, acid regurgitation and an empty and uncomfortable sensation in the stomach. A string - taut pulse is a sign of disorders of the liver.