Imbalance between the liver and spleen

Clinical manifestations : Distension, fullness and pain in the costal and hypochondriac regions ; mental depression or irritability ; poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools ; 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, or to injury of the spleen by irregular food intake or overstrain and stress. In both cases, the liver qi invades the spleen transversely, resulting in an imbalance between the two organs. Dysfunction of the liver in promoting the free flow of qi produces distension, fullness and pain in the costal and hypochondriac regions, mental depression or irritability. Invasion of the spleen by the liver qi impairs the spleen ' s function of transportation ; poor appetite, abdominal distension and loose stools result. A string - taut pulse is a sign of liver disorders.