How can I improve my Liver Qi?

Question

I currently suffer from Anxiety and Depression and have been attending Acupuncture to treat it. I have been told by them that the reason for my illness is that I have Stagnation of the Liver Qi, whcih basically means when it doesnt flow it can cause Depression and Anxiety. I am currently having Acupunchure to treat it and correct the flow, but does anybody have any advice on helping the flow or anything? only serious answers please.

Answer 1

There are lots and lots of approaches to your question.  The best/most practical option for what you're asking to learn a chi gung form known as dragon and tiger (it specifically does what you're asking for quite well, and is one of the easiest "real" forms to learn).  Depending on your area there's probably someone decent who teachers it, and there's also a nice book on it available online (http://www.energyarts.com/Books-and-Audi...

Beyond that, more acupuncture, correctly perscribed herbs (both of which may be contingent upon seeing a better acupuncturist), and some sort of energetic/relaxation techinique (or any good tai chi/chi gung form) can help....if you want to get down to it, even something like yoga will make a difference, although it's not going to be as effective as the better Chinese options.

Additionally, cutting things out which strain the liver may be good.  Alcohol is a classic one, along with generally unhealthy/toxic/fatty foods.  Lastly, if you can somehow (most likely through a meditative practice) gain enough awareness to notice the states which harm your body (specifically those making you depressed, anixious, and angry) you will get rather nice results.  It's somewhat hard to explain, but most people are desenitized to their bodies to the point that they don't notice how basic behaviors/states are hurting themselves, and once they gain the awareness to notice it, they stop and reap numerous health benefits.  There are a few chi gung approaches which are very good for this too, but I'll try to keep this answer from getting too broad!

Hope that helps!

Oh, it's also possible that your problem isn't specifically coming from Liver Stagnation, but dragon and tiger is somewhat broad medical chi gung form, so if it's one of the other 3 things that normally cause depression, D&T still gets it.

Answer 2

You use the regular medicine by the physician

Answer 3

You mention that you suffer from anxiety and depression and are using acupuncture techniques.  I am surprised that you haven't been told of a yoga or martial art technique to help you to redirect your chi (Qi) to improve your health and well-being (both mentally and physically).

Short term I would suggest a massage (reiki, shiatsu or even a relaxing sauna bath) to help you to access a relaxed, meditative state.  

IMHO The best solution is to take a pro-active stance and learn something of the martial techniques for yourself.  I'm not going to suggest any specific martial art for you, you'll have to try them and find one you like.  Personally, I prefer tai-chi - but that is because it works for me (and I am glad that I found an excellent teacher).  

Basically, all martial arts stem from the ability to relax and control yourself and through control of self, you exercise control over your local environment.