Spring The season for the onset of many Liver syndromes |
Spring is in the Wood element. The season of growth & change. This corresponds to the Liver.( How does TCM Liver compare to Western Physiology) In Chinese Medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy in the body. It has a tendency to accumulate stagnant energy, particularly in the highly contractive season of winter, when the affects of many months of eating heavier, heat producing foods, staying indoors and lack of exercise add to the difficulty that is found in making the transition from winter to spring. If the liver becomes stagnant, we see all kinds of imbalances in the body. We see emotions intensified, frustration and irritability are common, along with more anger and/or feelings of depression. We see headaches and other aches and pains throughout the body which are common manifestations of stagnant energy in the body. We see eye problems, such as red or itchy, teary eyes and many other symptoms due to the liver’s inability to move freely, as is it’s nature. This is why it is so important at this time, to get rid of any stagnation or accumulation that may have developed over the winter months, so that the growth process can proceed smoothly, and harmoniously. If your horse has not been given the time to recharge over the winter period due to increased or continual workloads he may be suffering from typical 'Spring' problems. He may start to be spooky,(kidney vacuity) or bad tempered. ( Liver yang rising )His coat may be dull and lifeless (Liver blood deficiency)& perhaps he has lost weight. If he is a relatively young horse he has the added demands being made on his body by the requirements of physical growth, plus the enormous task of changing his entire body hair to produce his summer coat. We also give vast quantities of chemicals in spring either to eradicate the worm burden and /or various vaccinations which clog up & deplete the liver function even further. The addition ofSpring grazing, rich in grass fructans, as horses are moved from winter paddocks is the final burden which pushes liver function in compromised horse, to overload. The Liver is in charge of the tendons & manifests in the hooves The tendons connect the muscles to the bones. In accordance with the characteristics of the liver, they facilitate smooth and continuous movement. Because of this basic concept, some scholars have recently included the nerves (which do not have a separate designation in classical Chinese theory) under the category "tendons" (jin). The proper functioning of the tendons relies entirely on their nourishment by liver blood. The hooves are considered the surplus of the tendons: as such, they are an exterior manifestation of the general quality of the tendons, and thus, liver blood within. Dry and brittle hooves always indicate a poor quality of liver blood, while strong healthy hooves may indicate a healthy state of liver blood . Hair is also associated with the liver blood: it is called the "surplus of the blood" (xue yu). The rich liver blood of the horse is expressed in lush, shiny, and fast growing manes tails & body hair. Dry and brittle hair can be an indication of liver blood deficiency, while hair that is thin & slow growing indicates a deficiency of the Kidney system. |
| Spring Allergies Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners increasingly draw a connection between allergies, especially in the spring, and liver stagnation/heat. An undue toxic burden on the liver is a fact of contemporary life which did not exist in ancient China. A congested liver was thought to result from insufficient blood, rich and spicy food, and repressed anger and resentment. All of these causes are easily corroborated in clinical practice. But it is also apparent that the combination of man made chemical toxins from pesticides, pharmaceutical drugs, cleaning products etc, together with diets abundant in rich food and stimulants are creating the TCM pattern of liver stagnation/heat, and that this in turn is contributing to allergies. In fact, TCM theory can support this connection. When the liver is hot and stagnant, ie when it cannot cope with the myriad of substances it needs to process, this heat will rise and impair the proper functioning of the lungs and respiratory tract. This is called "Liver insulting the Lungs." The liver and lungs are now in a hypersensitive state, reactive to pollens, scents and atmospheric pollutants. |
| The following syndromes are not recognised by Western biomedicine. If blood tests were taken from horses suffering from these syndromes liver enzymes & bloods would probably be within the normal range - however in Traditional Chinese Medicine they have been recognised as a very real pattern of disharmony in the body that is treatable with a variety of Herbal Formula Feed Supplements. LIVER QI STAGNATION (gan qi yu jue): Primary symptoms are tendency to seem depressed; frequent sighing; impatient disposition and pushy/'bolshy' behaviour; irritation when being girthed or rugged. Energy peaks & troughs during work sometimes with bucking & squeaking. Secondary symptoms include obstructed bowel movements (colic); gastric ulcers, alternating loose then dry droppings. Dry and distended eyes; anxious indecisive behaviour; pain (especially intercostal and abdominal) that is characterized by moving, pulling, or penetrating sensations; in mares; irregular menstruation. The tongue typically presents with a pink body (may be redder at the sides) and a thin coating; the pulse tends to be wiry. LIVER BLOOD DEFICIENCY (gan xue xu): Primary symptoms are lethargy, dry eyes or, at a more advanced stage, blurry vision (especially at night)or even cataracts; limited flexibility & 'snapping' of tendons and muscles. Dry/itchy mane & tail/skin. Secondary symptoms may include pale membranes (eyes & gums) ; dry, split, atrophied, or malformed hooves;poor hoof growth, muscle twitching; tight muscles/tendons with stiffness; weak legs; occasional intercostal pain; in mares: decreased seasons. Dry 'bullety' droppings as with laminitics. The tongue is typically pale or pink; the pulse tends to be fine, or wiry and forceless. LIVER YIN DEFICIENCY (gan yin xu): Primary symptoms are dry eyes; dull intercostal pain(signs of colic); dry mouth and throat(continual licking of lips); Secondary symptoms include limited tendon flexibility; poor hoof quality; impatient disposition and temper outbreaks; ; dark urination; constipation; low grade fever; restlessness and inability to relax. Hot head & cold body/legs. There will be low resistance to stress & tendency to overreact The tongue typically presents with redness and little or no coating; the pulse tends to be wiry and fine, or wiry, fine, and rapid. LIVER FIRE BLAZING (gan huo shang yan): Primary symptoms are pain and distention in the head; red, swollen, or painful eyes; dry and bitter sensation in the mouth will give bad breath; marked impatience and tendency to throw fits of anger/aggression. Panic attacks & irrational behaviour are very common symptoms. Secondary symptoms include inability to relax, skin sensitivity, tendency to be over heated; dark urination; constipation. The tongue typically presents with a red body and a yellow coating; the pulse tends to be wiry and rapid. This horse will be full of himself,may look extremely well but will have major attitude problems & possibly a bad temper. His eyes & nostrils will be red upon examination. He may do very irrational things at times, & be aggressive towards other horses. He may have sensitive skin. Mare will have irregular or no seasons. REBELLIOUS UPFLARING OF LIVER YANG (gan yang shang kang): This pattern is a combination of deficiency and excess, usually caused by emotional factors, especially due to a continuous state of anger, resentment, frustration, etc… Primary symptoms are distention and pain in the head; ringing in the ears; heat sensation in the face and upper part of the body. Secondary symptoms include impatience; angry disposition; heavy head and "light feet" (easily stumbles); weak and sore lower back and knees; dry mouth and throat. The tongue is typically red; the pulse tends to be wiry and forceful, or wiry, fine, and rapid. This horse will have the symptoms of 'Liver Yin deficiency, with perhaps some stumbling or jerky legs, but will be very prone to irrational behaviour & anger outbursts. He may chase or be aggressive to other horses. He will dislike his head/ears being touched & may prefer a quite environment. His skin may be sensitive. LIVER WIND STIRRING INTERNALLY (gan feng nei dong): These syndromes normally produce headshaking symptoms. Primary symptoms are nerve pains,cramping; seizures; trembling; shaking; dizziness; and numbness. This category is usually divided into three subcategories: Extreme Heat Generating Wind (re ji sheng feng): Primary symptoms include high fever, restlessness, thirst, red eyes, seizures or cramping. Secondary symptoms include dark urination; constipation; upwardly turned eyes; unconsciousness; delirious behaviour. The tongue typically presents with a red body and a yellow coating; the pulse tends to be wiry and rapid. This horse would be prone to irrational behaviour to the extreme. Reluctant to move forward. Hyperactive Liver Yang Producing Wind (gan yang hua feng): Primary symptoms include cramping; seizures; numbness in the extremities; muscle paralysis, severe head pain around ears & poll. Teeth/mouth pain. Secondary symptoms include sudden loss of consciousness ; severe dizziness; weakness or soreness in lower back and knees; dry mouth. Increase in blood pressure or digital pulse. The tongue is typically bright red, but may be pale if blood deficient ; the pulse tends to be wiry. Blood Deficiency Generating Wind (xue xu sheng feng): Primary symptoms are headache; blurry vision; numbness in the extremities or, in more severe cases, symptoms of cramping, trembling, or twitching/ticcing. Secondary symptoms include dry and itching skin, itchy face/nose with frequent snorting; and general blood deficiency symptoms such as a dull coat, pale gums, brittle or malformed hooves, and dull intercostal pain. The tongue typically presents with a pale body and little coating; the pulse tends to be fine and wiry. Deficiency of Liver-Blood is a pattern where a vacuity of Liver-Blood creates an emptiness in the blood vessels that is filled by internal Wind. This is a deficient type of internal Wind. Two main causes for Liver Blood vacuity are commonly observed: damage to Yin-Blood during the course of an enduring illness which deprives the Liver of blood for storage and adequate nourishment; and an excessive loss of blood due to an acute or chronic hemorrhage or other type of bleeding. That insufficiency of Liver Blood deprives the sinews of nourishment and gives rise to spasm. Among the main signs, itchy rashes that change location, shaking of the head, tic and tremor are due to internal Wind. The numbness of limbs is due to deficient Blood not nourishing muscles and sinews. There are also tremors, but in this case they are much softer than in the other two types, where real convulsions will be found. Besides the main signs due to Liver-Wind the pattern will present the general Blood vacuity signs with symptoms getting worst as day goes on: functional weakness, dryness. Since Blood is insufficient it cannot ascend to nourish the head and face, manifesting in dizziness, tinnitus, lusterless complexion and pale tongue, unclear vision, dry eyes, night blindness, and absence of seasons in mares The tongue is pale and deviated. The pulse is fine, choppy (because blood is scanty and vessels are empty). Back to Home page |
