I’m now studying acupuncture which has really extended my knowledge in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Having tried several acupuncture practitioners in the past, I’m now fortunate enough to have found a wonderful acupuncturist who treats me.
We all suffer from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that you suffer from a short temper and frustration on a regular basis then acupuncture may be for you. Irritability may often be the consequence of chronic stress in our lives. Over time, these emotions can escalate into more serious emotional conditions such as extreme anxiety and even depression which can then manifest into other health problems like digestive disorders, insomnia, and a low immune function. In TCM emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patters of disharmony; however, anger, irritability and frustration are all signs that our energy, or life force (referred to as qi (pronounced Chi) inTCM) flow is hindered or not flowing as smoothly as it should. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi throughout the body and for balancing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stagnant. This is referred to as ‘liver qi stagnation’. Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include congestion in the chest, sighing, abdominal distension, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling a lump in the throat, irregular periods, PMS and breast distension.
Aside from the heart, the liver is closely related to the emotions. A lack of smooth flow of the liver qi will not allow the mind to ease. If liver qi is stagnant it will cause depression, anxiety and sadness. Acupuncture is excellent for relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on unblocking and moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations along with herbal formulas. I suffer from liver qi stagnation from time to time and a couple of sessions of acupuncture always clears it up for me, (Liver 3, Large Intestine 4, and Four Gates) along with a good exercise regime and deep breathing exercise, eating green leafy vegetables which stimulate the liver and herbs like the Free and Easy Wanderer (Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan).
Please also see my posts and information on Natural Progesterone which plays a vital role in stabilising moods and helping anxiety whether you are male or female.
Love and peace to you all.
Mind Body and Sole 