Deep Channel Clearing

The vessel begins at the centre of the heel, flows to the lateral malleolus, at Bl62, then to Bl61, Bl59 (xi cleft point), to the posterior border of the fibula, lateral thigh, to GB29, to the posterior axillary fold, winds over the shoulder to SI10, LI15, LI16, ascends the neck to the corner of the mouth, St4, St3, St1, Bl1 (where it meets with Yin Qiao Mai) and flows over the head along the Bladder channel to GB20.

The Yang Qiao Mai puts the yang into dynamic motion. It is responsible for graceful movement of the limbs and the body and together with Yin Qiao Mai allows us to coordinate and move with freedom.

The Yang Qiao Mai puts the yang into dynamic motion.

The vessel begins at Bl63 ascends lateral malleolus to GB35 (xi cleft point), along GB channel across the hip to the shoulder where it passes through SI10, SJ15, GB21, ascends to the forehead St8, GB13,14,15. It ascends the head to GB16,17,18,19, 20 and then to the back of the neck at Du15,16. There is some argument about whether the vessel goes from the front to the back of the head or from the back to the front of the head. Its trajectory complements the Yin Wei Mai which connects with the Ren Mai.

The Yang Wei Mai attaches and links all the yang of the body. It forms a net for yang, affecting all yang throughout the entire body. In a sense it holds together the yang, ruling and binding it. It connects to the yang channels of the leg and to the DuMai, thus linking to the source of yang. It relates particularly to defensive qi (wei qi).

The Yang Wei Mai attaches and links all the yang of the body.

Begins in the middle of the heel, goes to Ki2, Ki6, Ki8 (xi cleft point), ascends the medial aspect of the leg, passes through all yin organs, emerges at St19, follows the Stomach channel to St12, the passes through the neck and face to emerge at Bl1 (where it meets the Yang Qiao Mai) and penetrates the brain.

The Yin Qiao Mai puts the yin into dynamic motion. Together with the Yang Qiao Mai it is responsible for graceful movement of the limbs and the body.

The Yin Qiao Mai puts the yin into dynamic motion.

Descriptions of the pathway are reasonably vague in the classics. In these texts its pathway was described as linking the sea of qi at the origin (the lower Dantian) to the sea of qi in the chest, with points extending from the navel to the thorax. However, it was emphasised that its influence extends everywhere. The most common modern pathway begins in the Kidneys, flows down to the vital region (uterus in females), emerges at Ren 1, one branch flows up the sacrum and spine to Du4, another branch goes to St30, Ki11- 21, and circles around the mouth. Another branch links Ki11 and St30 and travels down the medial aspect of the leg to the big toe. The Chong Mai is considered to flow deeper than the Ki channel, so that the Ki points are closer to the surface of the skin and the Chong Mai points lay underneath.

Chong Mai links yin and yang together, distributing yang qi, blood, essences through the body. For this reason it is said to be the sea of blood and the sea of the 12 channels. It ensures good rhythm of circulation of qi.

Chong Mai links yin and yang together and distributes qi and blood.

It connects to all the vessels as they go through the abdominal region. It connects with the vital centre (and ming men or the fires of destiny) and links the Du, Ren and Chong around the vital region. It regulates the animation and movement of the vessels as they move through the abdomen. It also balances the yin and yang in the leg because all six leg channels cross it.

The function of the Dai Mai is to bind and unify the extraordinary vessels. It is the only vessel to cut horizontally through the body. It is the entire cross section of the body at this point.

The Dai Mai binds and unifies the extraordinary vessels.

The vessel begins at Ki9 (xi cleft point) flows up the medial aspect of the leg to the anterior surface of the trunk at Sp 13, 16 and Lv14. The vessel penetrates the diaphragm, breast, to connect with Ren 22, 23. The Pc channel is said to have a branch that runs from Pc6 (the confluent point) to Pc1 to Ren17 and crosses Yin Wei Mai in the region of Ki23, and then goes to Ren17, and from Ren17 there are connections to Ren 12 and Ren 7.

The Yin Wei Mai attaches and links all the yin of the body. It forms a net for yin, affecting all yin throughout the entire body. In a sense it holds together the yin, ruling and binding it. It connects to the yin channels of the leg and to the Ren Mai, thus linking to the source of yin. It relates particularly to digestive qi (ying qi).

The Yin Wei Mai attaches and links all the yin of the body.

LI20, Bl1, GB3, GB4, GB5, GB6, Gv14, Gv24, Gv26, Gv28, Cv12, Cv13, Cv24, GB14, GB21.

Separates from the primary channel in middle of the thigh, ascends the abdomen, stomach, and disperses in the spleen, ascends to the heart, throat, mouth, nose, and unites with the main channel at the eye.

Originates at the middle three toes, binds on the dorsum of the foot ascends the lateral aspect of the leg, binds at the knee where it connects with the GB sinew channel, binds and the hip joint, passes through the ribs and into the spine. A branch binds at the knee, binds above the genitals, binds at St12, ascends the neck, jaw, mouth, to bind at the nose, joins Bl sinew channel and forms a muscular net around the eye (lower net) [Bl channel forms the upper net]. A branch separates at the jaw and binds in front of the ear.

Begins at St40, connects with the Spleen channel on the medial aspect of the lower leg, ascends the leg and body to the neck and head where it meets with the qi of the other yang channels, a branch travels internally to terminate at the throat.

Begins at LI20, ascends the inside corner of eye to Bl1, descends to St1, upper gum, curves to meet Gv28 and Gv26, circles the lips and meets Cv24, runs laterally to the mandible ascends to via St7 and GB3 to within the hairline intersecting GB4, GB5, GB6, meets Gv24. Another branch separates at St5, descends throat to supraclavicular fossa at St12, crosses around the back to Gv14, descends the diaphragm, intersects Cv13 and Cv12, enters the stomach and spleen. Another branch descends from St12, 4 bin lateral to the midline, to St18, then 2 bin lateral to St30. Another branch begins in the pyloric valve, descends within the abdomen and meets the channel at St30. From St30 the channel descends via the thigh to the lateral aspect of the knee, foot and second toe. Another branch separates on the foot at St42 and travels to Sp1.

Helps the Spleen, Carries Qi and blood to the organs; Controls all intestines; Appetite, bad breath, mouth ulcers are associated with the Stomach; Has lots of good points for Qi; Anterior tibialis, abdominals, quadriceps, breasts, frontal lobe

LI14, Gv14, Bl41, Bl11, St12, Cv17, Cv13, Cv12, GB1, Gb11, SJ20, SJ22, Bl1

Separates at the shoulder, enters the armpit, crosses the heart and descends to the abdomen to the small intestine.

Originates at the little finger, binds at wrist, medial condyle of humerus, armpit, mastoid process, enters ear and ascends around the ear, binds at the mandible, outer edge of eye and corner of head near St8.

Begins at SI7, connects the Heart channel, ascends shoulder to connect with LI15.

Begins at little finger, ascends elbow and upper arm, through LI14, to posterior shoulder joint at SI10, zigzags the scapula, crosses to Gv14, intersects Bl41, Bl11, moves to the front of the body at St12, connects with the heart, intersects Cv17, passes through diaphragm and stomach, intersects Cv13, Cv12, and enters the Small Intestine. A branch ascends from St12 to the neck, cheek, and outer corner of the eye, meets with GB1, then to the ear, meeting GB11, SJ20, SJ22 and enters the ear at SI19. Another branch separates at the cheek ascends to SI18, along the nose to Bl1. Another branch descends to St39, the lower He-Sea point of the SI.

Small intestine is important for communication with self and others and understanding self and others. No points on the SI channel are indicated for the digestive system. Its points have limited action on the SI fu. SI fu is closely associated with the SI channel’s lower He-Sea point, St39, and its Front Mu and Back Shu points.

These are from VHS Manual St7, St8, St9, St12, SI12, SI19, Bl1, Bl11, Bl31, Bl32, Bl33, Bl34, Pc1, SJ15, SJ17, SJ20, SJ22, Lv13, Gv1, Gv14, Gv20.

Separates at thigh, enters the pubic region, connects with GB and Lv, crosses the heart and throat, emerges at lower jaw, disperses in the face, connects with the eye and rejoins main channel at outer edge of eye.

Originates at 4th toe, binds at lateral malleolus, lateral aspect of knee, thigh, sacrum, at St12, at the side of the nose and at the outer edge of the eye.

Separates at GB37 connects with the Liver channel and disperses over the dorsum of the foot.

Begins at the outer corner of the eye, one branch weaves back and forth on the head, from the top of the ear to the mastoid back to the frontal eminences (GB14), connecting with SJ22 above the ear, SJ20 behind the ear, St8 just inside the hairline, ascends closer to the midline over the top of the head, to the occiput before curving behind the ear to the top of the shoulder (through SJ15), meets the spine at Gv14, passes laterally to Bl11 and SI12, then anteriorly to St12 (near the clavicle. It continues in front of the armpit, lateral ribcage, to the hip. The second branch emerges behind the ear, enters the ear at SJ17, emerges at the front of the ear, passes through SI19, St7 to the edge of the eye, descends to the jaw near St5, rises to Bl1, descends to the neck near St6, intersects St9 to rejoin the main channel in supraclavicular fossa, descends to chest to Pc1, crosses diaphragm, connects with the Liver zang and Gall Bladder fu, continues inside of the ribs to genitals, enters deeply to emerge at sacrum where it meets the Bladder channel and meets with the Gv at Gv1, emerges at the buttock at Gb30. Another branch descends from the supraclavicular fossa to the armpit, intersects Lv13, descends to the hip to GB30, and continues to knee and lateral side of the fourth toe. Another branch separates at GB41 to cross to the liver channel at the big toe.

The Gall Bladder fu stores and excretes bile and rules courage, decision making and judgement. Gall Bladder and Liver are entrusted with Ministerial fire – decision making

None listed

Separates from the primary channel on the arm below the level of the armpit, 3 bin inferior to GB22, enters the chest and communicates with the three parts of the body, and a branch ascends across the throat and emerges behind the ear to converge with the SJ channel.

Originates at the tip of the middle finger and runs together with the lung sinew channel to bind at the medial side of the elbow, binds near the armpit and disperses over the anterior and posterior aspects of ribs

Begins at Pc6 and moves up the arm to the pericardium and heart

Begins in centre of chest, connects with the pericardium, descends through the diaphragm to the abdomen, passing through the upper, middle and lower parts of the body. One branch runs from inside the chest to emerge in the costal region near Pc1, arches over the armpit down the middle part of the arm to the middle finger. Another branch arises from palm at Pc8 and follows the middle finger aspect of the ring finger to its tip.

Pericardium is an important channel for memory and brain function. Working on Pc can help mend a broken heart

SI12, Bl11, Gv14, GB21, St12, Cv17, Cv12, GB11, GB6, GB5, GB4, GB14, SI18, SI19, GB3, GB1,Bl1, Pc1, Gv20, GB20.

Separates at the head, branches to the vertex, descends to disperse in the chest and cross through the three jiao.

Originates at ring finger, binds to the wrist, elbow, joins with the SI sinew channel at the neck. A branch separates at the mandible and links with the root of the tongue. Another branch ascends in front of the ear to join outside of eye, crosses the temple and binds at corner of the forehead.

Begins at SJ5, up the arm and over the shoulder converging on the Pc channel in the chest.

Begins in ring finger, travels to elbow and shoulder, intersects SI12, crosses the back to Bl11 and Gv14, ascends to highest point on shoulder where it intersects GB21, descends to St12, disperses between the breasts at Cv17, connects with Pc and descends to abdomen via Cv12. A branch separates at Cv17 ascends to the supraclavicular fossa, rises along the neck, behind the ear, to GB11, to the temples intersects GB4, GB5, GB6 and GB14, winds down the cheek, intersects SI18, ascends to below the eye. Another branch separates behind the ear and enters the ear, emerges in front of the ear and intersects SI19 and GB3, terminates at SJ23, Wei Mai with GB1. Zangfu Connections: Upper, middle and lower jiao (SJ), Pc

Penetrates and harmonises all three jiao; Represents the interstitial fluids of the body – hence has a role with fluid problems; Fever (fire); Ears, eyes; Connects with GB (6 channel theory: shao yang channel), which means that SJ can be used for generalised stress and stagnation, particularly SJ6

Sp6, Gv1, Cv3, Cv4, Cv7, Cv17

Separates at knee, intersects Bl divergent channel at thigh, connects with kidneys, crosses the Dai Mai near L2, ascends to the root of the tongue and emerges at the nape of the neck where it connects with the Bl channel

Little toe, inferior medial malleolus, ascends leg, medial condyle of tibia, medial thigh to genitals, a branch travels internally to the spinal vertebra where it ascends the inner aspect of the spine to the nape of the neck where it binds to the occiput

Begins at Ki4, encircles heel (posterior), connects with Bl channel; travels from Ki4 to the just below the pericardium where it spreads into the last 4 lumber vertebra

Begins beneath the little toe, crosses to Ki1, runs up the medial aspect of the leg, intersects the Spleen channel at Sp6, continues to the medial aspect of the popliteal fossa, runs to the tip of the coccyx where it intersects Gv1, threads its way through the spine enters the kidney from L2, one branch ascends through the liver and diaphragm, enters the lung and ascends to the throat to terminate at the root of the tongue, another branch separates in the lung, joins with the heart and disperses in the chest to link with Pc and Cv17, another branch emerges from the kidney to connect with the bladder, intersects CV at CV3, CV4 and CV7, as it moves up the anterior surface of the torso to end at Ki27.

The Kidney channel is the most yin of the channels and connects us to our original nature.  In harmony it is the source of our wisdom and intuition. It also contains our will, our capacity to unrelentingly unfold our true nature in life. Persistence is the outcome of strong Kidney energy. The root of original yin and yang, houses the will, foundation of CV and Chong Mai.

GB15, Gv20, Gv24, GB7, GB8, GB9, GB10, GB11, GB12, GB30, Gv17, Gv14, Gv13, LI4, SI10, GB23

Separates at the popliteal fossa, ascends to a point 5 bin inferior to the sacrum, winds around the anus, connects with Bl and Ki, ascends along spine and disperses in the region of the heart, emerges at the neck to rejoin Bl primary channel.

Originates at the little toe ascends to bind at lateral aspect of knee, another branch separates below the ankle, binds at the heel, ascends along Achilles tendon to popliteal fossa, binds at the buttock, ascends to the nape of the neck, a branch penetrates to bind at the tongue, the main channel binds at the occiput, ascends over the crown to bind at the bridge of the nose, circles the eyes and binds at the cheekbones, another branch ascends the back and binds at LI15, another branch crosses beneath the armpit to the supraclavicular fossa and rises to the cheek bone.

Separates at Bl58 and connects with Ki channel

Begins at inner canthus of eye, ascends to vertex, intersects with GB15, Gv24, Gv20, from vertex a branch descends to the temples intersecting GB7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, another branch descends from the vertex to the occiput 1 bin either side of the midline, another branch from the vertex enters the brain and meets GV17 then emerges to nape of neck where it splits into two branches. The first branch travels alongside the spine 1.5 bin lateral to the midline, intersecting Gv13 and Gv14, penetrates deep into the body, the paravertebral muscles, kidneys and bladder. A sub-branch separates in the lumber region, descends along the sacrum, buttocks to Bl40 at the knee. The second branch descends 3 bin lateral to the spine, crosses the buttock to intersect with GB30, descends on the lateral part of the leg to meet the other branch at Bl40, descends through the gastrocnemius, emerges behind the lateral malleolus at Bl60, and runs to Bl67.

The Bladder channel is the longest and most extensive channel. It has little effect on its related fu (the bladder) but connects with most channels, regions and areas of the body. The back-shu points, the points on the foot and the points on the head are all very important points for the zangfu and the brain. Regulate the Zangfu via the back shu connections – which also affect the associated tissues and sense organs.

Separates at armpit, enters the chest, connects with the heart, ascends the throat, face and connects with the SI channel at the inner aspect of the eye.

Originates at little finger, binds at medial aspect of the elbow, axilla, intersects the Lu sinew channel, travels to the centre of the chest, descends to the umbilicus.

Begins at Ht5 connects with the SI channel and follows the Heart channel to the heart, continues to the root of the tongue and eye.

Begins in the heart, descends through the diaphragm to the small intestine. A branch separates at the heart ascends the throat, face and cheek to connect to tissues around the eye. Another branch travels from the heart to the lung, emerges at the armpit travels along the arm, elbow, to the posterior and thumb side of the little finger.

Emperor, responsible for consciousness, brain – particularly emotional / gestalt brain, Memory, sleep, Rules the tongue and speech, Fever (fire), Emotions

Lu1, GB24, Lv14, Cv3, Cv4, Cv10, Cv17

Separates from the primary channel in the middle of the thigh, follows the stomach divergent channel to the throat where it penetrates the tongue.

Originates at the big toe, binds at the ankle, knee, groin, umbilicus, enters the abdomen and binds at the ribs, spreads in the chest and adheres to the spine

Begins at Sp4, connects with the St channel, enters the abdomen and connects with the intestines and the stomach. The “Great Luo-Connecting Channel of the Spleen” : separates from the primary channel at Sp21, spreads through the chest and lateral costal region gathering the blood of the luo-connecting channels of the whole body.

Begins at the medial side of the big toe, ascends ankle medial knee, to hip, crosses to abdomen, intersects Cv3, Cv4 and Cv10, enters the spleen, and connects with the stomach, emerges in stomach region ascending 4 to 6 bin lateral to the midline, intersecting GB24 and Lv14 and Lu1, then descends to the seventh intercostal at Sp21. A branch ascends through the diaphragm to the throat and spreads over lower surface of the tongue. Another branch ascends from the stomach through the diaphragm to link with the heart.

Key channel for digestion – every aspect from mouth to final stage of Krebs cycle (producing energy); Energy low in afternoon = spleen deficiency; Diahorea, undigested food in stool, abdominal aches, bloating all spleen style symptoms; Transformation and transportation of liquid and solid foods; Posterior to medial edge of tibea, pubic region, connects to intestines;

St4, St12, SI12, Gv14, Gv26, Cv24, possibly GB5, GB6, GB14

Separates from primary channel at the hand ascends past shoulder through LI15 travels to spinal column crosses to front of body to the thorax, breast, lung and large intestine, a branch ascends from the thorax to join the primary channel at the throat.

Binds at LI1, the wrist, elbow, shoulder, one branch crosses the posteriorly to attach to the upper thoracic spine, the other branch ascends to the jaw, divides at the jaw with one branch binding at the side of the throat and the other branch crossing over the top of the head to connect with the mandible at the opposite side.

Begins at LI6, joins with Lu channel 3bin above wrist, ascends to shoulder through LI15 to jaw and cheek, one branch dividing and entering the ear (joining the collection point where St, SI, GB, and SJ gather at the ear) and the other branch connecting with the teeth.

Begins at thumb side of index finger, passes along the posterior and radial aspect of arm to shoulder joint at LI15, travels through SI12, and Gv14 (back of body) where it meets the other yang channels, then enters the supraclavicular fossa (on front of body) near St12, connects with the lung, descending through the diaphragm to the large intestine. A branch passes from near St12 across the neck through the cheek, entering the lower gums crossing to other side of face at Gv26 to join the Stomach channel at LI20. Another branch passes from near St12 to descend to the lower he-sea point of the Large Intestine at St37.

Only a few points on the channel influence the large intestine fu. The channel has a lower He-Sea point, St37, that has a much greater influence over the large intestine fu. Other points used to influence the LI fu are the Front Mu and Back Shu points.

None listed

Large intestine, chest and throat

Anterior chest, along arm around the channel to thumb

Lu7, thenar eminence on palm of hand, connects with LI channel

Originates in the middle jiao - in the region of the stomach, descends to connect with the large intestine, returns upwards to pass the cardiac (upper) opening of the stomach, traverses the diaphragm, penetrates the lung, ascends the throat and then emerges at Lu1.

Receives the clear qi of heaven, inhaling air qi which descends to the kidneys and exhaling waste qi. The Lung is a very important organ for providing contact with heaven and with our original/ spiritual natures. It is very important for qi, not just in terms of air qi but also defensive qi and our immune system. It opens water passages and so relates to sweating and dry skin.

Pathway: Begins at lower abdomen anterior to the spine, emerges at the perineum, runs along the interior of the spinal column to Gv16 at the nape of the neck, enters the brain and ascends inside the brain to GV20 and also from Gv16 runs along the exterior of the midline of the head to Gv20. A branch originates in the lower abdomen, descends to the genitals, perineum, winds around the anus, ascends the interior of the spinal column and enters the kidneys. Another branch originates in the lower abdomen winds around the genitals, ascends to the umbilicus, moves through the heart, ascends the throat, winds around the mouth and up to below the middle of the eyes. Another branch emerges at Bl1, follows the bladder channel along the forehead, the branches converge at the vertex and enter the brain, emerges at Gv16, divides again, descending through Bl12 along either side of the spine to the kidneys.

CV, ST, BL

The Chinese characters that comprise Du Mai represent an uncle or younger brother looking out for the elder brother. It is symbolic of a governor or viceroy who watches out for the emperor. The governor rules and acts on behalf of the supreme power. The characters are symbolic of pure, clear, the middle way, strong, constant and guide for our life. Du Mai is the foundation of yang qi. Du and Ren Mai develop as the first expression of yin and yang after conception. They originate in the vital region in the lower abdomen, the ‘lower supreme ridgepole’. The supreme ridge pole is the ‘no form’ out of which all things come – the macroscopic Dao. The supreme ridge pole within us is located between the Kidneys, in the lower Dantian. It is our source of life, vitality and ming men (fires of destiny). From this area comes the first division of yin and yang in the form of Du and Ren Mai. Du Mai is the master of the yang qi of the body. It unifies and gathers all the yang qi and connects the yang qi with its source in the lower Dantian. The Du Mai also connects with the yin on the front of the body, it infuses all zangfu with yang qi. It connects with the Kidneys with two of its pathways which is important because of the Kidney’s link to ming men (fires of destiny) and the lower Dantian. There is a strong link between Kidney yang and Du Mai.

In treatment: Circulates wei qi (protective qi), controls the loss of body heat (partly through its affect on wei qi), all diseases of the central nervous system and spinal cord, psychosis, spine, back pains, rigidity, heart pains, heavy head, knee and leg pains, rigidity of the neck, gastrointestinal pain, urinary dysfunction, sterility, convulsions, vertigo, dizziness, headache, chronic fever, madness, mania and dementia, convulsions, throat disorders, night sweating, lack of sweat, headache, poor circulation in the lower heater, hernia. Simple Questions: heart pain, retention of urine and faeces and hernia, infertility, haemorrhoids, incontinence of urine and a dry throat • Classic of Difficulties: stiffness of the spine and fainting • Li Shi Zhen: when full there is rigidity of the back, which is bent backwards; when empty there is a feeling of heaviness of the head and shaking of the head • Golden Mirror of Medicine: contraction of the hands and feet, tremors of limbs, aphasia from Wind-stroke, epilepsy, headache, eye swelling with discharge, chronic backache and knee ache, occipital stiffness from unresolved invasion of Wind-Cold, toothache, numbness of limbs, night sweating • Pulse Classic: stiffness and pain of the back with inability to bend forwards or backwards. In adults there is mania, in children epilepsy

Du Mai is the foundation of yang qi—it is the master of the yang qi of the body. It unifies and gathers all the yang qi and connects the yang qi with its source in the lower Dantian. The Du Mai also connects with the yin on the front of the body, it infuses all zangfu with yang qi.

Du Mai is the foundation of yang qi.

Sp6, Sp12, Sp13, Cv2, Cv3, Cv4, Pc1, Gv20

Separates at foot, ascends to genitals and converges with gall bladder primary channel

Originates on the big toe, binds to the anterior aspect of the medial malleolus, proceeds to the genitals

Separates at Lv5, connects with GB and ascends to genitals

Begins at lateral aspect of big toe, runs along foot to Lv4, ascends up the medial aspect of the leg, intersects the Spleen channel at Sp6 where it runs anterior to the spleen channel and then crosses again runs posterior to the spleen channel to the knee and medial thigh, runs to the pubic region via Sp12 and Sp13 where it encircles the genitals, enters the abdomen, intersects Cv2, 3 and 4, continues up, curves around the stomach, enters the liver and gall bladder, crosses the diaphragm, spreads in the chest, ascends to the neck, throat and tissues surrounding the eye, runs up to Gv20. A branch descends from the eyes to the inner surface of the lips. Another branch spreads in the lung and intersects Pc1.

The Liver is considered the general of the army – plans and directs blood and qi. It relates particularly to the smooth flow of blood and qi. It also moistens and stores the blood, revitalising the blood. The blood resides in the liver at night. If the blood is not moistened the tendons dry out, and you tend to get brittle nails and dry eyes. It terms of menstrual flow – bright and heavy usually indicates hot liver blood; if light deficient liver blood; if irregular, dark and clotted stagnant Liver blood (also likely to be suppressing emotions).