Liver cirrhosis is often derived from chronic liver diseases. In Western medicine

the treatment is centered on the treatment and prevention of cirrhosis-related complications and on liver protection. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique features as to its cognition and treatment. Liver cirrhosis

corresponds to "abdominal masses"

"swelling" and "acute jaundice" in Traditional Chinese medicine based on its staging and clinical manifestations. Professor Guan Youbo attached importance to syndrome differentiation of Qi and blood theory in its diagnosis and treatment

as diagnosis necessitates determination of etiologic factors from the perspective of qi and blood and in pattern identification. In his opinion

pathogenesis should be figured out centered on qi and blood and in treatment

and its root cause should be focused on. The root cause of liver cirrhosis is Qi deficiency and blood stagnation with dampness-heat toxins retained in the blood aspect as its symptoms. As a key part of pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis

Qi deficiency and blood stasis

which runs through the whole process of liver cirrhosis

has important effects on the formation and development of main syndrome. Phlegm and blood stasis and dampness are not only pathological products

but also the aggravation factors. In Professor Guan’s opinion

invigorating Qi and promoting blood circulation are fundamental treatments. In addition

dispelling phlegm and dampness

nourishing yin and clearing heat

promoting Qi and fluids

invigorating Qi and reviving spirits

and so on are selected according to patients’ condition. This paper introduces the application of Professor Guan’s academic thoughts of Qi and blood theory in the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis

and provides references for clinical differentiation and treatment with referrence to clinical medical records.