The liver is the unyielding viscus

which governs the free flow of qi and stores the blood. It is yin in form but yang in function

and prefers free activity. Professor Tian Delu has developed his academic theory on relieving digestive diseases by treating liver problems

which can be categorized into the following aspects: 1. It is suggested to soothe the liver and rectify qi when the free movement of qi is restricted due to liver constraint

to unblock the liver collaterals for diseases caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis

and to emolliate the liver in the case of disharmony between its form and function. 2. The liver and spleen should be regulated simultaneously for wood-earth diseases

the principles for which include banking up the earth to relax the liver

banking up the earth to discharge the wood

banking up the earth to dissipate the liver; discharging the liver to harmonize the stomach

and discharging and directing downward liver qi. 3. If hyperactivity of the liver hurts the lung

causing coughing

wheezing and panting

like metal is sounded by the blows of wood

measures should be taken to inhibit liver qi.