Skin problems can be a sign of an overactive or malfunctioning liver. Can acne on the liver meridian (on the inside of the upper leg) be an extra sign of this, or is there a chance of another underlying cause of this common or uncommon symptom?
Skin problems can be a sign of an overactive or malfunctioning liver. Can acne on the liver meridian (on the inside of the upper leg) be an extra sign of this, or is there a chance of another underlying cause of this common or uncommon symptom?
Comment by Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.
Skin issues can also have nothing to do with the physical liver or the liver system in Chinese Medicine terms (which has little to do with the physical liver as well). So proper diagnosis of the underlying factors is always critical in TCM. Generally speaking things like petechiae or small blood vessels can be signs of blood stasis in Chinese Medicine terms and can have some correlation to the meridian they appear on - so can acne to a degree. But acne like spots on an area often have little to do with the meridian they appear on and more to do with the area they are in - i.e. spots above the physical liver on the back, for example, could indicate physical liver congestion. It can also be broader more systemic issues arising from damp-heat (digestive issues, possibly), hormonal issues, etc. but rarely limited or possibly even involved to the meridian they appear on.