Fatty liver is also known as NASH, which stands for Non- Alcoholic Steatorrhoeic Hepatosis. Fatty liver or NASH, is very common in overweight persons, over the age of 30. It contains an excessive amount of fat and the normal healthy liver tissue is partly replaced with areas of unhealthy fats. The liver is often slightly enlarged with this fat and has a yellow greasy appearance. There may be discomfort over the liver, which is situated in the right upper abdominal area. There may be gallstones composed of cholesterol and bile salts. It is often possible to see the excess fat in the liver in an ultrasound scan of the liver. There may also be elevation of the liver enzymes.
Syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM
Four therapeutic methods for fatty liver in TCM
Pattern of Accumulation of Phlegm-damp
Main symptoms: over-weight, choking sensation in chest and in the Liver region, dizziness, fatigue, poor digestion, nausea, vomit, greasy coating. Therapeutic method: reduce phlegm and clear dampness, removing qi stagnation
Pattern of Stagnation of Qi and Blood
Therapeutic method: soothing the liver, promoting the circulation of qi and blood.
Pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation
Therapeutic method: nourishing liver Yin, clearing excessive damp in the body.
Pattern of Kideny and Liver Yang Deficiency
Therapeutic method: tonifying kidney and liver to regain vital energy.