Treating Depression-Related Fatigue from the Perspective of “The Liver is the Basis of Resistance to Fatigue”

Abstract

Through an in-depth analysis of the theoretical connotation of “the liver is the basis of resistance to fatigue” (“baiji zhi ben”), this paper proposes that the physiological functions of the liver in regulating blood and governing qi movement play essential roles in the body’s ability to tolerate physical and mental fatigue. The development of depression-related fatigue is closely related to dysfunction of the liver in governing free coursing and storage. In terms of pathogenesis, the manifestation lies in the “basis of resistance to fatigue,” the root lies in the disorder of the liver’s substance and function, and the key mechanism lies in the instability of the ethereal soul (“hun”). Regarding treatment, attention should be paid to three aspects: soothing the liver to relieve depression and regulating qi movement; nourishing blood, strengthening the spleen, reinforcing yang, and tonifying deficiency; and regulating the spirit (“shen”), calming the ethereal soul, and harmonizing body and spirit. It is hoped that such approaches may contribute to the treatment of depression-related fatigue.