The link between your Liver, throat tension & self-expression

Written By Jo Ridgway
 

Have you ever felt a lump in your throat when holding back tears? Or tightness in your neck when suppressing words you long to say?

 

In Chinese medicine, the Liver is connected to the throat. And as we move into Liver season, I don't think it's a coincidence that I've been having so many conversations—in clinic, with friends, and with family—about symptoms and restrictions in this area.

 

The Liver & the Throat

The Liver and the Wood element relate to our authentic voice and creative expression. It's connected to feelings of inspiration, aliveness, and our ability to birth new ideas. The Liver also has a direct link to the throat, reflecting our capacity to communicate, assert ourselves, and release emotions.

 

Imbalances in this area can stem from childhood—perhaps we were told to be quiet, shamed for speaking up, or made to feel our voices didn't matter. Though parenting has evolved, past conditioning still lingers. Just this weekend, I was speaking with my mum about her own upbringing. Her parents—loving and kind—still raised her with the belief that children should be seen and not heard.

 

For many, it feels safer to stay quiet, not take up too much space, and swallow our voice. But suppressing our expression leads to a build-up of stuck Liver Qi, which needs an outlet. It can erupt out as frustration and rage or turn inward as self-criticism and judgment. Our bodies become tight because we use so much energy to hold it all in.

 

Signs of Stagnant Liver Qi in the Throat & Body

Physically, this can manifest as:

  • A tight or sore throat

  • A lump-in-the-throat sensation (Plum Pit Qi in TCM)

  • Jaw tension, TMJ, or teeth grinding

  • Neck and shoulder tightness

  • Hoarseness or difficulty speaking

  • Frequent sighing or restricted breathing

  • Headaches and migraines


Emotionally, it may show up as:

  • Difficulty expressing your true thoughts and feelings

  • Feeling unheard or dismissed

  • Fear of speaking up

  • Holding back tears or anger

  • Frustration with no clear outlet


How to Release Stuck Liver Qi & Open Your Throat

If this resonates, here are simple daily practices to restore flow in both your Liver and throat, alongside deeper, long-term work:

 

Move Your Liver Qi

  • Gentle stretching, especially opening the neck and shoulders

  • Yoga poses like Cat-Cow, Cobra, and Fish Pose to release throat tension

  • Acupressure on Liver 3 (Taichong)—the soft part of the foot between your first and second toes—to help move stagnation

  • Singing, humming, or chanting to vibrate the throat and release stuck energy
     

Express Yourself Daily

  • Journaling freely without filtering your thoughts

  • Speaking your feelings out loud—even if just to yourself


Nourish with Food

  • Warm herbal teas like peppermint or ginger to soothe the throat

  • Liver-friendly foods: dark leafy greens, green juices, citrus fruits

  • Cutting back on alcohol, excessive salt, crisps, and refined foods
     

Working with this on a deeper level might mean finding a space, person, or group where you can practice using your voice in a way that feels safe. Connecting with what you truly feel and allowing that expression.

 

Once you trust it's safe to express yourself, you may notice more creative energy flowing in general—through dreams, visions, ideas, excitement. It's a very alive place to be.

 

Your voice matters. Your emotions are valid. And your body is always speaking to you.

 

By supporting your Liver and honouring your throat's energy, you open the door to deeper self-expression and more creative flow.

 

I'd love to hear if any of this resonates with you.

Jo Ridgway