This formula is particularly effective in treating conditions due to concurrent Liver yin deficiency and Liver qi constraint. Over the years its use has been expanded including many disorders which share this pattern including menstrual problems, hernial disorders, Lung consumption, wasting and thirsting disorder, and abdominal masses with Liver and Kidney yin deficiency. It has also been used in treating certain stages and the sequelae of warm-febrile diseases.* In terms of treating the primary complaint (hypochondriac pain due to Liver constraint), the use of this formula, Si Ni San, and Xiao Yao San overlap. However, there are differences among them. The ability of si ni san to relieve Liver constraint is relatively strong, and it is used for hypochondriac pain with cold extremities. Xiao Yao San is used more in cases of Liver constraint following emotional upset where there is disharmony between the Liver and Spleen manifested in fatigue, lethargy, a reduced appetite, and a pale tongue. In the case of yi guan jian, it is the deficiency of Liver yin which leads to constraint, heat and pain. The heat from constraint then attacks the Stomach, as described above. Thus, this script is formulated to enrich and nourish the Liver and Kidney yin in order to soften the Liver, while also dispersing the constrained Liver qi. (from Bensky: Chinese Herbal Medicine - Formulas and Strategies.)*