Shiatsu and Acupuncture Clinic
Liver Health and Liver Dishamony
The Liver: an Oriental Medicine Perspective
“In Oriental Medicine the Liver relates to the element of wood, the season of spring and has the qualities of wind.”
What does this mean ?
The Liver is a very important organ as we all know. It assists in the detoxification of the body and produces bile (stored in the gall bladder) which is used in the emulsification of fats in the digestive process. But the Liver does much more than this.
Let’s look at the complexities of the Liver and how we may assist in its’ overall function and harmony.
In Oriental Medicine the Liver is said to:
Regulate the smooth flow of energy through the body.
Provide energy and nourishment for the eyes.
Control the elasticity and flexibility of muscles and connective tissues.
Assist in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Nourish the nerves.
Control the digestive process.
In order to understand the functioning capacity of the Liver we need to understand that for there to be harmony in the body there needs to be a balance between the internal organs. The Heart is said to be like the emperor and is the supreme ruler. The Liver is like the general which carries out the tasks assigned to it. This relationship between the Liver and Heart is one which follows the natural order. Liver belongs to the element of wood. Heart belongs to the element of fire. So in nature, wood creates fire. Too much wood or wood which is not of good quality will extinguish fire. So for there to be good health the Liver must be healthy and balanced. It is only then that the Heart can function properly.
Let’s look at some common disharmonies and how they relate to the function of the Liver.
When we use our eyes we are essentially using the energy of the Liver. If we overuse our eyes we can put extra burden on the Liver, causing it to become dry and depleted. This is especially important in this modern world where people place a lot of strain on their eyes with work and leisure. So, eye symptoms like dryness, spots in front of the eyes and blurring of vision are often indicators that the Liver cannot maintain the nourishment of the eyes due to its limited capacity.
When we exercise we expect our muscles and our tendons and ligaments to provide a good support for our movement. However, if the Liver is unable to nourish the muscles and connective tissue effectively then they will start to contract, causing muscle tightening and possible cramping, tightening around the joints, and general musculo-skeletal pain. These disharmonies may occur if we overexercise or if we don’t provide the right sort of nourishment for our body’s activities. Part of this might be due also to inappropriate hydration, as water is the basis of our blood, and if we are even only slightly dehydrated our blood will become thicker and stickier. The blood then loses its lubricating and nourishing qualities. Most so called “frozen shoulders”are due to an imbalance in the Liver. This will affect predominantly the right shoulder. A person who suppresses their anger will be susceptible to this as the Liver is damaged by anger. If the left shoulder is affected, then it is often due to Spleen and Stomach disharmony. A person who worries and thinks too much will damage their Spleen/Stomach.
A woman’s menstrual cycle is greatly influenced by the Liver’s function. It is the even spreading of energy through the body which will govern the flow of blood. Premenstrual symptoms of anger, frustration and irritability are all to do with the Liver not expressing itself freely. Pain at the onset of the menstrual will ease as the stagnant energy and blood are released. It is not natural to have pain during menstruation. It is also not natural for the blood colour to be darker than the colour of blood when you cut your finger. By regulating the Liver function, the menstrual cycle can be harmonised and can then be a time of renewal for the woman and not a time of suffering.
Our nerves are nourished by the Liver and their function is closely related to the function of our muscles in the way that if they do not have the appropriate supply of blood and energy they will contract, causing inappropriate activity.
Conditions like twitching and spasms are often directly related to a dysfunction in the Liver, as a dryness of the nerves is due to a dryness in the Liver . Also, conditions like anxiety and insomnia are often attributable to a disharmony in the Liver, which is unable to nourish the nerves effectively, creating a situation where they can’t relax and let go.
Our digestive process is governed by the functional capacity of the Liver. Poor assimilation of nutrients can often be directly related to the Liver’s overactivity on the digestive organs of the Stomach, Spleen and intestines. Reflux and Stomach ulcers are due to the Liver invading the Stomach, so the Stomach contracts and the energy ascends instead of descending. Irritable bowel is due to the activity of the Liver on the Colon which has become stressed due to the interference of the Liver in its territory. Inability to digest fats is due to poor bile quality which is produced in the Liver and secreted into the digestive tract via the Gall Bladder. Belching and flatulence are both symptoms of Liver disturbance.
We have briefly touched on some of the factors which are to do with an imbalance or disharmony within the Liver. So what can be done to assist the Liver in being in harmony with itself and with its “neighbours” ?
Firstly, become aware of your breathing. With every breath, breathing into your abdomen, you are massaging your internal organs as the diaphragm naturally rises and the descends.
Make sure you hydrate effectively. You can add a little fruit juice to your water which will facilitate this process of water absorption.
Don’t use your eyes too much, especially after 11pm, as this is the the time the Liver needs to recover.
Add a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to some warm water and drink this every morning on an empty stomach.
Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and a variety of fruit.
Become aware of how you react to situations. Give yourself a little space so you can respond in a way that feels more comfortable with you.
Love yourself. If you can’t do this, then at least give yourself a smile.
With accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Oriental Medicine can assist you in your journey back to optimum health and well being.