For an overview of how internal organs are thought of in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I highly recommend my first post in this series “The Internal Organs in Chinese Medicine.”
In TCM, the Liver is responsible for ensuring the smooth movement of Qi throughout the body and amongst the other organs, storing Blood, and houses the Ethereal Soul (which is responsible for inspiration, creativity, and a sense of direction in life).
The Liver is nicknamed “the General” in TCM because it is responsible for directing all of the body’s internal resources to the appropriate places. It also acts as the General in giving us our ability to plan strategically about our lives.
The most important function of the Liver in clinical practice and in the daily lives of most people is regulating the flow of Qi throughout the body. This is because of how strongly the Liver affects emotions when this function is not working well. When Liver Qi becomes stagnant, we see symptoms of frustration, anger, depression, along with physical symptoms of tight muscles, tightness in the chest, headaches/migraines, bloating or alternating loose stool and constipation, and perimenstrual issues in women.
Due to its function in storing the Blood of the body, the Liver is the primary organ system to affect menstruation. Scanty menstruation or amenorrhea would be indicative of Liver Blood Deficiency, while painful periods with clots, PMS and cramping are typical signs of Liver Stagnation.
The storage and direction of movement of blood in the body also affects our energy levels and immune system function. With insufficient amount of blood in the Liver or inappropriate movement, we often see low energy, frequent illnesses and dry hair, nails, eyes, and/or skin.
The next post will cover “The Functions of the Lungs in Chinese Medicine”
To start this series from the beginning, go to “The Internal Organs in Chinese Medicine”
Like what you’re reading and want to learn more about how these concepts may be useful in your health care? If you are in the Austin area, contact me for a free consultation here.
