TCM: Understanding The Role Of The Liver

According to TCM, the liver is often compared to an army general due to its firm and commanding nature. It plays a vital role in storing blood and regulating the flow of essential substances throughout the body.

Making Sense of Liver Regulation

The liver’s primary function in TCM is to regulate the movement of ‘qi’ within the body. This regulatory role is crucial for the physiological processes of all organ systems, ensuring smooth bodily functions. ‘Qi’ refers to the circulating life force that sustains all living beings—an essential energy flow that maintains health and vitality. The liver’s regulatory influence is especially apparent in four key areas:

1. Pushing Action of Qi

The circulation of blood and the metabolism of fluids rely on the “pushing” action of qi, which in turn is governed by the smooth flow of liver qi. If liver qi becomes stagnant, it can lead to poor blood circulation and result in blood stasis. On the other hand, excessive dispersal of liver qi can disrupt blood flow, causing symptoms such as hemoptysis and epistaxis. Stagnant qi can also obstruct fluid movement, resulting in phlegm accumulation or water retention.

2. Digestion Imbalances

The liver’s regulatory function also complements the spleen’s role in absorption and assimilation. In TCM, bile is believed to be produced from surplus liver qi and stored in the liver. It is released in a regulated manner to support digestion. If liver qi becomes stagnant, it can disrupt the qi flow in the spleen, stomach, and gallbladder, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, vomiting, and belching. Blocked bile secretion may also cause rib pain, jaundice, and poor appetite.

3. Emotional Health

The liver also plays a key role in emotional well-being. In TCM, seven emotions—joy, anger, worry, thought, sorrow, fear, and fright—are each linked to different organs. Proper emotional regulation depends on a sufficient blood supply and smooth qi circulation. In today’s fast-paced world, liver qi stagnation is common, especially among those struggling with work-life balance. This can lead to symptoms like irritability, anxiety, low mood, and even belching.

4. Women’s Physiology

Women rely heavily on blood supply and circulation during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The liver ensures that blood is delivered to the uterus to support these processes. Menopausal women often experience emotional fluctuations due to liver qi stagnation and kidney essence deficiency. This can cause symptoms such as mood swings, irregular menstruation, hot flushes, and even depression.

Managing Women’s Issues with Chinese Medicine

Another critical liver function is blood storage and volume regulation. During rest, the body requires less blood, and the excess is stored in the liver. When activity increases, the liver releases stored blood to meet demand. If liver blood is deficient, organs may not be sufficiently nourished, leading to dizziness, limb weakness, insomnia, and in women, scanty periods or amenorrhea. In cases where the liver fails to store blood properly, unpredictable blood flow may result in excessive bleeding or heavy menstruation.

Liver Opens into the Eyes

Each organ in TCM corresponds to a sensory organ, and the liver is linked to the eyes. Liver blood nourishes the eye structures and supports vision. A deficiency in liver blood may cause blurred vision, myopia, or floaters. Excess liver heat, on the other hand, may lead to red, irritated, or painful eyes with a burning sensation.

Given the liver’s extensive functions, any imbalance can affect other organs. Being aware of early symptoms can help prevent more serious health issues. Since the emotions associated with the liver are anger and frustration, managing stress effectively is essential to maintaining liver health.