Liver as described by Traditional Chinese Medicine

Main Physiological Functions of the Liver

1. Regulation and Distribution: This function refers to the circulation of qi, blood, and body fluids throughout the body, and the distribution of the appropriate amounts to necessary parts as needed.

2. Storage of Blood: The liver has the function of storing blood and regulating the output of blood. This ensures that the appropriate amount of blood is sent to various parts of the body as needed. When the liver’s blood storage function operates normally, there is sufficient blood circulation within the body.

Liver Dysfunction

The various functions within the human body generally operate smoothly due to the normal functioning of the liver. Therefore, if the liver is dysfunctional, it can lead to insufficient qi and blood in various organs, and also cause emotional abnormalities such as anxiety and depression.

- Hypofunction of the Liver - Liver Blood Deficiency

Symptoms include dry skin and hair, pale complexion, dry and blurry eyes, floaters (a condition where it seems like there are mosquitoes flying in front of the eyes), numbness in hands and feet, muscle weakness, delayed menstruation, and scanty menstrual flow.

When it affects the heart, in addition to the aforementioned symptoms, it can also cause insomnia, forgetfulness, dizziness, and palpitations. When it affects the kidneys, it can cause tinnitus, headaches, back pain, hair loss, tooth loss, weakness in the legs, blurred vision, and visual impairment. When it affects the spleen, it can cause muscle cramps, trembling hands and feet, spasms, and itchy skin.

- Hyperfunction of the Liver - Liver Qi Stagnation

Symptoms include severe mood swings, pain and swelling between the ribs, constipation, depression, and irregular menstruation. If this condition persists for a long time, it can also cause a dark complexion, fatigue, and abdominal bloating and pain.

Causes

- Liver Blood Deficiency: Caused by significant blood loss or nutritional deficiencies leading to insufficient blood supply.

- Liver Qi Stagnation: Caused by the dysfunction of the liver’s regulation and distribution function.

Health Care and Maintenance

- When abnormalities in the liver occur, try to relax, reduce stress, and maintain a cheerful attitude.

- Use aromatic massage oils from the Liver Meridian (Wood) and Gallbladder Meridian (Wood) in the 12 meridians for daily health care and maintenance.