The liver is located in the abdomen just below the diaphragm within the right side of the body. The liver in Chinese Medicine (CM) is responsible for governing the free-flow Qi and storing blood.
Note: As I mentioned in a previous article, the organs in CM focuses on the physiological functions of a system rather than an anatomical organ. Therefore the “Liver” in CM does NOT equal to the organ Liver in Western Medicine.
If you haven’t read the introduction to “Internal Organ Systems in Chinese Medicine”, click HERE.
Physiological Functions of the Spleen
1. Governs the Free Flow of Qi
The liver is responsible for ensuring that Qi is flowing smoothly throughout the entire body.
Should the Qi is not flowing smoothly in the body, it will affect one’s blood and water metabolism since Qi promotes the flow of Blood and Water in the body.
The blockage of free-flowing Qi will also affect the emotions of one person. As mentioned in a previous article blood is responsible for emotions. If the blood is not flowing smoothly, the emotions will be affected and one will feel depressed and sad.
2. Storing of Blood
The liver is responsible for storing the blood and regulating the quantity of blood that flows throughout the body.
When one is asleep or at rest. the blood is not in demand by the body. Thus blood returns to be stored by the liver.
When one is doing physical exercise, the blood is needed to supply nutrients to the muscles, organs or brain. Therefore the liver will release the stored blood for what they need.
This function of the liver allows the most efficient use of blood throughout the body.
Relationship of the Liver and its Correspondents
| Five Zang Organs | Five Elements | Five Constituents | Five External Manifestations | Five Sensory Organs | Body Fluids | Emotion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liver | Wood | Tendon | Nails | Eyes | Tears | Anger |
1. The Liver governs the Tendons
Tendons are what connects muscles the bones and allow movements of the body. The tendons rely on the sufficient nourishments of the Liver-Blood in order to function properly. Therefore Liver is to Tendon.
2. The Liver opens into the Eyes
The eyes are mainly supported and nourished by the liver. Therefore the eye’s visual function is heavily reliant on the nourishment of the liver’s yin-blood.
3. External Manifestation on the Nails
Nails are the continuation of tendons. The nail condition can reflect the liver blood’s condition.
4. Liver and Tears
Since the liver opens into the eyes, the body fluid of the liver is the tears.
5. Emotionally Anger is to Liver
Excessive anger will impair the Liver. More will be explained in a later article regarding Emotion & Health.
Up next I will discuss the last Zang Organ – Kidney!
Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac), Alex Hui created this blog to share with the world the treasures in Chinese Medicine (CM).
Five Zang Organs – Spleen