31/03/2026
The Role of the Liver....
The Liver is relat to the wood element in Oriental medicine and has a number of general functions related to the body and mind. It is responsible for relaxing the muscles and keeping tendons supple. Weak joints and stiffness in the muscles is indicative of Liver Ki stagnation. This essentially results in a lack of blood flow to the muscles which are then left un-nourished resulting in muscle soreness and tightness. Weak eye-sight can also indicate this Liver- Blood Deficiency as can brittle and cracked finger nails.
The liver meridian runs down the inside of the thigh and down to the big toe.
An ability to respond wisely to feelings of anger by maintaining a bigger perspective is indicative of a healthy liver channel. A main function of the Liver in TCM is to move Ki (energy) and Blood so that all the other organs and muscles are energised and nourished. Liver likes to be motivated, to accomplish goals, to move forward in life in a creative and dynamic way. Anger and frustration emerges when our way forward is thwarted. Liver is the organ system most affected by repressed emotions. Liver stagnation also has a depressive effect on the emotions which can manifest as a lack of determination or inconsistent and fluctuating energy because it is the Liver that grants vision and the smooth flow of Ki. Struggling to get in touch with an inner voice that can assist in the development of stronger inner vision can indicate that the wood element needs nourishing by paying attention to our diet and other lifestyle choices.
Five Dietary Habits to Avoid
1) Eating big or rich meals will make our energy more stuck. Irritable bowel syndrome, mood swings and PMS are signs of Liver Ki Stagnation. A key suggestion to address this imbalance would be to eat small meals by filling the stomach only 1/2 full or 3/4 full.
2) Avoid hard to digest foods which may vary from individual to individual but in general includes fried foods, excessive dairy and meat, hydrogenated fats, and overly processed foods full of chemicals.
3) Complex meals can a # #