Functions of the Liver
The Liver controls the sinews.
Commentary: The sinews depend on the Liver for their nourishment. If Liver Blood is abundant, it can nourish the sinews and enable them to move normally. If Liver Blood is deficient, the Blood fails to nourish the sinews and numbness or stiffness can result. The sinews become dry and are less flexible. The injury risk increases. Sport injuries in athletes can often be attributed to this mechanism. Athletes engage in excessive physical activity, which creates Heat, followed by perspiration. Excessive loss of Body Fluids, for example, due to perspiration, can result in Blood Deficiency, which in turn leads to impaired nourishment of the sinews. The Liver controls muscle contraction The Liver governs physical movement, which includes not only the sinews, but also tendons and muscles. The Liver governs the muscle tonus. Insufficient nourishment brings on hypertonicity of the muscles. Tension and stiffness result and can be palpated. If the tension or stiffness is limited to certain areas, other causes should be considered as well. Impairment of muscle tonus can result in cramps, spasms, and tics. When Liver wind stirs internally, tremors, convulsion and arched-back rigidity can be observed.