Functions of the Liver
The Liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi.
Commentary: Each organ has a certain direction of activity. The Qi of the Spleen flows upward, the Qi of the Lungs and the Stomach flows downward. The Liver ensures the smooth movement of the Qi in all directions, ensuring normal mental and emotional activity, and secretion of bile. If this Liver's function of free coursing is impaired it leads to stagnation of Liver Qi. Stagnant Liver Qi can attack other organs and reverse their natural flow of Qi. If the Liver invades the Stomach, the Stomach Qi ascends and the downbearing function of the Stomach is disturbed, leading to symptoms like heartburn, nausea and vomiting. Healthy Spleen and Stomach function rely on the free coursing action of the Liver. The Qi of the Spleen bears upward and the Qi of the Stomach bears downward. The Liver governs the harmonious flow of emotions: The Liver governs the harmonious flow of emotions; impairment of this function can lead to emotional disturbances and mental depression. The Liver plays a role in the harmonic relation of the human being and its environment. The person is able to adequately respond to situations. If the Liver function is impaired, the human being loses this ability to react adequately. Overreacting may occur. Impairment of Liver Qi dynamic can affect emotional activity. Emotional disturbance may similarly affect the Qi dynamic. This reciprocal relationship is often seen in TCM. for example, certain situations in our lives that we do not like but endure, can create emotional tension and lead to disturbance of Liver Qi. Tensions, muscular or emotional, can be a result of Liver Qi Stagnation. Irritability, frustration or mental depression can result. The organs that are most affected by emotional disturbances are the Liver and the Heart. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate if emotional disturbances are caused by Liver Qi Stagnation or by Heart Fire. Signs can be interpreted by the practitioner as emotional tension or inner unrest. It is important to diagnose correctly in order to treat the root of emotional disturbances. The liver isn't always the only organ involved. Insecurity or dissatisfaction can be the cause for emotional tension too, which means that the Kidneys and Spleen are involved as well. The treatment principle should not only cover the movement of Liver Qi but should also include tonification of Kidneys and Spleen. The Liver ensures the harmony of the menstruation. The Liver plays a major role in the physiology and pathology of menstruation. Two Liver functions are involved in menstruation, the harmonic flow of Qi and the regulation of the Blood volume. The Liver Blood is responsible for the quantity and the strength of menstrual bleeding. If Liver Blood is deficient, menstrual bleeding is scanty. If Liver Blood stagnates, menstrual bleeding is dark, including clots. If there is Heat in the Blood, movement is reckless and the Blood is driven out of the vessels, and bleeding disorders, like abnormal uterine bleeding, can result. If the free flow of the Qi is impaired, signs like breast tenderness and irritability, associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), appear.