Understanding the Liver's Central Role
In holistic health traditions, the Liver is seen as the body's general, responsible for the smooth flow of energy (Qi), blood storage, and the health of tendons. It has a profound influence on emotions, digestion, and the flexibility of joints.
1. Irritability & Anger
· Primary Cause: When the Liver Meridian is blocked, negative emotions are suppressed within the body, leading to irritability. It is essential to unblock the Liver Meridian. Additionally, avoid self-suppression in daily life—any negative emotions should be released externally, as the more they are suppressed, the more severe the issue becomes.
· Recommended Courses:
56mins Daily Routine • Full Body Practice – Promotes overall energy flow and releases tension.
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Liver Function – Directly addresses Liver meridian and Qi stagnation.
2. Liver-Related Digestive Issues
· Primary Cause: In the Five Elements theory, the Liver (Wood) controls the Spleen (Earth). If liver function is abnormal, it can inhibit the spleen's digestive function, leading to issues such as decreased appetite, bloating, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
Additionally, the liver is responsible for bile secretion, while the gallbladder stores and excretes bile. Insufficient bile production can prevent the digestion and absorption of fats and proteins, causing diarrhea. Some individuals experience diarrhea after consuming fatty foods or alcohol, which is often related to abnormal bile secretion.
When angry, liver function is suppressed, often impairing digestion. There is a Chinese proverb: "Do not eat immediately after anger." The combination of intangible Qi and tangible food can obstruct the digestive tract. Many digestive issues in the elderly can be traced back to eating while angry in their youth.
· Recommended Courses:
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Liver Function
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Spleen Function
3. Joint Stiffness, Deformity & Pain from Tendon Shortening
· Primary Cause: The liver governs all elastic tissues in the body, including tendons, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and cartilage. When the liver stores sufficient blood, it nourishes these tissues, maintaining their elasticity. When liver function declines or fibrosis occurs, blood storage becomes ineffective, causing these tissues to lose elasticity and become stiff.
A significant portion of joint stiffness and pain is due to shortened or stiffened tendons. For example, back pain often results from shortening of the major tendons along the spine, while knee cartilage wear occurs when ligaments around the knee shorten, reducing joint space and increasing cartilage friction.
Tendon shortening can lead to restricted joint mobility, stiffness, pain, inflammation, and reduced lubrication.
· Core Strategy: Unblock the Liver Meridian to promote circulation and metabolism within the liver, aiding better blood storage.
Gentle, slow stretching helps lengthen shortened tendons and ligaments, expand joint space, and increase the supply of fresh Qi and blood to repair joint damage.
The body functions as a system, with each joint closely interconnected and mutually influential. For mild joint issues, focus on localized exercises; for severe joint problems, prioritize full-body practice.
The kidneys govern blood production, and the liver relies on kidney-generated blood for nourishment.
· Recommended Courses:
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Liver Function
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Kidney Function
56mins Daily Routine • Full Body Practice
4. Hair Loss on the Crown, Brittle Nails, and Vertical Ridges
· Primary Cause: Blocked Liver Meridians prevent the excretion of waste and toxins, causing them to rise to the crown of the head and disrupt local Qi and blood circulation, leading to hair loss.
Nails are nourished by the liver. Reduced liver blood storage results in brittle nails and vertical ridges.
· Recommended Course:
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Liver Function
5. Excessive Phlegm in the Lungs or Throat Due to Emotional Imbalance
· Primary Cause: Emotional suppression and blocked Liver Meridians cause turbid Qi to rise, carrying phlegm and trapping it in the chest and throat.
· Recommended Course:
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Liver Function
6. Eye Issues (Dryness, Itching, Redness, Pain, Poor Vision, Excessive Tearing)
· Primary Cause: The eyes are the "windows" of the liver, relying on liver energy for nourishment. Optimal liver blood storage results in bright, comfortable eyes, while deficiency leads to the above symptoms. Overusing the eyes also harms liver function.
· Core Strategy: First, avoid excessive eye strain. Second, spend time in nature—the color green, associated with the liver, is abundant in natural environments. Surrounding yourself with green and consuming green foods can improve liver function and eye health.
· Recommended Course:
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Liver Function
7. Facial Spots, Acne, and Skin Itching or Sores
· Primary Cause: The liver is responsible for detoxification and waste metabolism. When liver function declines, toxins accumulate in the body, forming various types of pus, sores, or lesions. Additionally, if spleen function is weak, Qi and blood cannot adequately nourish the face and skin, leading to poor circulation and the accumulation of waste and toxins.
· Recommended Courses:
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Liver Function
25mins Internal Organs • Improve Spleen Function