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The Liver & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Updated: Mar 21

In Western medicine, the liver is known for detoxification, producing bile, and regulating metabolism. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver plays an even more expansive and energetic role — influencing everything from the smooth flow of qi (life force energy), blood storage, digestion, hormonal health, emotions, and overall vitality.



📍 Physical Signs of Liver Imbalance

When the liver is imbalanced or stagnant, it may manifest in the body through:


Hormonal & Reproductive Health

  • Irregular or painful periods

  • PMS, breast tenderness

  • Infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids

  • Suppressed or irregular menstruation


Digestive Issues

  • Bloating, indigestion, IBS

  • Nausea, vomiting, reflux

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Sour taste, abdominal distension, burping


Pain, Inflammation & Tension

  • Migraines (especially at the temples or top of head)

  • Muscle spasms, cramps, numbness

  • Stiffness or poor joint mobility

  • Rib-side pain, tension in shoulders and neck


Skin & Eye Conditions

  • Acne, rashes, eczema, itching

  • Bloodshot, dry, gritty, painful eyes

  • Vision problems, floaters


Additional Symptoms

  • Weak immune function

  • UTIs or burning urination

  • Jaundice or yellowish skin

  • Insomnia or waking between 1–3am

  • Brittle or dark nails

  • Tinnitus, dizziness, “lump in throat” sensation


💭 Emotional Signs of Liver Imbalance

TCM views emotions as deeply connected to organ health. Signs of emotional liver imbalance include:

  • Irritability, frustration or explosive anger

  • Depression, anxiety or feeling emotionally “stuck”

  • Suppressed or repressed anger

  • A sense of lack of direction or purpose


🌿 Key Functions of the Liver in Chinese Medicine


1. Stores & Regulates Blood

The liver stores blood when resting and releases it during activity. It plays a central role in menstrual health, nourishing the muscles and skin. Liver blood deficiency may cause fatigue, dryness, or delayed periods; liver heat or stagnation may cause heavy bleeding or painful menses.


2. Governs the Smooth Flow of Qi

Healthy liver function ensures that qi (energy) flows smoothly throughout the body. Qi stagnation can lead to physical tension and emotional unrest (e.g. frustration, chest tightness, mood swings).


3. Opens to the Eyes

Liver blood nourishes the eyes and governs visual clarity. Deficiency or heat can lead to blurred vision, floaters, dry or burning eyes.


4. Controls the Sinews (Tendons & Ligaments)

Liver blood keeps tendons nourished and flexible. Deficiency can lead to spasms, tremors, tightness, and poor flexibility.


5. Houses the Hun – The Ethereal Soul

The liver influences your dreams, life direction, creativity, and vision for the future. Imbalances may feel like lack of clarity, inspiration, or disconnection from your soul’s path.


6. Manifests in the Nails

Healthy nails are a sign of abundant liver blood. Weak, brittle, dark, or ridged nails often indicate a liver deficiency.


🥦 Foods that Nourish the Liver


Blood-Building & Detoxifying Foods:

  • Beets, spinach, kale, dandelion greens, asparagus

  • Carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, celery

  • Bone broth, eggs, wild-caught fish

  • Apples, citrus fruits, plums, grapes, mangoes

  • Black sesame seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds

  • Whole grains: quinoa, rice, millet, amaranth

  • Warming herbs: turmeric, cumin, fennel, cardamom, rosemary

  • Bitter herbs: milk thistle, dandelion root, chamomile

🔁 Focus on lightly cooked, warm, seasonal meals, especially in spring – the liver’s corresponding season in TCM.

❌ Foods & Factors That Strain the Liver

  • Fried, processed, or refined foods

  • Excess alcohol, caffeine, sugar, red meat

  • Cold/raw meals and drinks (especially in winter)

  • Late-night eating or overeating

  • Chronic stress and repressed emotions

  • Environmental toxins, chemicals, medications


🌿 Herbal & Lifestyle Support

Herbal Allies (Use code MBSC for 10% off):



Essential Oils:

  • Liver Blend – Energizes, detoxifies and supports bile flow

  • Liver Support – Releases emotional anger and enhances function


💫 Daily Liver-Loving Habits

  • Eat smaller meals & stop at 80% full

  • Go to bed before 11pm to support liver detox

  • Exercise regularly (yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong)

  • Tap liver meridian daily (inside of thighs from ankles upward)

  • Avoid alcohol and high-stress environments

  • Meditate, journal, express anger constructively

  • Avoid cold winds and drafty areas

  • Choose organic, seasonal, whole foods whenever possible




By tending to your liver – physically, emotionally, and energetically – you support your entire ecosystem. When the liver is healthy, qi flows freely, emotions stabilize, periods are easy, and your vision for life becomes clear.


🌿 “Where there is smooth flow, there is health. Where there is stagnation, there is pain.” – TCM proverb




 
 
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