Functions of Liver in Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine and How Traditional Medicines help Liver Detox
In continuation to my previous blog on the checklist for liver intoxication, here is the elaboration on the functions of liver in Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine and How Traditional Medicines help Liver Detox.
Functions of Liver in Western Medicine
In Western Medicine, the liver is the biggest organ responsible for detoxification in the body. The liver is also a vital organ for digestion.
The liver is like a factory that receives, filters and then repackages all substances for use in the body or removes those that are harmful to the body. The former is the digestive function of liver, while the latter is the detoxification function of the liver.
Whenever we are exposed to toxins in the environment such as from smoking, fog, pesticides, or toxins in the form of alcohol, sugar, processed foods, artificial colourings, nail polish, toxic make up, chemical hair dyes, household chemicals, the liver will be working harder to remove these toxic substances from the body.
Liver Detoxification Process in Western Medicine
The detoxification process of the liver occurs in two stages.
The first step of the liver detoxification is when the toxins are partially broken down into smaller components that can be dissolved by water for clearance from the body. The second step of the liver detoxification involves having these partially broken down toxins combine with amino acids so as to reduce their toxicity and then be removed in either the bile or urine.
Both stages of detoxification are important and have to be in balance and working efficiently.
This is because in Stage 1, free radicals are produced and if they are excessive, it can damage the liver cells instead. In Stage 2, if this process is inefficient or dysfunctional, the partially broken down toxins are not eliminated fully in the bile or urine and can result in accumulation in the body instead. The partially broken down toxins are free radicals in nature and if they accumulate in the body instead of passing out, it can cause for damage to the body than the original form of toxins.
How Liver is Toxified
When a person takes a high level of alcohol or has a high exposure to smoking, processed foods, body product toxins, environmental toxins, Stage 2 of Liver detoxification is burdened with a higher load and can become sluggish, leading to the toxins being built up systematically in the body, causing damage to the cells and also higher risk for more serious illnesses such as fatty liver and cancer.
Functions of Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the functions of Liver include those listed in Western Medicine above but also spans further beyond that. This is because concepts of organ systems in Traditional Chinese Medicine not only involves the physiological aspects but also the functional aspects.
1. Liver in charge of Digestion
Just like Western Medicine, Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine is responsible for digestion and absorption of foods and nutrients. Liver is especially involved in digestion of fats due to bile production.
2. Liver in charge of Regulation
Liver is responsible for the circulation of energy or qi, blood and bodily fluids. Liver also modulates water metabolism.
In other words, Liver regulates the whole body’s metabolism, circulation and homeostasis. Which means all kinds of imbalances in the body is as a result of Liver unable to bring the body back to a state of equilibrium through removing the unnecessary (example, toxins) or supplying the shortage (example, blood or energy).
3. Liver in charge of Emotional Modulation
To have emotions is normal. But to have emotions run out of control is abnormal.
Liver is responsible for the regulation of emotions. In other words, it keeps all emotions in check. Any extremities in emotional upheaval are because Liver has failed to keep the emotion in control.
Liver is especially closely related to Anger. Therefore anger management is the role of Liver.
4. Liver in charge of Tendons
Liver controls tendons and keep the tendons strong and pliable through the supply of blood to the tendons.
5. Liver in charge of Reproduction
Liver meridians run through the reproductive organs in both men and women. Any dysfunctions or blockages in the Liver can show up as reproductive organs illnesses such as cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, infertility.
6. Liver in charge of Eyes
Liver energy channels run through the eyes and nourishes them with blood and energy.
7. Liver in charge of Nails
Nails are the surplus of tendons which are nourished by Liver. The conditions of the nails can say a lot about the conditions of the Liver. Pink nail beds and firm nail plates indicate a healthy Liver while dry, brittle and deformed nails indicate a dysfunctional Liver.
8. Liver in charge of Spiritual Dynamism
Liver houses hun 魂 or spiritual consciousness of a person. It hence governs how motivated we are for life and the spark that drives our passions. It ignites the expression of our desires and ideas, the ability to exchange and communicate through interpersonal connections and relations.
9. Liver in charge of Compassion
Liver is in charge of the virtue of being compassion. To be able to feel for others and extend help to people in need requires the energy from the Liver.
As you can see, Liver functions in Traditional Chinese Medicine go way beyond just a digestive function as in Western Medicine.
When the Liver is toxified and burdened, all the above-mentioned functions will be affected, which can display in illnesses of the other body parts such as the eyes, reproductive organs, tendons, nails and even the behaviors and characteristics of the person. Read more about people with Jia Wood Daymaster Element and Yi Wood Daymaster Element in their birth constitution charts of how ta take care of their liver and gallbladder health.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine and other ancient medicines can help with Liver Detox
Acupuncture
There are acupoints, formulas and techniques that can help to clear the Liver blockages and stagnations. With any Liver toxifications, there are always certain level of inflammation. Acupuncture is known to reduce inflammation and aid circulation within the body which will help to cleanse and detox the Liver.
Herbal Medicine
There are herbal medicines and formulas of medicine that can directly work on liver cleansing. The combinations of herbal medicine are customized to each individual based on their signs and symptoms and the assessment by the doctor.
Detox Programmes
Dr Xiang Jun has her own unique programme for 30 days Liver Detox, apart from the other 30 days Colon Detox and 30 Days Kidney Detox Programmes. This is a full cleanse for the Liver and Gallbladder system.
Crystals stones
Crystal stones such as aventurine, malachite, jade synchronise with Liver energy through colour alignments and can help balance Liver and detoxify whatever is unnecessary within the organ.
Yoga
Yoga poses that involves twists such as Supta Matsyendrasana can help with Liver Detox. Breathwork such as Kapalabati can have a general detox for the entire body system.
Meditation
Meditation calms the nerves and resolves anger which is an emotion that can toxify the Liver.
Self Help Tips for Supporting Liver Detox
1. Abstain from alcohol
2. Abstain or minimize coffee
3. Minimise meat intake, especially red and processed meat
4. Avoid poor quality fats such as trans fat, corn oil, margarine and substitute with good oils such as coconut oil, ghee
5. Avoid and eliminate refined and processed foods such as sugar, biscuits, cakes, soft drinks.
