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The Liver
The General in the Army: responsible for commanding direction and ensuring smooth flow of energy, blood, oxygen, nutrients, and minerals to all parts of the body.
The Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, the Liver is much more than the an anatomical organ. It is a comprehensive system of functions that govern the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the body. It is usually spelled with a capital L to denote the difference.
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It includes the liver and affects the the eyes, tendons, and nails. Mentally, it is responsible for someone’s ability to strategize and plan, and controls the emotion anger.
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Together with the gallbladder, they perform these critical roles in the body.
Associated with spring and wood
In TCM, the Liver is associated with spring. Spring is the season for renewal and the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself.
It is associated with wood.
Contrary to dead, chopped wood, it represents the life of all plants, shrubs, trees, and woody vegetation that continue to grow and renew each spring.
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Additionally, it is also associated with the green color because vegetation and bile are green.
Associated with movement
In spring, earth’s energy bursts forward from dormancy. Similar to a tree’s upward growth and outward branching, the Liver’s energy naturally rises and spreads to ensure that qi (the energy that gives us life), blood, oxygen, and nutrients flow freely to all parts of our minds and bodies. The Liver also moves wastes out of the body so that a new supply of resources can come in and support our organ systems.
Free Flowing Liver vs. Stagnant Liver
Free Flowing Liver
It is important to move and keep moving everyday so our minds and bodies don’t stagnate. Exercise supports our liver and sustains the smooth flow of vital substances within our bodies. It strengthens our muscles, keep our muscles and tendons limber, and eases mental and physical tension.
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A free flowing Liver supports healthy sleep, which is critical for our organ systems to recover from working everyday.
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The Liver opens to our eyes. It keeps our eyes healthy, and also maintains a clear vision for our goals. The Liver strengthens our ability to confidently make decisions towards forward progress.
Stagnant Liver
Blocked flow causes congestion and jams, which lead to a back up of energy and accumulation of waste. It also diminishes distribution of vital substances to the rest of the body. This can lead to issues such as interrupted sleep, poor digestion, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, and constant state of irritability.
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Liver imbalances can appear as blurry vision, floaters and dry eyes, and present as dry, cracked nails with ridges.
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Blocked energy also shows up as physical or psychological pain. It could look like sharp pains or cramps, headaches, unprocessed anger, depression, or feeling stuck.
Move freely
Moving freely feels like strength and lightness, joy and confidence.
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Like in nature, cycles flow harmoniously - constantly bringing in fresh air, water, and nutrients, and washing away residue. Anything that no longer serves immediately transforms into the next stage of regrowth.
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When we follow suit, our energy is boundless. Energy flows from the earth, through us, beyond us, and returns again. Perpetually moving forward, letting go, and refreshing ideas allow us to feel free and capable of reaching towards anything.
Aids in digestion
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hawthorn is primarily used for digestion, especially greasy, fatty foods and animal protein. The berries help relieve indigestion and heartburn.
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Hawthorn also has been shown to reduce atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque made of cholesterol, fat, and other substances within the arteries. Its ability to digest fats most likely contributes to its ability to remove plaque and fat build-up within the arteries, thereby clearing circulatory pathways.
Parts used & ways to use
Parts used
Berry
Leaf
Flower
Herbal actions & Parts used
Taste
Temperature
Moisture
Herbal Actions
Sweet, Sour, Astringent
Slightly warm
Dry
Excitation
Atrophy
Relaxation