The Liver

The liver is one of the most important organs in our bodies. It has several functions. First, it regulates most chemical levels in our bloodstream. Second, it filters the blood from our stomach and intestines, to breakdown, balance, and create nutrients, as well as metabolizes drugs to be more easily absorbed or to render them non-toxic. Lastly, the liver produces bile, which is necessary to breakdown fats and carry away wastes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver is also responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) and blood throughout the body. 

While the kidneys are the storehouse of Qi, it’s the liver that ensures Qi moves smoothly throughout the body. It is essential to our health and overall wellbeing that Qi is able to move freely into every part of our bodies. When Qi becomes blocked or sluggish, we can be plagued with stagnation and imbalance that causes a variety of symptoms. In particular, liver stagnation causes neck and shoulder tension, rib pain, sighing, mood swings, feeling of a lump in the throat, chest tightness, digestive issues, PMS, migraines, poor sleep, and irritability. 

Regulation and movement of Qi is not the only function of the liver. It also controls the volume and smooth flow of blood in your vessels, as well as stores blood. Because of this, liver health is integral to menstruation. Symptoms of period pain and heavy bleeding can be attributed to liver imbalance or stagnation. 

The liver is responsible for healthy sinew and tendons. Healthy connective tissue promotes ease of movement. Mobility issues like stiffness of the joints can be attributed to poor circulation of liver blood. 

As the liver is vital to our overall health and wellness, it’s important that we take special care in supporting its health. There are a number of things you can do between acupuncture treatments to ensure your liver is functioning optimally: 

• Make sure to move and stretch regularly to keep liver Qi circulating evenly throughout your body. 
• Eat lots of green foods that are rich in nutrients like spinach, edamame, broccoli, and kale. 
• Keep yourself protected from strong winds that can stir up liver energy and create disharmony. 

What is Qi? 

Qi, pronounced “CHEE”, is the fundamental or vital life energy that circulates through your body. Qi is the central underlying principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine.