Applying Chinese Medicine to Liver and Gallbladder Health
The Mental and Emotional Aspects of The Liver and Gallbladder — & 5 Health Tips
Last time we talked about the role of cleansing and detoxification during Spring, and now I’d like to explore the master detox organ, the Liver and its pair, the Gallbladder. How can you apply Chinese Medicine to stay in-balance during this season of change?
From the wisdom of ancient Chinese Medicine, each season of the year brings different organs into focus. As the outside world is going through a phase of regeneration and new life, so is the internal body. Spring is associated with the Wood Element, and the two Wood Organs go through a period of restoration. These organs are the Liver and Gallbladder and their respective channels. You may have heard of acupuncture channels — also known as meridians — which are rivers of Qi (life force energy) that flow along palpable lines of the body. When you get acupuncture, the practitioner is needling points along these lines called acupuncture points, and balancing the body via these organ pathways. The Liver and Gallbladder are now in the spotlight as they regenerate their energy and take the lead in our lives. This means that we have the opportunity to harness this energy and further improve our health by supporting these organ systems. Spring is the ideal time to tend to the health of this area in the body, and we can be motivated by not wanting to carry these imbalances into the summertime, when the heart takes the lead.
Understanding the Liver and Gallbladder
The Liver (yin) and the Gallbladder (yang) are paired organs, meaning they oppose each other in yin / yang functions and share the same element, working closely together. How can we understand them from the traditional Chinese perspective? As we say in Canada, these two work together to “get ‘er done.” The two main functions of the Liver are to control the “smooth flow of Qi” throughout the entire body and to store blood. Meanwhile, the Gallbladder primarily controls the secretion of bile and the mental attribute of judgment. In fact the Gallbladder channel covers an expansive area of the skull and zigzags down both sides of the body to the fourth toe.
From the Traditional Chinese medical text The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (Su Wen chapter 8), the 12 Primary Organs can be understood as figures in a kingdom — old school but I think we can grasp it. Let’s imagine this kingdom: the Emperor is of course the Heart, the Stomach is the Official in charge of food storage, the Large Intestine is the Transportation Official in charge of passage and conduction of waste, and the list goes on. In this framework, the Liver is the Army General, in charge of careful assessment and planning action, while the Gallbladder is the Impartial Judge who discerns what to do. This is a very different way of looking at these organs than from a Western perspective, stick with me.
So if our Livers are Army Generals, they must have a lot of power. Physiologically we know that the Liver performs dozens of functions from making bile, to processing toxins, to storing blood and nutrients, fighting infections, and even synthesizing essential nutrients on its own. This all happens automatically and is more or less outside of our control. However, we can play around with the energy of our Organs as their mental functions are also influenced by our emotions and actions. This is a feedback loop in which how we feel is reflected by how we are, but when we change consciously it changes how we are, and therefore how we feel. So the Liver’s role is truly strategy. It is constantly modulating the flow of Qi throughout the body and regulating blood levels in proportion to rest and activity. In philosophical terms, it plans our lives, and helps all of the other Officials to direct their functions as well. Bossy I know. The Gallbladder is his right hand man — also found in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. He acts as the Judge, discerning what to do and bringing the courage to act.
How can we keep these organs in balance?
Since the Liver is essentially in charge of directing everyone, it’s essential that he is doing his job well: not over-controlling the other kingdom members, and not slacking off either. It is uncommon for the Liver to be “deficient” or lazy, with such an important role to play, and with such a burden from our modern lives, it naturally tends towards excess. When the Liver starts overacting, we see it bully the Officials in charge of Food and Assimilation first — that is the Stomach and Spleen. Digestive disturbances are one of the first warning signs that the Liver is acting out. Another direction he might go if feeling particularly aggressive is straight up to the Lungs to pick-on the Prime Minister. In this case, we see a cough, in particular severe dry cough attacks or asthma. In my last article I listed 20 signs that your Liver is struggling, so this time I will share 5 ways to keep your Liver in its proper place, but first let’s finish with the mental roles.
The Liver is meant to dream up plans and goals. It has vision and is quite literally connected to our eyes where it nourishes the eyes so we can see clearly, both literally and metaphorically. A healthy Liver has ideas and the energy to dream up and execute plans. Someone who has an unhealthy Liver won’t be able to see things clearly for how they are, especially with respect to one’s own life and direction and the society they’re living in. Since the Gallbladder is under its direction, we can then start to have trouble making life decisions — big or small — and further perpetuate confusion in our lives. When the Liver becomes repressed, due to emotions or lack of resources, we begin to feel a dullness, a lack of motivation and inspiration. We start to feel stuck on some level and can have trouble correcting course. So it is important to actively make plans in your life, so your energy is directed in the right places.
The Emotion of the Wood Element
Emotionally, the Wood Element is in charge of Anger. Emotions are a normal part of human existence; while we may view anger as a negative emotion, it’s actually crucial for our health. We are meant to feel anger at the right time and in the right amount. Too much anger harms the Liver, leading to some of the side effects we discussed above. On the other hand, not enough anger leaves us vulnerable because anger is there to protect us. Primordially it defends our safety. It also motivates us to fight for justice and take meaningful action to grow and develop in our lives. For example, if someone physically hurts you, it is natural to fight back, which takes at least a bit of anger and healthy aggression.
The problem we face with anger, and why it is deemed a negative emotion, is that it can become too much or in the wrong context. When anger is unjustified or disproportionate to the situation at hand, we can harm others and deplete our resources, creating unnecessary suffering for everyone involved. When anger arises when it is not warranted or disproportionate to the situation, this is because the Liver is already being overworked and thus “needs to blow off some steam” and / or we are triggered from past injustices and have not resolved this old anger. Finally, since the Liver is in control of the smooth flow of Qi throughout the entire body, it is also in charge of regulating all of our other emotions. Liver problems can manifest in depression, weeping, or moodiness, and can even contribute to more serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder.
So truly, the number one way to keep your Liver in its righteous order is to regulate your emotions. By both allowing yourself to feel justified anger when appropriate and releasing old built up anger in a healthy way, we can resolve these inner conflicts completely.
5 Ways to Keep Your Liver in a Healthy Balance:
Emotional Regulation: Feel and Release.
Ask yourself: How do you feel? Why are you feeling this way? What, if anything, can you do to make a difference?
Exercise to your capacity: Move and Flow.
Vigorous exercise moves Qi and circulates blood, while stretching and gentle movement keep our nerves, tendons, and ligaments supple.
Notice the signs of stagnation: Pause and Reflect.
When you first start to get stressed or tense, it’s important to breathe, move, rethink, or act to move this stagnant energy before it builds up.
Eat a healthy diet: Nourish to Detox.
The Liver needs nutrient and antioxidant rich, blood-building foods. Without its essential nutrients, the Liver can’t do its job. To support the Liver’s movement when stressed, eat lighter and include some sour foods like lemon or lime and bitter greens or herbs. All green things support the Liver. Lime water first thing in the morning is my secret weapon to astringe (draw in and dry up) that sleepy energy and stimulate the movement of Liver Qi.
Stay hydrated: Hydrate to Moisten.
Not only do we need water, but we need over 100 trace minerals! Add trace minerals to your water, and drink herbal teas, bone broth, or electrolyte cocktails to stay hydrated daily.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. If you are in need of support during this exciting time, I offer 1:1 Virtual Sessions designed to help people to self-heal with the wisdom of holistic health including Chinese Medicine. You are welcome to get in touch and book a Free Discovery Call to see if I can help you on your journey to wellness.
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