The element Wood, the season Spring, the emotion Anger, and the color Green are connected to the Liver. The Liver is the queen of the organs and ensures the smooth flow of energy throughout the body. A strong Liver gives us dynamism, creativity, and assertiveness. However, when it is congested – often due to stress or frustration – it can lead to anger, irritability, and physical issues like tension or digestive problems.
In spring, we should support the Liver with fresh green foods such as wild herbs and sprouts. Movement and deep breathing also help to keep the Liver energy flowing. Like a young sprout in spring, it gives us the strength for growth and renewal. ________________________________________ .
The liver is a large, paired organ located in the upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm. It is the largest internal organ in the human body, weighing about 1.5 kg and having a dark red color. The liver is divided into two main lobes: the right and left lobes. On the underside of the liver is the so-called porta hepatis , through which blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, and the bile duct pass. The portal vein transports nutrient-rich blood from the digestive tract to the liver, while the hepatic artery supplies oxygen-rich blood. The purified blood then flows back into the body's circulation via the hepatic veins .
The liver is the central metabolic organ of the body and can be referred to as the "chemical laboratory" of our body. Its functions are extremely complex and diverse, including detoxification of the blood, production of bile, storage of essential nutrients, and regulation of energy metabolism.
One of the liver's most important functions is detoxification . Toxins, medications, and metabolic waste products are broken down in the liver and excreted via bile or the kidneys. Bile , which is produced in the liver, aids in fat digestion and is stored in the gallbladder before being released into the intestines.
The liver also plays a crucial role in regulating carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism . It stores glycogen (a form of glucose) and releases it into the bloodstream when needed to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, the liver produces important proteins such as albumin and clotting factors, which are necessary for blood coagulation and fluid balance in the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) , the liver is considered the "organ of planning and growth." It is closely connected to the element Wood and the season Spring. The liver is referred to as the "queen of organs" because it regulates the smooth flow of energy throughout the body. A healthy liver gives us dynamism, creativity, and assertiveness. However, if the liver is congested – often due to stress or frustration – it can lead to anger, irritability, and physical complaints such as tension or digestive problems.
The liver also influences vision and eye health. In TCM, it is said that the liver "stores blood" and nourishes muscles, tendons, and nails. A strong liver ensures flexible tendons, strong muscles, and healthy nails. Movement and diet play an important role in liver health. While moderate exercise and deep breathing help promote the flow of liver energy, fatty, overly heavy, or processed foods should be avoided. Green, fresh foods like wild herbs, sprouts, and green vegetables support liver function.
In short:
The liver performs the following important tasks:
• Blood detoxification
• Production and storage of bile
• Regulation of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism
• Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals
• Production of important proteins (e.g., albumin, clotting factors)
• Support of digestion
• Regulation of the smooth flow of energy in the body (TCM)
• Influence on vision and eye health
• Responsible for flexible tendons, strong muscles, and healthy nails
Liver and its associations (TCM):
• Element : Wood
• Yin Organ : Liver
• Yang Organ : Gallbladder
• Sense Organ : Eyes
• Emotion : Anger
• Taste : Sour
• Color : Green
• Season : Spring
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