The main duty and function of the liver is to ensure a smooth flow of blood and qi throughout the body. When the liver is functioning properly the qi of the body is balanced, there are no extremes or imbalances in any of the other organ functions of the body as a result. The blood, which is used to nourish the entire body, is stored in the liver. The liver regulates the flow and distribution of the blood throughout the body. If the liver is not able to regulate the flow of blood and qi in a harmonious manner this will cause disharmony in the other organs.
For example, the liver helps the spleen and stomach with digestion if the liver can provide a smooth flow of qi. If there is proper digestion then blood is created by the spleen. Once this blood is created the liver will send it to the muscles and tendons when the body is active, giving them nourishment. This helps to provide proper movement, agility and coordination for us. The liver is also related to the eyes and nails and will provide proper nourishment and moisture for them.
When the body is at rest the blood returns to the liver where it helps to restore and rejuvenate our overall energy. Getting proper balanced exercise (exercise that is not too extreme) as well as proper rest can help improve the liver and provide a smooth flow of qi for the body.
The liver is the ‘mother’ of the heart and the kidney is the ‘mother’ of the liver. The liver helps to regulate the emotions of the body. When the liver is functioning properly it will provide courage and resoluteness for our life decisions. It gives us the capacity for making life plans and finding purpose with wisdom and vision as well as our inspiration, creativity, and ideas. The partner organ of the liver is the gallbladder which gives us the courage to act on and follow the plans in life created by the liver.
If the liver is not functioning properly, if there is stagnation, or a disharmony, there can be depression, a feeling of unfulfilled desires, a lack of meaning in life and/or lack of focus. This can lead to frustration, anger, resentment, PMS, irritability, rage, and the feeling of being stuck in life among other feelings if not expressed. If the gallbladder is not functioning properly we can have a lack of courage to take action, be easily discouraged by life, and find it hard to make decisions. If the liver is not regulating blood properly there can be fatigue and sleepless nights. As well as dry and brittle nails or dry eyes and blurry vision.
The liver and gallbladder are associated with the season of spring, the color green, the taste of sour (sour flavor contracts) and the element of wood. All having to do with new life, creativity, inspiration and an unbound free flowing movement. It represents flexibility in our muscles and tendons as well as flexibility in our emotions, the vision for our life, and our relationships with others.
