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The Five Spirits in Traditional Chinese Medicine

THE FIVE SPIRITS

My initial encounter with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was comparable to the sensation of consuming water. Instantaneously, I had a fresh and revitalizing perspective on how I perceived myself, my body, and my emotions in this world. When one acquires new methods of thinking and a fresh perspective, it is sometimes necessary to unlearn some old patterns and habits in order to allow the new information to truly sink in.

My educational trajectory was profoundly transformed when I started studying the metaphysical aspects of medicine. As soon as I started researching the consciousness of our organs, I realized that an extraordinary number of my interests were converging. TCM is non-linear, holistic (connecting the mind, body, and spirit into a collective network), and it possesses not only physical but also emotive, energetic, and spiritual properties. All of these distinct facets are collectively influencing (or, in certain instances, competing with) our overall experience as being human on this planet. Due to the interrelation between our material (earth) and celestial (heaven) realms, every one of our afflictions, symptoms, maladies, and behaviors results.

I deemed it amusing to create a sketch depicting the incorporation of the metaphysical dimension into this relationship. The mind, body, and spirit.

THE SHEN – MINDFULNESS

The Shen is the essence of “The Mind” and stands for the human mind and its awareness. It’s the wellspring from which all other forms of spirit flow, and the foundation upon which mankind rests. The Shen governs not only who we are and how self-aware we can be, but also how we perceive and relate to the others around us. The Shen governs perception, insight, ideas, the ability to expand beyond the Self (create relationships), and the determination of our values, morals, and wisdom, making it crucial for integrating our psychic and emotional lives. The Mind connects our intuition and inspiration, enabling us to know our own truth and our life’s purpose so that we can express our true selves in the world.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is “the origin of mental life” and the “monarch” of the body’s other organs since it is the only one with the capacity to recognize, evaluate, and genuinely feel a person’s whole range of emotional experiences. Although the organs will respond differently to different emotions (anger, joy, sadness, fear, guilt, etc.), they do not “feel” the emotion themselves; rather, they simply reflect the impact of the emotion as it is perceived by the Heart. In this context, the Shen is also called the Heart-Mind, lending credence to the old saying that the heart has a mind of its own.

All of our senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch) rely on the Shen for meaning because of its central function in processing interactions with individuals and external stimuli, just like the brain does in Western medicine.

According to TCM, the Heart is the source of the tongue, so the Shen is the “most visible” of all the spirits. This can be seen in a person’s demeanor and communication skills, such as the brightness (or dullness) of their eyes, their ability to maintain eye contact, and their use of clear, logical language. To “click” with others and cultivate mutual understanding, a “Shen to Shen” exchange of energy is necessary.

Whenever the Shen is strong, there are…

Wisdom, compassion, empathy, clear speech + confident self-expression, eye contact during conversation, alert eyes, flowing ideas, inspiration, clear thinking & consciousness, sharp insight, good intellect, self-awareness, a strong sense-of-self, sound sleep (since the Shen retreats back into the Heart to be housed at night), a balanced emotional reality.

Symptoms of a disrupted Shen and a damaged Heart include…

Insightlessness, inappropriate or erratic behavior or speech, social awkwardness, low self-esteem, difficulty expressing oneself, hypervigilance and paranoia, lack of self-awareness, inability to connect with others (including a lack of eye contact), empathy deficit, irrational fears and beliefs, emotional imbalance (fixation on one emotion), panic attacks, disturbed sleep, etc.

THE PO – THE ANIMAL OR CORPOREAL SOUL.

The po is the Lungs’ sprit-mind reserve. At the moment of our first breath, it becomes a part of us, and when our last breath is taken, it dissolves.

The Po is your immediate, lived experience; it is your gut reaction to a certain situation.

When in harmony, the Po facilitates…

the use of the breath as a means of remaining in the here and now. When at its best, it’s a symbol of confidence and justice. Someone with a healthy Po would have a strong, clear voice, good lung capacity, and the moral fortitude to behave justly.

Weakness of the Po…

might manifest as prolonged or unresolved grief, a lackluster speaking voice, listlessness, despair, or an overwhelming sense of loss or incompleteness. In this situation, a person can be unable to live in the present or make progress because they are preoccupied with an event from their distant past. This sad aura could also be accompanied by persistent respiratory problems like a persistent cough or asthma.

Supporting the Po and bringing them back into the present allows them to grieve in a healthy way. Overreacting is replaced by responsiveness and reliable instincts. The cloud of despair lifts, allowing us to take in the splendor of the here and now, to be filled with amazement and wonder, and to get a glimpse of inspiration.

THE YI – THOUGHT

The Yi resides in the Spleen and is the spirit’s mind. Mind, reasoning, and awareness are all involved, along with purpose and originality.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the spleen plays a pivotal role in the digestive process by sorting out the food we need from the food we don’t. A physical impairment in digesting may come from a compromised Spleen. When the Spleen is weak, the Yi is weak, and mental digestion suffers. This suggests that effective deliberation may be impaired, leading to excessive thinking and ruminating over problems. They could be “foggy brained,” or bored and uninterested because they lack clear goal.

According to a proverb, “the Yi guides the Li which guides the Qi,” where “Li” refers to ceremony and “Qi” to energy, the former depends on the latter. Have you ever observed that a wish to do something as general as “get in shape one day” or “learn a new language” rarely comes to fruition until you establish some kind of structure (or ritual) for yourself to follow? A wise woman once told me, “a dream without tangible goals is just a wish.” A strong and clear intention (Yi) allows us to construct well-thought-out plans and goals, which direct our energy in that direction (i.e., bring about the desired reality).

The values of loyalty and faithfulness are also fostered by a robust Yi. During times of stress, the Yi’s good qualities can become distorted, leading to “‘stifling’ loyalty, exaggerated sympathy, and even self-destructive generosity” (Kaptchuk, 60).

Taking care of your spleen and its spirit-mind, the Yi, can help you…

set objectives with precision, gain insight into how to achieve those goals, stay motivated to work toward those goals, and be the kind of loyal friend or partner others can count on.

THE HUN – THE IMPALPABLE SPIRIT

The Hun, or Ethereal Soul, is the spirit in Chinese medicine that most closely corresponds to the Western concept of the soul. Like the soul, it is bound at birth but free to pursue its own path after death, and it retains its physical form while doing so. The Hun’s purpose and nature can’t be grasped apart from its nomadism.

To begin, the Hun is a distinct consciousness that can “come and go” from the Mind at will. The Mind is more analytical and responsible for analyzing and integrating data received from the outside world; the Ethereal Soul is in charge of making one’s inner world and dreams conscious and real. It serves as a signal to the Shen that it’s time to act on one’s gut feelings, dreams, ideas, and creative impulses, rather than just thinking about them. The Ethereal Soul, Yin by design, stimulates the mind in a number of ways:

  • Imaginary travel while sleeping and dreaming
  • beyond one’s current situation by actively working toward a more desirable future
  • by mapping out objectives and steps to reach them
  • beyond one’s own interests, towards the promotion and preservation of others’

Since the Hun needs motion to connect with and disconnect from the Mind, it makes sense that it would be housed in the Liver, the organ responsible for regulating blood flow. The ethereal soul’s physical “come and go” is facilitated by the liver’s unrestricted flow of qi and blood. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Liver is the monarch’s principal delegate. Those who are good at leading themselves, managing their time, and sticking to a regimen have a Liver personality and a healthy Ethereal Soul.

When the Liver functions normally, there is…

an abundance of Liver Blood, and the Liver Qi flows easily, the Hun is at peace, and ideas and creativity can flow freely into the Mind. Intuition will be strengthened, a goal will become clear, and the person’s sense of purpose in life will be strengthened. They can map out the actions required to make their goals a reality. In short, a strong Hun gives one the confidence to realize their full potential and handle emotional highs and lows. A well-rounded Hun is adaptable in the face of adversity and unyielding in the face of frustration.

When the Liver is weak (from causes like Liver Qi stagnation or a Liver Blood/Yin shortage)…

the Hun is unable to travel freely, leaving the Mind without stimulation and leading to apathy and depression. They will feel aimless and confused. They may become emotionally detached, or they may internalize to the point of perpetual stewing, both of which lead to bitterness. Due to the Liver’s proximity to the eyes and the physical sense of “sight,” problems with one’s ability to dream, sleep, and connect with one’s intuition may arise. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and a lack of motivation to change one’s “stuckness” and their current situation in life. The Ethereal Soul may know what it has to do to pursue its potential, but if the Mind is overly controlling or not receptive to the Soul’s input/desires, the person may be unable to “get the ball rolling” in the direction they prefer.

When the Liver is overworked…

pathogens (often Liver-Heat Rising or Liver-Fire) will spread rapidly and overwhelm the Mind. Someone may be brimming with creative energy and ideas, but due to the ephemeral nature of the Hun, they will be unable to see them through to fulfillment. Affected individuals will be prone to mania, agitation, fury, and rage as a result of their Hun-disturbance.

Insomnia, PTSD, and other forms of involuntary dissociation, as well as purposeful escapist (such as excessive daydreaming, procrastination, substance abuse, etc.), may all have their roots in a disembodied Hun.

THE ZHI – THE INTENT

Our willpower comes from the Zhi. According to TCM, the Kidneys are where we keep our “essence,” or the sum total of our inherited characteristics, our reproductive capacity, and our reserves of vitality. Even though the kidneys are linked to the yin water element, the yang “life gate fire” is thought to be housed there. The yin and yang characteristics of the Zhi reflect this duality.

Fear is a Kidney emotion, but the virtue of the Kidneys’ spirit intellect is wisdom. Do you remember times in your life when you overcame your fear of the unknown and gained wisdom from the experience? It’s something you work on for the rest of your life. Having faith and trust in one’s own destiny, or one’s voyage into the unknown, is central to the Yin Will. The Yang Will is more immediate; it involves the deliberate actions and foundational choices that bring about the consequences you seek.

Patients may express a wish for things to be different than where they are in their life cycle, such as a fear of aging, when there is an imbalance between the Zhi, which can manifest as restlessness, a desire to run away from one’s existence, or a vague or existential terror. A lack of willpower and motivation is a key feature of persistent depression, and this can occur when the Kidney Qi is diminished. However, the Zhi can also take on a destructive quality, leading to impulsive behavior and dangerous gambles. Premature aging (appearing older than one’s years), low back/knee pain, bladder difficulties, burnout, chronic exhaustion, recurrent or lasting illness, ear ringing, thyroid imbalances, memory loss, and edema are all possible co-occurring symptoms.

Have you ever set out to accomplish something,

been convinced that you could do it and worked steadily toward your goal until you finally succeeded? 

A job (or a new career)? A degree?

The pursuit of expertise in a hobby? The incubation of a pet project?

Like the Wizard of Oz, the Will operates relentlessly behind the scenes of your awareness, guiding you to your goal. It appears once you get there to say something like, “Well, look who it is…you did it!” I had faith that you would succeed. You have arrived (in your “dream,” aka your actualized reality) at the perfect moment.

The Yang Will provides the determination to get started, while the Yin Zhi is what emerges as a result of doing the task at hand. Zhi in good health encourages us to trustfully plunge into the unknown, seize control of our lives, and come to terms with the fact that we are, in fact, co-creators of our own reality. Pick your poison, as the old adage goes. It’s not easy to start healing and making positive life changes. But it’s not easy to stay put when you’re filled with remorse.

Zhi probes: How about this…What are your plans, if any?

Regarding this discussion of the spiritual aspects of the organs, in which area do you perceive yourself encountering the most difficulty?

In which areas do you excel?

Which aspect or aspects of your existence appear to be the most unbalanced?

Sources:

https://empowerchiroacu.com/empowered-living-blog/the-five-spirits-supporting-the-soul-in-chinese-medicine

https://giovanni-maciocia.com/shen-and-hun-psyche-in-chinese-medicine/

Lecture notes from Scott Moylan, M.S, L.Ac, Elements of Healing, Essex, VT.

Liver disharmony – Herbal Formulas and TCM Dietetics Approaches to Balance the Liver – Part 3

This Blog will be divided in 5 parts, and I will present the research that I have done about the Liver organ and to show how important it is to take care of it.

Herbal Formulas and TCM Dietetics Approaches to Balance the Liver – Part 3 – By Doctor Alex Sa Alves

Pathways of the Liver Channel

In accordance with the book Atlas of Acupuncture by Claudia Folks I am describing the 3 different Liver pathways in the body:

a) The Liver Divergent Channel (Zu Jue Yin Luo Mai)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the pathway for the Liver Divergent Channel is:  It originates on the dorsum of the big toe, traverses up the leg to the inguinal area, down to the scrotum, ascends into the hypogastrium, accompanies the stomach, joins with a branch from the liver, penetrates the diaphragm, continues behind the trachea and pharynx, unites with the ocular conduit, and ends in the parietal area of the head. (Image extract from Atlas of Acupuncture by Claudia Folks).

 

illustration showing relationship between liver and gall bladderClinical importance:

 

  • Strengthens the relationship between the Liver and the Gall Bladder (zangfu-Organ systems). Points on the Liver primary channel can therefore be used to treat disorders of the Gall Bladder and vice versa.

 

  • Based on the pathways of the Gall Bladder and Liver divergent channels, points on both channels can be used for disorders of the hips and the lower extremities as well as for disorders of the eye system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B) The Liver Sinew Channel (Zu Jue Yin Jing Jin)

The Liver sinew channel begins on the dorsum of the big toe follows the dorsolateral aspect of the big toe to the anterior aspect of the medial malleolus, where it binds (jie) ascends the medial aspect of the tibia and binds (jie) at the medial aspect of the knee further ascends the medial aspect of the thigh between the Kidney and Spleen sinew channels reaches the inguinal region, meeting the other foot Yin sinew channels at Ren-3 (zhongji) and continues to the genitalia. (Image extract from Atlas of Acupuncture by Claudia Folks).

illustration showing liver sinew channelClinical importance

 

Pathology: Stiffness, tension, and distending sensations along the big toe. Pain around the medial malleolus and medial aspect

of the knee. Pain and muscular tension along the medial aspect of the thigh. Disorders of the genital region.

Indication: Pain, tension, muscle contractions and distending sensations along the pathway of the channel. Disorders of the genital region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C) The Liver Luo-Connecting Vessel System (zu jue yin luo mai).

The Liver luo-connecting vessel system separates from the Liver primary channel at its luo point LIV-5 (ligou). It forms a three-dimensional reticular network, dividing into multiple branches and sub-branches (sun luo, fu luo, xue luo) within the surrounding tissue. Horizontal divisions run to the Interiorly–Exteriorly paired Gall Bladder primary channel; according to some schools of thought, they travel as a transverse Liver luo-connecting vessel to the yuan-source point G.B.-40 (qiuxu).  A longitudinal division ascends the medial aspect of the leg to the genital region, where it branches out. (extract from Atlas of Acupuncture by Claudia Folks)illustration showing luo connecting vessel system

Clinical importance 

Pathology:

1) Counterflow Qi: Swellings and pain of the testicles and scrotum, hernia.

2) Excess (shi): Priapism

3) Deficiency (xu): Itching of the external genitalia

Liver – Pathologies and Laboratory Tests 

(with Recommended Herbs and Formulas)

1) Liver Pathologies

Based on the Study “The Liver in Chinese Medicine” By doctor Leon Hammer I will describe main pathologies which I believe are important in a Clinical setting such as: Liver Qi Stagnation and Liver Yang Rising, both sometimes not understood in a whole by the Practioners. Other Pathologies will be describing such as Liver Blood deficiency, Liver toxicity, Liver Qi-Yang deficiency and Liver Separation of Yin and Yang.

 

a) Liver Qi Stagnation.

In accordance with Dr. Hammer’s Study, he describes that Liver Qi stagnation is associated in the ‘‘system of correspondences’’ with repressed anger. Contrary to this ‘‘system,’’ repressed emotions will instead affect the liver. In fact, anger is generally the result of many frustrations, that has been accumulated inside the person’s mind. The attempt to contain the angry responses to this frustration exercises one of the Liver’s principal functions, to contain emotions and live-in relative safety and harmony in society. Almost every law and rule that regulates society requires the Liver to contain negative and dangerous responses to frustration. Dr. Hammer states in his Study: “It is therefore incumbent upon us to regard the Liver’s ability to stagnate Qi and contain emotion and response as a normal necessary function rather than automatically associated with pathology. In fact, in our time, the problem is not too much containment (stagnation), but too little. Partially, this is the result of the ubiquitous use of the Cold substances, especially marijuana, that has weakened the ability of the Liver to contain emotions and actions”. Also, Dr. Hammer says: “Even more important regarding the Liver’s ability to contain and stagnate is the loss of the ability to tolerate the frustration. The use of the Cold substances has reached into every level of the educational system and into small towns as well as into the cities (with children as young as 9 years old reportedly using drugs)”.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine I have been learned that excess Heat almost always accompanies Liver Qi stagnation. This is at first metabolic heat that the body brings to the Liver to overcome the stagnation. The fate of this Excess Heat is noted under pathologies such as Liver Yin Deficiency and Liver Yang Rising. The principal characteristic of Liver Qi is that it needs to move, not only itself but Qi, in many functions, especially the digestive tract. When Liver Qi moves from the contained to the repressed, and the pressure to move overcomes the forces of resistance (Physics Law that irrepressible force meets the immovably object), the Qi can break loose and will move to the most vulnerable organ, that makes the Liver’s action of ‘‘attacking’’, which means the escaping Liver Qi, or it is moving to the area of least resistance (most vulnerable area or organ). Liver carries with it the Excess Heat that has accumulated from failed attempts by the body, to have metabolic heat to move the Qi. As an example, Dr. Hammer describes that the Liver can ‘‘attack’’ the Lungs in at least 2 ways. The first is the acute attack most often associated with a sudden severe emotional stress, such as a piece of unexpected bad news with which the person is unable to cope. Acutely, the person is unable to take a deep breath and stress becomes panic. Also, that person is feeling that he/she is going to die causes exacerbation and the inability to take a deep breath. Dr. Hammer explains: “The mechanism of action is related to the Liver’s control of the autonomic nervous system in which the bronchial tubes and bronchioles are temporarily in spasm and in which Liver Qi can activate. Another example states by Dr. Hammer: “Palpitations at rest are associated with Liver Qi dysfunction, especially Liver Qi stagnation that leads to Excess Heat brought by the body to overcome the stagnation. When Liver Qi leaves the Liver to attack the most vulnerable organ or area, it brings Excess Heat with it. Both the erratic Qi and the Excess Heat stimulates the vulnerable Heart, unable to maintain homeostasis with palpitations and sometimes tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Palpitations on exertion are only Heart-related and are the result of effort beyond the Heart’s ability to meet the circulatory demands of the action”. One important issue is the role of Liver Qi in the digestive process. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said that Stomach Qi moves downward. The driving force for this downward movement is Liver Qi. If Liver Qi is deficient, either because the Qi is stagnated or only deficient, that will make the food and the Stomach Qi to become stagnant in both organs: The Stomach and Intestines. The digestive conditions associated with the Liver’s dysfunction are several such as if Liver Qi cannot move food downward, the hydrochloric acid in the Stomach accumulates leading to an environment favorable to organisms such as Helicobacter pylori and the associated gastric and duodenal ulcer. If Qi and food does not move downward and Liver Qi is erratic, they may move upward (regurgitate) into the esophagus along with Stomach acid causing Barrett’s syndrome, a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus. Regurgitation can also occur with Spleen Qi deficiency. The differentiating factor is that with the Liver attacking, there is often nausea, while with regurgitation due to Spleen Qi deficiency, there is rarely nausea. Liver Qi attacking the Intestine is characterized by only occasional explosive diarrhea, usually associated with acute stress. For the Liver to attack the intestines, they must be vulnerable. 

There are other pathologies formed by Liver Qi Stagnation, but in this paper, I am mentioning some of that I saw in Clinical settings. If either of the conditions mentioned above develop, the Liver cannot perform its normal function of moving the Blood both inside and outside of the Liver. 

 

b) Liver Yin Deficiency and Liver Yang Rising

Liver Yang Rising is deficient condition, a result of the Separation of Liver Yin and Yang due to Yin deficiency. Dr. Hammer in his Study explains: “The 2 principal etiologies of Liver Yin deficiency, the Separation of Yin and Yang and rising Liver Yang, are described as follows: Metabolic Heat is required to relieve chronic Liver Qi stagnation. If it fails to overcome the stagnation, Excess Heat accumulates. The Liver mobilizes its Yin to balance the Excess Heat and over time, possibly years, the Yin is depleted. Eventually, the depleted Yin cannot hold onto Yang, Yin and Yang separate, and Yang, without the centrifugal force of the Yin, becomes out of control and dysfunctional. Yang is a lighter energy and rises, becoming the condition, Liver Yang Rising, whose consequences are well known. This is a severe Yin deficient condition. It is not an excess condition simply because the symptoms—intermittent high-pitched tinnitus, throbbing headache, etc—may have excess characteristics. When fluids (Yin) decrease, there is only an apparent, not real, excess. The remedy is to nourish Yin; do not drain Heat”. 

Associated conditions could be hot flashes and sweats. Those conditions are often considered Yin-deficient conditions, the commonly used formula for this condition is Two Immortal Decoction (Er Xian Tang), a formula that has 3 Yang nourishing herbs and 1 blood nourishing herb (as described below). Hot flashes occur when either Yin or Yang is sufficiently deficient to cause a Separation of Yin and Yang. More often, the deficiency is in Yang and while the heavier Yin tends to remain in the body, the lighter Yang rises and leaves the body as a hot flash. When the separation becomes severe, the Yin follows the Yang, and we have hot (Yang) sweats (Yin). The principal symptom of this general Yin deficiency is extreme dryness of the entire body, irritability, and agitation (agitated depression). Water satisfies thirst for only a short time. Tinnitus with a cricket sound is common. (The Traditional Chinese Medicine texts list extreme symptoms such as ‘‘Five Hearts Hot’’ – chest, palms, and soles, that a practitioner might encounter once in his/her career, and malar flush with extreme Yin deficiency). Night sweats as described above are due to a Separation of Yin and Yang often due to Yang deficiency.

 

Liver disharmony – Herbal Formulas and TCM Dietetics Approaches to Balance the Liver – Part 2

Naturopathy - Homeopathic tablets

This Blog will be divided in 5 parts, and I will present the research that I have done about the Liver organ and to show how important it is to take care of it.

Herbal Formulas and TCM Dietetics Approaches to Balance the Liver – By Doctor Alex Sa Alves

Part II – The Biomedical and Chinese Medicine View of the Liver

The Biomedical view – How does the Liver works in the Body?

Based on the Book “Principles and Practice of Hepatobiliary Diseases” by Henryk Dancygier8, I made the following important points to consider: 

1) Processing Fat and Protecting the Pancreas

Whenever the person eats fat, the liver releases bile to break it down and deliver the fat to the body as an energy source. This process looks simply but is more complicated than it sounds. Different amounts and complex compositions of bile are needed for different foods and different levels of fats, so the liver must draw on its powers of memory and adaptation to prepare and respond to fat intake at every meal. It is important to keep in mind that when bile raises, it helps momentarily, but it is not the ideal situation to happen repeatedly in the long run by consuming fatty foods. The liver tries to protect the body from excess fat because otherwise, the pancreas takes the lead and it is forced to produce much more insulin over time and eventually becoming overwhelmed in its hormone production and maybe even losing the ability to produce insulin at all which by conclusion without insulin, the body end up with diabetes.

  • Glucose and Glycogen Storage

The liver stores most glucose as glycogen, in small or microscopic pockets of special storage tissue located around the outer side of the liver. This storage system is also how the liver stows away concentrations of other nutrients, as well as hormones, biochemical agents, and other chemicals compounds. Any helpful component that the body may need in a daily basis, the liver keeps in storage banks, where there are plenty of blood vessels ready for reabsorption when the brain or thyroid sends signals that they are needed. When that signal is released, the liver breaks down glycogen back into glucose, using stored water molecules combined with a chemical compound generating and releasing glucose into the bloodstream at a just the right balanced and measured levels. The liver also keeps some readily available glucose that is not stored as glycogen so it can be released even faster. 

  • Vitamin and Mineral Storage

The liver stores nutrients that the stomach and intestines have converted during digestion into forms that the body can use. Sometimes, other organs that belongs to the digestive system is in distress such as intestinal linings scarred and damaged by long-term, chronic strep; low hydrochloric acid causing bad acids to rise and create acid reflux; or intestinal inflammation from viruses, other pathogens, and the foods that feed them. When those situations happen, the gut is not capable of absorbing, altering, and delivering nutrients that are critical to life so the liver acts as a “backup conversion tool”. To keep the body alive, the liver overuses its conversion method. A strong liver is critical to gut’s health for reasons beyond nutrient conversion.

  • Disarming and Detaining Harmful Materials

  Liver is also about storage: because the more the liver’s storage banks are saturated and overcrowded with toxins that the liver has collected to save the body, the less room the liver has for vitamin and mineral storage. The liver gets faced with a decision: to keep the poisoning substances containment system in place protecting the body from it, or to let out the poisons so it can store more vitamins, minerals, and other valuable materials that can help repair the gut and the rest of the body. The final decision made by the liver results in saving the body from toxic matter. There is so much that Liver deal within this world: Viruses, bacteria, mold, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, engine oil, gasoline, exhaust fumes, plastics, synthetically scented products, toxic heavy metals, radiation, hidden ingredients, high-fat meals, high-stress jobs, and much more. It is a constant battle and the liver do everything to defend the body from those harmful substances.

  • Screening and Filtering Blood

  Liver is one of the busiest organs, with an entire highway of blood running through it. This blood passes through the liver, carrying nutrients from food, and filled with medicines that someone might take, the occasional alcohol someone may drink, toxic heavy metals and chemicals that might come into contact with someone, excess adrenaline that may constantly be up against, as well as various hormones, some of which come from toxic, detrimental sources and some that are essential for the liver to be able to mass-produce cells so it can mend and heal any of its burned-out tissue.  Liver separates the bad from the good, the poisons, pathogens, and excess fat from the nutrients, essential hormones, and other beneficial elements that can help a person to thrive. Also, liver works to maintain the proper oxygen balance with so many different materials in the blood. All starts at the Hepatic Portal Vein with liver’s immune system guarding it.  It is especially important that the liver do a good job of separating the beneficial from the toxic, because all that blood will be moving to the heart. The blood that reaches the heart should be clean, and it is if the liver is in good condition to get its job done. Liver uses all of its reserves and power to separate and dispose of toxic threats, knowing that if they escape, they can be harmful to the body. Liver buries the most toxic threats such as solvents and pesticides in its core and has a particular awareness that viruses must be harnessed deep inside, because that’s safer than viruses making a run for other organs such as the brain or the heart. 

Liver – The TCM Pathomechanisms

Based on the Study of Doctor Thomas Chen3 on “The liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine”. He describes primarily the Yin and Yang pair to understand about the organ (liver). In his comments he said that Yin-yang represents a dualistic mode of viewing an organ and it can be described in both Yin and Yang context. The substance of the organ is either yin or yang in quality and its function is the opposite of the pair. Yin and yang are mutually opposing, interdependent and interchangeable attributes that can change over time and space. In medical words, yin-yang is often used to analyze the equilibrium of Qi. If there is an imbalance that will lead to signs and symptoms. Body function is affected by the five yin and six yang visceral organs. The five yin organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys) and the six yang organs (gallbladder, stomach, small and large intestines, urinary bladder, and triple burner) are called tsang (depots) and fu (palaces), respectively. The metaphors of depots and palaces imply the functional roles of storage and consumption, respectively. In physiological terms, the yin viscera regulate and store vital substances and the yang viscera digest food to produce vital substances and excrete waste. The concept of normal qi provided the rationale for the diagnostic procedure of taking the pulse and the therapeutic measure of acupuncture. Examination of the pulse gives information on the circulating qi and, the status of the internal organs mentioned above.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practioners have been considered the liver, not as an anatomical entity with specific physiological functions, a model similar to the biomedical mind but rather, they conceived the liver as a system of correspondences, with relationships to other organs and to the natural order (Volker5, 2013). The liver serves as a material substrate that performs several functions. The liver and gallbladder work so closely which in the ancient books they considered as one unit. The Nanjing noted ‘. . . The liver weighs two catties and four ounces. It has three lobes on its left and four lobes on its right side, adding to seven lobes . . .’ See the picture bellow how they draw the liver according to Chinese Medicine:

At the physiological level, the liver plays several roles. First, it disperses the upward and outward flow of qi, thereby regulating its circulation. Second, it stores xue (‘blood’) and other vital fluids, thus controlling their flow. This storage role allows the organ in particular to maintain a special relationship with the eyes, its sense organ, nails, and muscle. In the clinical situation, examination of these sites provides a monitor of liver activity. Third, the liver controls bile secretion. This function is not mentioned in the ancient classical texts, but is latter acknowledged by authors in the Modern Chinese Medicine. (Kaptchuk TJ. The Web That Has No Weaver. New York: Congdon and Weed, 1983.).

Liver disharmony – Herbal Formulas and TCM Dietetics Approaches to Balance the Liver – Part One

acupuncture needles with chinese coin

This Blog will be divided in 5 parts, and I will present the research that I have done about the Liver organ and to show how important is to take care of it.

Liver disharmony – Herbal Formulas and TCM Dietetics Approaches to Balance the Liver

By Doctor Alex SaAlves

Introduction

Our Liver function have been compromised by our lifestyles. We continue to ignore that the Liver is a large organ in our body and the only one capable to regenerate itself. Bio-Medically speaking the liver’s job is screening and filtering; It separates the beneficial from the toxic; It cleans the blood that goes directly to the heart. It is the main blood purifier in our body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine’s theory, excessive irritability and anger can affect the liver and result in multiple issues, including menstrual pain, headache, redness of the face and eyes, dizziness, and dry mouth (Folks, Claudia. 2006. Atlas of Acupuncture. Elsevier). Alternatively, imbalance in the liver can result in stressed behaviors. In TCM the liver ensures that energy and blood flow smoothly throughout the body. It also regulates bile secretion, stores blood, and connects with the tendons, nails, and eyes (Dan Bensky, Steven Clavey, Erich Stoger. Materia Medica. 2004. Eastland Press.). My Research is to show different approaches of Chinese Herbal Formulas and TCM Dietetics to Balance the Liver.

 

Why Liver Harmony is so important?

Working as a Nurse for 13 years, my introduction to liver function was pretty much limited to newborn jaundice and cirrhosis of the liver in the many alcoholics that I did care in the hospital. I also witnessed the deadly effects on the liver of the bypass surgeries at work. Some of those patients died of complications that included liver failure. Obviously bypass surgery has advanced through time. I still believe biomedical science still does not appreciate what the liver actually does on a day-to-day basis even before anything like elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver, or cirrhosis appears. “The liver offers us two levels of protection against environmental toxins of all kinds: disarmament and detainment” (from Friedman, Lawrence S. MD. Handbook of Liver Disease, 2018). But these protections do not last forever if we continue to ignore our liver function.

In accordance with Dr. Friedman: the liver’s job is screening and filtering (as a mentioned before). It separates the beneficial from the toxic. It cleans the blood that goes from the liver directly to the heart. It is the ultimate blood purifier. It also protects our body by sequestering solvents, pesticides, and viruses deep in its core, where they stay out of the blood stream. When the liver lets go of toxins, they can go to three places. One—they go to the colon via bile and the gallbladder and are eliminated in feces. Two—they go to the kidneys, where toxins are eliminated through urine. And finally, three: they are eliminated in the bloodstream as free radicals (this is a last resort). In the Book “Medical Medium Life-Changing Foods” by Anthony William, he said: “When your liver gets to the point of being unable to process all the unproductive material running through it, more free radical debris and toxic matter will be in the bloodstream, forcing the heart to pump harder to pull the blood up from the liver—like sucking pudding through a straw—resulting in high blood pressure. If your liver is clogged to the point where biofilm starts to break off into the blood, then you are likely to develop heart flutters as this jelly-like substance gums up heart valves, preventing the smooth flow of blood”.

Based on the book Principles of Chinese Medicine by Hong Hai, which says: “In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) The primary function of the liver is to regulate the movement of ‘Qi’ within the body. This regulatory function is essential for the physiological actions of all organ systems, ensuring proper functioning of the body. Qi is a unique concept of a circulating life force that sustains all living beings. This is likened to a flow of energy in the body that maintains life”.

The regulatory role of the liver in TCM is demonstrated mainly in four areas:

  1. Pushing action of qi – The circulation of blood and metabolism of water relies on the “pushing” action of ‘Qi’ in the relevant organs, which is dependent on the overall regulation of the liver ‘Qi’. If the liver ‘Qi’ is stagnated for certain reasons, diseases related to the circulation of blood and metabolism of water can occur. For example, stagnant liver ‘Qi’ leads to poor circulation of blood and may result in blood stasis within the body. Similarly, if liver ‘Qi’ disperses excessively without control, the circulation of blood can go wrong, manifesting symptoms such as hemoptysis and epistaxis. The stagnant ‘Qi’ can also obstruct the flow of fluids, forming sputum or water retention.
  2. Digestion imbalances – The regulatory role of the liver can supplement the role of absorption and assimilation by the spleen. At the same time, it is thought that bile is secreted from surplus liver ‘qi’ and subsequently stored in the liver. The liver regulates the outflow of bile to facilitate the digestion process. A stagnant liver ‘qi’ can affect the circulation of ‘qi’ of the spleen, stomach, and gall bladder, causing digestion troubles and giving rise to gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, vomiting, belching amongst others. If the secretion of bile gets obstructed instead, there can also be pain at the ribs area, jaundice, and a lack of appetite.
  3. Emotional Health – The liver has also a major role to play when it comes to managing emotions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are 7 main emotions namely: Joy, Anger, Worry, Thought, Sorrow, Fear, and Fright. It is believed that excessive exposure to these emotions can affect their respective organs, an adequate supply of blood and smooth circulation of ‘qi’ are necessary for individuals to manage their emotions properly, which evokes optimistic thinking and good spirits. In today’s fast-paced society, liver ‘qi’ stagnation, is a common imbalance found in individuals who find difficulties in juggling between work and life. When the liver becomes imbalanced, the flow of qi is disrupted, resulting in a myriad of abnormal emotional activity such as low spirits, anxiety, and belching.
  4. Women’s physiology – Females depend heavily on the supply and circulation of blood in circumstances such as menstruation, pregnancy, labor and even breastfeeding throughout their life cycle. The regulatory role of the liver ensures that blood is directed to the uterus to support these physiological activities. Notably, it is little wonder for females of menopausal age to face emotional mood swings. Although science attributes the symptoms of menopause largely to hormonal imbalance, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that stagnation of liver ‘qi’ and deficiency in kidney essence are associated with menopause, resulting in the typical symptoms such as depression, mood swings, changes in menstrual cycle and hot flushes.

In accordance with Connor and Bensky: The emotions related to the liver are anger and frustration, it is also necessary to manage our emotions and stress effectively to minimize negative influence on the liver. Since the functions of the liver is so extensive, any imbalances in the liver can affect the activities of other organs. Staying well informed and being aware of any minor symptoms associated with the imbalance of liver can help to prevent serious health issues in future.

 

Liver Issues in America – Research Overviews

 

Based on Chronic Disease Research Group (CDRG – The Chronic Disease Research Group – Chronic Liver disease Research. Link: https://www.cdrg.org/media/1447/loomba-easl-2018-sat-251-final-v3.pdf) from Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute – Minneapolis, MN they found that Chronic liver disease is characterized by progressive destruction of the liver, eventually resulting in liver failure, and possible transplant will be necessary.

The most common types of chronic liver disease relate to hepatitis virus (A-E, with different disease rates), cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). CDRG’s research states that: “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of acute hepatitis C virus infection increased more than 2.5 times from 2010 to 2014, and approximately 3.5 million Americans are currently infected. Viral hepatitis is caused by infection with any of at least five distinct viruses, hepatitis A B, C, D, and E. Most viral hepatitis infections in the US are attributable to balance of liver can help to prevent serious health issues in future.

A, B, and C. All three of these unrelated viruses can produce an acute illness, although many acute infections are asymptomatic or cause only mild disease. Many people infected with hepatitis B or C are unaware of the infection and carry it for decades until they develop cirrhosis, ESLD, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Also, Liver cirrhosis is a progressive disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis), occurs most often due to alcohol abuse or hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. In 2014, liver cirrhosis accounted for over 38,000 deaths, according to the CDC. Treatment of cirrhosis intends to slow the progression of fibrosis and control the cause (e.g., alcohol dependency) or comorbid conditions, but no cure exists.

Another research that CDRG made, they found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by too much fat stored in liver cells. Disease progression is marked by liver inflammation, scarring, and irreversible damage, culminating in cirrhosis and liver failure. NAFLD occurs in every age group but especially in people in their 40s and 50s who are at high risk of heart disease, due to risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recent research found that bone and skeletal muscle disorders appeared to be independently associated with NAFLD.

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