A healthy liver is vital to the overall function of the body. To improve liver health, it is crucial to first have a proper understanding of the liver in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Whereas Western medicine views the liver as a single organ, TCM considers the liver as a comprehensive system that includes the circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system, endocrine system, and more.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, one of the primary physiological functions of the liver is “governing dispersion and dredging.” This means that the liver’s qi (energy) plays a crucial role in promoting smooth flow and circulation throughout the body, facilitating the movement and distribution of essential substances such as essence, blood, and body fluids. It is also responsible for regulating the “ascending and descending functions of the spleen and stomach,” bile secretion, and emotional well-being.
