Calf Patting and Other TCM Remedies May Support Liver Health and Improve Sleep

Liver health can be supported through diet therapy, acupressure, and stimulating the liver meridian by patting the area between the inner knee and ankle.

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In the West, we often associate liver health with alcohol consumption and detox diets. But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is far more than just a detox organ—it’s the energetic powerhouse behind your emotional stability, quality of sleep, digestion, and overall vitality.

When your liver is out of balance, your whole body and mind can feel the effects. Fortunately, simple daily practices like foot massage, herbal teas, and liver-meridian tapping may offer powerful support for this vital organ.

Why the Liver Matters in TCM

In TCM, the liver plays a central role in keeping your energy—or qi—flowing smoothly throughout the body. It stores blood, regulates emotions, and governs the health of the eyes, tendons, and nails. When liver function is disturbed, you may experience fatigue, mood swings, insomnia, or even skin issues.

Wu Honggan, director of the Taiwan Yisheng Chinese Medicine Clinic, shared on NTDTV’s “Health 1+1” program that supporting liver function with simple practices rooted in Chinese medicine can bring profound benefits for modern-day stress and fatigue.