5 tips to improve Liver Health With Chinese Medicine 

Liver plays a very important role and contributes directly to your health and wellbeing. The role of Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is more extensive and complicated compared to the one in Western medicine. In Chinese Medicine, the definition of Liver is much broader. It includes anatomy, logical reasoning, and philosophy, and involving multiple systems and organs. Read more about liver here.

In Chinese Medicine Liver is connected to other internal organs and the main function of Liver is to regulate and ensure free flow of ‘Qi’ throughout the body and store blood. Qi translates to ‘life force’ or ‘energy flow’ that sustains all living beings. Given the importance of Liver, it is crucial to maintain a healthy Liver. 

Here are 5 tips from a Chinese medicine perspective to keep and maintain a healthy Liver:

1. Diet

Food is considered as medicine in Chinese medicine. It puts the utmost importance on diet and the foods we consume to bring body into balance. Each particular food sends nutrition to its corresponding organs in terms of taste, colour as well as temperature. 

Green is the colour of Liver : food such as vegetables that are green in colour for example broccoli, cabbage, asparagus support the Liver.

Sour foods nourish the Liver: Sour foods such as lemon have a diuretic effect which help to eliminate toxins from the body. 

Foods with ‘cooling’ properties are best suited to Liver: Consuming cooling foods such as fruits and vegetables support the Liver. Note, foods with cooling properties should not be confused with cold foods, in fact, Chinese medicine encourages the consumption of food that is warm if your Liver is sluggish.  

Drink at least 2 liters of water and caffeine should be consumed in moderation. Excess caffeine can lead to Qi stagnation. Food that are high in fiber support Liver detox by promoting the removal of waste from the body.

2. Healthy Mind

Liver is associated with anger in Chinese Medicine, when this emotion is suppressed, energy that is free flowing ( Qi) can stagnate affecting the functioning of Liver and have a negative effect. As a result of which it is important to express your emotions and feeling to have balanced healthy mind. Whether it is talking to friends, seeking or simply letting your emotions out and crying once in a while. In fact, tears carry toxins so shedding a few tears works as a detox and help cleanse the body. 

3. Small Lifestyle Changes Make a Big Difference 

Exercise: is a great way to relieve stress, just like tears sweat contains toxins so working up a sweat, detoxing and cleanses your body. Gentle exercises such as tai chi or  yoga also promotes Qi flow. Walking is one of the best forms of exercises even if its is 10 – 15 minutes a day. 

Rest: As important as it is to move about and exercise, it is also important to rest well for better Liver health. In Chinese Medicine, Qi and Blood become most active in the gallbladder and Liver meridians from 11pm to 3am so it is recommended to be a sleep state during this period to get nourishment from the blood (1) not getting good rest can lead obstruct the Qi from moving freely and in turn symptoms such as anxiety, muscle tightness can arise. 

4. Natural Treatments 

If your body is already exhibiting the signs and symptoms of an imbalanced Liver ( click here to see the signs and symptoms of an imbalanced Liver. We recommend seeing a Chinese Medicine practitioner or Acupuncturist who can help you pinpoint the cause. At our clinics : GinSen we offer free consultation and personalised treatment plan. 

Some of the recommended treatments include: 

• Acupuncture treatment: by using fine needles to unblock your Vital energy channels form external, promote overall body’s Qi flow and aspect.

• Cupping therapy:  It is the drug free, non invasive and pain free treatment which is primarily used to detox, unblock energy channels, repair and stimulate your body’s functions.

• Lymphatic Drainage Massage /Tui na: Provides relief from pain related symptoms, boosts energy, relieves stress and detoxes the body along with and boosting immune system.

5. Herbs and Herbal Food Supplements

In the Chinese, many herbs fortify and protect the liver. Herbs or herbal supplements can be taken for several weeks to repair liver damage or simply add them to your daily routine to maintain a healthy Liver. We recommend speaking to a Chinese Medicine practitioner before consuming any herbs. We offer free consultation here.