The Liver
When discussing the Liver most medical texts will supply you with the kind of picture we see opposite. They will talk about the weight and size of the Liver, Its location and cell composition. Diseases will be discussed in relation to their physical effect upon the Liver and symptoms related to these physical changes. Although Chinese Medicine may also describe the Liver in similar terms it does not confine itself to this methodology. Over literally thousands of years an understanding of all the organs has been developed that in my opinion far outstrips the mainstream Western view of what the
Liver is and represents. To make this point the pictures below are just a small example of images that Chinese Medicine may use to describe the Liver.
When discussing the Liver Chinese Medicine will explore its physical functions but also its emotional functions and even spiritual characteristics. In diagnosis and treatment this can often provide insights that I find Western Medicine can lack. For example, if a patient has become particularly angry or frustrated and finds it hard to relax treating the Liver will often help. This may sound a little far fetched but after years of experience I can tell you that treating the Liver does indeed help with anger and frustration. This is a very basic example but gets the point across, of course in clinic things are often a little more complex than this.
The Visionary and the Warrior
I've been trying to think of a good example that may bring this idea to life, the only one that really jumped out was the historical figure of Crazy Horse. Here we find an individual who was not afraid to fight and stand up for what he believed in, but
also has a higher purpose or vision in life. It may be useful to think of your Liver as this kind of character, maybe you can think of an example that resonates more with you.
The Liver finds its power through Vision, looking at the bigger picture and being inspired by what we see. The Liver then also has the power to plan out how we can achieve this, just like a general going to war. The Visionary is creative, and the Warrior provides drive, both give purpose to our vision.
Patience and Forgiveness
The Liver has quite an impressive list of emotions related to it, aggression, anger, hostility, frustration and depression to name a few. However the Liver also has a great capacity for patience and forgiveness, both of which can calm and balance the others. Nurturing these two emotions in yourself will help to heal the Liver and warn against its more extreme tendencies. Also remember forgiveness and patience also apply to you, its hard to feed others we are starving at home.
Taking Control
When our Liver is balanced we have the ability to take control of our lives, to plan ahead and be inspired by what we see. We have drive and even aggression if needed to see the work through and create our life. This huge creative force that the liver posseses is tempered with our ability to be patient and to fogive, our drive does not over power us but is instead is used constructively to create. This is a very important point as the General will have the tendancy to dominate and lead the charge. At first we may feel powerful and strong but over time the General will become more and more critical of you, trying to drive forward harder and harder. If you notice these tendancies in you patience and forgiveness may be the answer. From a Chinese Meicine viewpoint these virtues will not only heal the Liver emotionally but will also help to heal it physicsally, one is not seperate from the other.
Spring and the Dragon
In Taoist philosophy the Liver is related to Spring and the Mythical Green Dragon. Much like the dragon the liver can be ferocious, even destructive at times. However in balance it is springtime, it brings the promise of new life and new growth. Much as spring stirs nature to wake up the liver has the same role within you. If you're sluggish first thing in the morning, it maybe your sleepy dragon. The dragon wants to push you to be better, it will drive you to grow, to learn to be all you can be. But remember to temper the dragons ambition with patience. Don't let the dragon become the master, he can be a wonderful employee but a terrible boss. This also means spring time is a good time to assess the health of our liver and also for treatment. I'd also say Autumn is also a very good time to help the liver, as the opposite seasons help to balance each other.
Hopefully this has given you a little insight into the liver and its role within our lives. It can be helpful to personify the liver, think of it as an aspect of you, a character you can draw upon. Understanding what this person needs to function best will help both of you and come on who wouldn't want a 30ft Green dragon as a buddy...or is that just me
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me, I can't always get back to you straight away but I will get back