Let’s have a look at these organs function from both a western medical perspective and an Oriental medical perspective.
Liver function (Western Medicine)
- The production of bile for the digestion of food and in particular for the digestion of fats
- The production of amino acids (proteins)
- The production of cholesterol and special proteins to assist in the transport of fats around the body.
- The conversion and storing of extra glucose in the form of glycogen that is then converted back into glucose when the body requires more energy.
- The storing and processing of iron for red blood cell production
- The Clearing and cleaning of drugs and toxic substances in the blood
- Removes infectious bacteria from the bloodstream
- Regulates and manages and produces blood clotting factors
- The metabolization of medications into active ingredients
Gallbladder Function (Western Medicine)
- Stores bile (a dark green to yellowish fluid that aids in the digestion of fats that is produced in the liver)
- Secretes bile into the small intestine to aid in digestion and aids in neutralizing acids produced by the stomach
Liver Function (Oriental Medicine)
- Governs the smooth flow of Qi and Blood around the body
- Responsible for filtering, detoxifying, nourishing, replenishing and storing blood
- Governs the tendons and ligaments
- Detoxes the body of toxins
- Related emotion is anger, frustration or their opposite, contentedness
Gallbladder Function (Oriental Medicine)
- Supports the functions of the liver in governing a smooth flow of Qi and blood around the body
- Absorbing and managing excess heat conditions from the liver
- Aids digestion
- Related to indecisiveness and decision making
Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Signs and Symptoms
(Oriental medicine)
Liver & Gallbladder In Balance
- Good healthy digestion
- Regular and healthy bowel movements (not too dry, not too wet and one a day before breakfast is ideal)
- Generally in a good and positive mood
- Enjoys moving the body, enjoys exercise, dancing, walking etc.
- Motivated and energized
- Doesn’t get angry or frustrated easily
- Is clear and decisive in the decision making process
- Is content and happy with the way life is unfolding
- Willing to launch into new projects
- Is flexible and adaptable to new situations as they arise, (sees them as a healthy challenge rather then an obstacle)
- Healthy eyes with good vision
Liver & Gallbladder Out Of Balance
- Easy to agitation, frustration & anger
- Feelings of stagnation or being stuck
- Mild depression and moodiness (bipolar related symptoms)
- A poor, sluggish digestion (bloating, excess gas, cramps etc.) or an over stimulated, rapid metabolism (too much fire)
- Can be overweight and slow (not enough heat) or very thin and looks dried out (too much heat)
- Mentally Unclear, uncertain and lacks ability to make firm decisions
- Irregular bowel movements eg. Constipation
- Lots of sighs and feelings of “can’t be bothered” or “its too hard”
- Irregular menstruation
- Tendency to alcohol addiction
- Tendency to drug addiction (marijuana & methamphetamine mainly)
- Lacks energy and motivation
- Self absorbed, greedy, selfish
- Stubborn, pig headed and not adaptable to new circumstances
- Intolerant (easily agitated)
- Red face
- Narrow minded – prefers to stick to familiar ways
- Clumsiness
- Shakes or has a tremor in the hands and limbs
- Regular dry, red or irritated eyes, sometimes partnered with vision problems