-IBIS-1.5.0-
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Chinese physiology
Liver (Gan)
diagnoses
definition
The Chinese organ Gan is translated as the Liver
It is classified as a Zang organ, which is to say Yin in nature
Its channel is named Foot Jue Yin or Faint Yin
» The Major Functions of the Liver include:
Regulates the harmonious distribution of Qi throughout the body (even flowing and uniform spreading of Qi)
Regulates normal functioning of the body and promotes function of all organs.
Regulates emotional harmony and movement.
Stores the Xue (Blood)
Rules the Muscles (governs the Motor System); specifically regulates contractility of muscles and moistening of ligaments and tendons.
Regulates normal movement
Controls the eyes and eyesight (vision and outlook) and lacrimation
Secretes bile
» Relationships of the Liver:
The channel is coupled with the Hand Jue Yin Pericardium channel
High tide in the channel occurs between the hours 1 to 3 am
Its "clock" partner is the Small Intestine (12 hours away)
Its elemental pair is the Gall Bladder - in the Wood phase
Their color is green
Their season is spring
The direction from which its influence comes is the East
Its climate is Windy
Its power is that of arousal, sprouting, birth and rebirth
Its flavor is sour, astringent
Its odor is rancid, goatish, fetid, offensive
» Expressions of the Liver:
The Liver controls the sense of sight through its sense organ, the eyes
The body part or tissue it controls is the Jin or Sinews (Tendons-Ligaments-Muscles) (tendon sheaths surround and control each muscle fiber and hence the entire muscle system)
Health of the Liver expresses itself in the fingernails and toenails.
The body fluid it secretes is tears
The Liver's condition is observable in the nails
When the Liver is out of balance, pain, discomfort or abnormal sensations are commonly experienced and reported in the flanks, breasts, and/or the region of the diaphragm and throat; sensitivity and/or tension may be elicited upon palpation in the subcostal region (also the left lower quadrant of the abdomen and the vicinity of Lv-14)
This organ produces feelings of anger, frustration, irritability and depression
The characteristic sound of the voice is shouting, boisterous
» Roles of the Liver:
If the body were an empire the Liver would be the General (who plans and coordinates) or the Master Alchemist (who transmutes and detoxifies)
It houses the spirit known as the "Hun", i.e., the Ethereal or Yang Soul, the Persona, the Ego
It directs Qi uniformly in all directions
» Influences upon the Liver:
This organ is injured by the climatic factor Wind
is "strained" by overuse of the eyes and/or the musculoskeletal system, walking
is "drained" by too much of the sour, astringent flavor
and is "overwhelmed" by excessive rage, too much frustration
» Foods that are said to benefit the Liver:
grain: wheat
meat: fowl
fruit: peach
vegetable: greens (mallow)
» Major symptoms of Liver disharmony include:
Locomotor problems - uncoordinated movements - contractures - spasms
muscle flaccidity and atrophy
Eye problems Acute inflammatory problems - Tearing and blurry vision problems - focusing and refraction error problems - photophobia and light sensitivity
Dizziness - Headaches - Syncope - Tinnitus -
Emotional problems erratic mood swings - irritability - volatile-violent outbursts - frustration - depression - apathy
Gynecological problems - Menstrual problems and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (breast pain and distention)
Inguinal pain and Hernias
Chest Fullness and Costal Distention
Sighing - throat clearing - and "plum-pit stuck in the throat" sensations
Digestive problems abdominal pain and fullness - bitter taste - jaundice - vomiting blood
» Shi (Excess) patterns:
Liver and Gall Bladder invaded by Damp-Heat
Liver Fire Blazing upward
Liver Invaded by Cold Damp
Liver Invading Spleen
Liver Invading Stomach
Liver Channel Obstructed by Stagnant Cold
Liver Qi Stagnation
Liver Wind Arising from Liver Yang Rising
Liver Wind Generated by Extreme Heat
Liver Wind Stirring
Liver Yang Rising
general symptoms of Shi (Excess): excessive muscular tension; genital diseases; excessive sex drive; excitability; red tearing eyes; insomnia; compulsive energy; moodiness; bitter taste in the mouth.
Xu (Deficiency) patterns:
Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency)
Liver Xue Yu (Blood Stasis)
Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency)
general symptoms of Xu (Deficiency): vertigo; pruritus; timidity; dry skin and/or tendons; bad temper; asthma; depression; aching at the waist; hernia; difficulty raising head up and down.
Xu (Deficiency)/Shi (Excess) patterns:
Liver Wind Arising from Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency)
footnotes