Liver is a commander of entire body. It is like an army’s general from whom entire body’s strategy is derived. Liver is a vital organ for immune system and metabolic functions of a body. Physiologically liver is the largest organ in the body, weighing nearly three pounds. It is behind the wellbeing of body-mind. In short, there are more than 500 functions and processes- as well as nearly 1000 bio-chemicals that directly or indirectly involve this organ. It is primarily responsible for digestive functions. Other important function includes formation, breakdowns and detoxification of blood.

Function of Liver

Liver is responsible for hundreds of chemical reactions for the survival of the body. Primary action of Liver is to processes the nutrients from the food and secrets bile which helps in digestion.

It is responsible for making protein (protein synthesis) with the help of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and we know well how important the protein is for our each and every cell of body.

Another function of Liver is for manufacturing cholesterol and triglycerides.

According to Acupressure and Acupuncture science most important functions of liver are: –

1- The Liver stores Blood– When a person moves blood goes to the channels, when body is in rest mode it goes to Liver.

When Liver has sufficient blood, the body can do its respective actions like feet can walk, hands can hold and fingers can grasp.

Ex- Liver also effects mensuration cycle, If the liver has improper supply and storage of blood that could lead to Amenorrhea.

And If liver has excess blood than original requirement, it will lead to Menorrhagia.

Similarly, Liver function is responsible for Eczema and Psoriasis, here quality of blood in Liver is responsible.

2- Liver ensures pathway of energy and its direction – Every organ of a body have its own definite pathway and Liver directs that.

The energy which is flowed by Liver in entire body has 3 main factors: –

It Effects Emotions

It Effects Digestion

It Effects Pitta Secretion

3- Liver Controls Muscles– The ability of walking and doing work is dependent on state of Muscles and tendons in body.

Similarly, the movement and speed of joints is dependent of muscles and tendons contractions and relaxation.

Softness and smoothness in muscles and tendons are provided by Liver blood, it provides lubrication and moisture within them.

Ex- If there is liver deficiency that could lead to spasm & cramp, Tremors, Tetany, Numbness and weakness in extremities (hands & Feet).

4- Liver opens in the Eyes– Liver blood gives nourishment and moisture to eyes, which helps eyes the ability of sight. Ex- Liver Blood deficiency leads to blurredness of eye sight, Myopia, Color blindness, Dry eyes etc.

5- Liver manifests in the nails –The liver controls and its flourishing conditions manifests on the nails. Liver blood deficiency leads lack of nourishment in nails causes black and brittle nails.

Hyperactive symptoms of Liver– Cataract, nose bleed, dizziness, Insomnia, Indigestion, fatigue, over development of muscles, nose picking, works hard, works concentrates deeply, easily effected emotionally, Shouting & screaming behavior, Irrational emotions which are suddenly controlled, headaches, hemorrhoids, prostate problem, uncomfortable sensation in testicles, consumes excess sugar, alcoholic, pain in lower back, flatulence, frequent stiffness throughout the body.

Underactive symptoms of Liver– Headache at back of head, depression, burning/itching/watery eyes, lack of energy, red bloodshed eyes, poor appetite, lack of energy, eyes tired easily, lack of determination, irritable, easily upset, short tempered, inconsistent behavior, attention towards trivial matters, lack of sexual drive, stiff muscles, tends to avoid exercise.

Balancing foods – Vitamin A, B complex, C, E, K, Root vegetables, cabbage, Wheat, rye, plum, cherries, berries, barley, Apples, Pear, grapefruit.

Stimulating Food – Garlic, Orange, Lychee etc.

Sedating Food – wheat, barley, mint, loquats, etc.

Some Self-diagnosis about Liver

1. Left side of headache is related to liver
2. Dry Eyes indicates liver trouble
3. Liver energy when get stagnate and attack brain leads to melancholy and depression.
4. Liver energy when get stagnate and attack uterus leads to PMS and irregular menstrual cycle.
5. Indication of Liver Extreme wind affects the Liver- Whenever wind blows high, liver definitely gets affected in the form of headache, neck stiffness

Also, there are some interesting facts you might not be aware of liver

1. If there is excess energy in liver or Liver deficiency there are patters of dreams which comes in particular state.
2. Every organ has its own emotion, when we talk about Liver-Its emotion is “Anger”.
3. When someone is emotionally disturbed and throat got stuck suddenly, that indicates Liver energy got stuck/ stagnate there.

The Diseased Faces of Liver

Hepatitis- Inflammation in Liver along with Infection which is in form of Virus and Parasites reduces Liver function and turned into Hepatitis. You can prevent yourself from hepatitis by lifestyle precautions and Acupuncture without medication. There are 5 types of Hepatitis: –

1. Hepatitis A
2. Hepatitis B
3. Hepatitis C
4. Hepatitis D
5. Hepatitis E

Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites- Due to the formation of fibrous tissues and modules the liver is hardened. This hardening of Liver called Liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis with ascites (accumulation of fluids in the abdominal cavity) is due to hypertension of portal vein usually symptoms which also appear are-

1. Hepatomegaly-Enlarged Liver
2. Splenomegaly-Enlarged Spleen, Spleen is a part of our lymphatic system
3. Varicose veins of abdominal wall
4. Varices of esophagus
5. Varicose of fundus of stomach
6. Hepatic Coma – Leads due to failure of Liver Function

Psoriasis/Eczema-The main cause of Psoriasis and Eczema are disturbance in Liver function due to poor quality of Blood. Example- If we keep food in dirty vessel, the entire fresh food will also get destroyed due to that vessel, similarly the Blood which will accumulate in that Liver which is not functioning properly, will pollute entire Blood leads to Skin disease. According to Acupressure and Acupuncture you will wonder to know that Hepatitis, Jaundice, Fatty Liver, Cirrhosis, Psoriasis/Eczema,

Hepatomegaly, many more are curable and reversable without medicines.