-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
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