By Dr.Park Chan-Joo
Aside from the skin, the liver is the biggest organ and gland in the human body. As such, it plays a major role in metabolism, especially in regards to carbohydrates, lipid and protein. In addition, the liver has numerous functions, such as bile production and excretion, drug detoxification, storage of some nutritive elements including glycogen, and blood protein (plasma protein) synthesis. Working as a center of biochemical reactions, it is also related to blood storage, blood coagulation, and immunity.
Despite its importance and irreplaceability in the body, many people tend to abuse the organ without noticing how exhausted it is. There are so many factors including fatigue, alcohol, and overdose of medication that are harmful to your liver and cause many diseases.
An ancient and prestigious literary text on oriental medicine describes the organs as being akin to loyal officials residing in the country that is the human body. In this metaphor, the heart is the king, while the liver is considered the military general. The reason why the organ is referred to as the general is due to certain characteristics.
In terms of its physiology in oriental medicine, the organ is characterized by two main functions: storing blood and maintaining the free flow of ``ki (energy).’’
The meaning of storing and regulating blood implies that this organ is involved in distributing blood in the body. As most of us realize, if a body part lacks blood, it will not work properly. For example, when the flow of blood is not normal, your digestion will not be smooth, your muscles will feel weak and, in the case of women, your menstruation will not be normal.
When the liver fails in maintaining the free flow of energy, it can cause the stagnation of both energy and blood (since energy is the force to make blood circulate). This situation can be revealed in the form of both mental and physical symptoms. When the liver energy is blocked, for example, you may feel pain in your sides, indigestion and even some mental symptoms, such as depression and ``hwa-byong (anger syndrome).’’
So what makes the liver similar to a general? Like a tough and demanding military leader, the liver is described as being ``stubborn and tolerant,’’ not expressing how hard it suffers, and silently works on defending against both internal and external substances that can bring you diseases. These characteristics are somewhat similar to the detoxification function attributed to the organ in Western medical science.
The liver is also considered the general of the body due to the way that it helps other organs work properly and keep your body healthy by regulating blood and controlling the flow of energy.
In the next column, I’ll explain about the relationship between the liver and some diseases and some tips to help keep the organ healthy.
Dr.Park Chan-Joo is the chief doctor at Tara Acupuncture & Oriental Medical Clinic (www.tara-clinic.com) in Seoul.