Liver: Body’s Military General’ (I)
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
Apr 12, 2007