Emotions and Liver Health

Whether we are studying the traditions of Native American or Toltec medicine or Eastern philosophies like Traditional Chinese Medicine there are many similarities. A glaring similarity is the relationship of the seat of our personal power or "will" center being associated within the liver area. This energetic seat of power is regulated by proper liver function. Now, don't get me wrong, this really has nothing to do with literal liver function, but more the energetic function that the liver regulates. The liver is in charge of harmonizing and regulating energy to every energetic organ system in the body. If you are sad or depressed, chances are you have stagnant liver energy. Think of a swampy water. If you are mad or angry then we could say you more energy than your liver can regulate exploding through you. Think of a volcano that can not be held back anymore.  Are you having a hard time sleeping between the hours of 1-3 a.m.? This is your liver meridian time of the day and it is showing you that it is not balanced.
In today's world the stresses of life and the rampant toxicity in the environment have thrown our livers for a loop. You liver is in charge of breaking down your body's own hormones, yet it is constantly burdened by the xenoestrogenic hormones that you are getting in your diet and environment.
 So, aside from the fact that your liver is regulating and harmonizing, it is also breaking down and cleaning up as well. What if you are taking medications? Almost all medication's (even aspirin) are toxic to the liver. How long do you think you can eat poorly, drink excessively, or take medications for years before your mood and daily life function start to break down or go chaotic. Following is a list of liver supporting herbs that have been traditionally used for thousands of years.
 Burdock, Dandelion, Echinacea/Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, Milk Thistle, Yellow Dock, Guggul,
Pau D'arco, Bupleurum, Red Beet, Gentian, Peony, just to name a few. Many times you may find several of these plants mixed with other herbs that calm down some of the digestive symptoms that may come from your body cleansing. There is no shortage of great liver formula's on the market. I have my favorites which include Milk Thistle Combination, Liver Balance TCM, Liver Cleanse Formula, Chinese Mood Elevator, or Tiao He Cleanse. I have always seen great results working with many of these well established formulations. I also have a tendency to work with the Chinese formulas because of the intent in energetic movement they help create. You should work with an herbalist that can help you make the best decision on which of these herbs may work best given your current desire for healing. There's ample information about liver herbs that are available on the internet so I will not spend my time breaking down each one. I just want to give you a jumping off spot.
So remember, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it would be wise to look at supporting the biochemically dense organ in existence, your liver.
Until next time.
HH