In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), liver diseases can manifest as illnesses related to blood, blood vessels, digestion, emotional well-being and the eyes. Liver diseases often come with digestive issues associated with insufficient bile secretion and other gastrointestinal issues, including poor appetite, abdominal pain and bloating.
In TCM’s Five Elements theory, the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—correspond to various organs in the human body. The Liver corresponds to wood, the Heart to fire, the Spleen to earth, the Lungs to metal, and the Kidneys to water. These elements interact with one another within the body. The restraining effect of wood on earth manifests as liver disease - triggering disorders related to the spleen and stomach.
In Chinese medicine the Liver is responsible for spreading: the smooth movement of bodily substances and for the regularity of body activities. It maintains evenness and harmony of movement throughout the body. The Liver is vital for Blood movement and is also the organ most sensitive to stagnation. This condition can cause swelling and pain, Gall Bladder dysfunction, emotional imbalances and affects menstrual blood flow. The Liver and Gall Bladder are associated with the colour green and the element Wood. Particularly when in disharmony, they produce the emotions that are ascribed to Wood: irritability, anger, fury, hatred and rage. The Liver also provides for the health of other parts of the body associated with Wood: the tendons and ligaments, nails and the eyes.