The Fall of the Liver

Autumn: arguably one of the most enjoyable seasons in terms of temperature. We have officially arrived at more consistently cooler weather, leaves are changing colors, and boots, sweaters, and all things cozy are coming out of our storage closets. Autumn is a gorgeous season, and sometimes, if we’re lucky, the Colorado skies grant us a full month (or two, fingers crossed) before it starts to feel more like winter.

This fall has a slightly different feel than many of the ones that came before it. Along with the pizzazz of pumpkin spice and the enchanting delicacy of adorning earth tones, we Americans are experiencing a continued strain as a result of the ongoing pandemic, that has now officially killed more than 1 million people across the planet, and shows little signs of slowing as we enter the cooler months. And health experts across all over the globe are in agreement that for a virus that was believed to have been hindered by the warmer weather, autumn months now in places where temperatures significantly drop during this season may be dealing with an uptick in cases much like we saw at the end of spring.

So with the worry of a second surge in COVID cases lingering, and the double-whammy of the possibility of — and complications of — catching COVID and the Influenza virus at the same time, we believe this fall may be the best time to focus on your Liver, in both a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well as allopathic perspective.

October of this year is Liver Awareness Month, a movement started by the American Liver Foundation (ALF), the largest US non profit organization promoting liver health and liver disease prevention. The ALF was formed in 1976, and since then has been funding countless research projects and supporting the education of the masses as to the dangers of liver disease. With over 100 different types of liver disease, the ALF has continued to stress the importance of prevention, rather than just treatment, and a thorough education is the best way to spread the word on how to avoid disease in the first place.

In terms of TCM, Liver is known as the “Commanding General” of the body, boasting over 500 different functions. The Liver is an organ that plays a huge role in connection with stress and emotional trauma. Admittedly, we are taking a slight departure from the traditional representation of the seasons by focusing on the Liver. Liver and Gallbladder are the paired organs that relate to Spring, not Fall. The Autumn months are traditionally linked to the Metal element, and thus, the Lungs and the Large Intestine. However, with 2020 being rather untraditional, we thought it appropriate, as Spring of this year was when the majority of our Liver Qi (or the energy associated with the Liver organ) began to significantly stagnate, for the majority of us. With the mandatory quarantine, business closures, widespread job loss and layoffs, and the economic recession which soon followed, this Spring was one of the toughest we’ve faced as a nation. So it seems befitting, thus, to take notice of the effects of Liver season carrying through, even into the Fall.

In Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Qi becomes “stuck,” as a result of stress and blocked emotions. Irritability, frustration, anger and depression can all result from Liver Qi Stagnation. If the stagnation is not dealt with appropriately, these stagnant emotions can begin to amplify, leading to other symptoms.

In addition to herbs and acupuncture, a healthy balanced diet can play a huge part in helping individuals avoid both liver disease and Liver Qi Stagnation. The ALF reports that a “balanced diet” includes foods from all food groups, including grains, meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables and fats, but stresses moderation and paying attention to the a body’s individual needs. In fact, an unhealthy diet and being overweight often leads to one of the most common types of liver disease — Fatty Liver Disease. Everything a person consumes, including food, drink, and even the air we breathe, passes through their liver. The liver transforms food and drink into energy, simultaneous cleaning the blood as it passes through. This is why keeping the liver healthy is so important; we only have one, and without one that can function properly, we would perish.

In TCM, we promote diets that are not just healthy, but appropriate for the season. As the weather cools, TCM stresses the importance of consuming warmer foods, to keep the digestion happy. Yes, salads may seem like a healthy option, but a diet of salads every single day will hurt digestive function over time, whereas taking the time to cook or warm your fruits and vegetables in the cooler months of the year will support digestive function. Like western medicine, TCM also recommends avoiding greasy fried foods and over-processed junk foods, overly sweet and sugary foods, as well as keeping alcohol intake to a minimum. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage liver cells, and can ultimately lead to the build up of fat in the liver, inflammation, swelling, and scarring. This can lead to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis, respectively. Care should be taken with alcohol especially for those taking medications. The combination of alcohol and pharmaceuticals can be extremely damaging for the liver, and the results can often be fatal. Green tea is a good alternative to support liver function, with lots of antioxidant qualities. Garlic, beets, grapefruit, and carrots can also promote overall liver function. Finally, avoiding eating late at night, or less than 2 hours before bedtime, can aid the liver in cleaning and repairing itself while our bodies sleep.

By treating your Liver to the healthy habits of eating well, taking herbs that promote Liver Qi movement, and getting regular acupuncture which can support your Liver’s ability to regenerate itself, we may prevent Liver Qi Stagnation, and the keep liver function at top condition. Get in touch with your acupuncturist to schedule a treatment, or to have a conversation about diet and herbs that are best for you!