The Liver
The liver is one of the body’s most vital organs. One of its main functions is to break down the nutrients we get from food, and convert them into glucose, which can be used as energy, in the immediate, or stored in the form of glucose for use at a later time. The liver also filters harmful substances from the bloodstream, making sure they get eliminated from the body. Another function the liver has is to produce bile, which helps break down fats and aids digestion.
Liver Disease
Liver diseases are becoming an ever-growing medical concern on a global scale. Hepatitis, of which there are two kinds A & B; Cirrhosis, and liver cancer are some of the most common of those diseases. Alcohol is a number one factor in the cause of liver disease.
Hepatitis A is mainly found, and spread, through contaminated food and water, or through close contact with an infected person. Unlike it’s counterpart, Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Therefore, it can be contracted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
Cirrhosis is a medical condition that occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. Naturally, when the scar tissue is present, liver function decreases. Exposure to carcinogens or prolonged liver disease may also cause liver cancer. Some of the symptoms of liver disease might be: fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
A tell tale sign of jaundice is when the skin and the eyes start turning yellow.
Energy Medicine
In Qigong Energy Medicine, the liver is closely linked to emotions such as anger and frustration. When someone feels anger, or frustration, on a regular basis, it causes a tremendous build-up of negative energy, which becomes stagnant in the liver. This causes a disruption in its normal functioning. Over exposure to such intense emotions, like anger and frustration, also cause excess production of the stress hormone “cortisol.”
This stress hormone can damage the cells in the liver and cause inflammation. It’s at the time when the energy is completely toxic that we manifest physical symptoms such as digestive problems, headaches, and chronic fatigue.
In Energy Medicine, it is believed that practicing specific exercises can help balance emotions and promote liver health. These exercises focus on releasing negative emotions, calming the mind, and promoting the flow of energy throughout the body. Natural remedies can play a significant role in liver health.
Preventing Liver Disease
Prevention is better than cure, so it’s best to:
- Moderate the amount of alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether.
- Minimise exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Follow a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and liver-friendly vegetables like leafy greens and beets, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Avoid eating processed foods.
- Reduce sugar and salt consumption.
- Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated helps to flush out toxins from the liver and other organs.
- Take a supplement such as milk thistle and/or turmeric, which are also believed to help detox the liver and support it. As a matter of interest, Milk thistle contains silymarin, which is an antioxidant proven to protect liver cells from damage. Turmeric, on the other hand, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that not only support the liver but all cells in the body.
- Other recommendable supplements are: Bupleurum, which, since Covid 19, has become increasingly more difficult to find; and Exipure, (See below)
- Get regular exercise; whether it be walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing in your living room, exercise helps to reduce the risk of developing liver disease. Since people who are overweight are at a greater risk of developing liver disease, regular exercise can help with weight management.
- Learn Anger, frustration, and stress management techniques like: Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises. These are just some of the tools that can be used to calm the mind and help to better control negative emotions.
A change in Mindset and learning how to control our emotional reactions, in any circumstance, is crucial for healing the body of any dis-ease. Consider going on a Mind, Body-Energy Healing Transformational Retreat. We will be holding several, throughout the year, at Villa Valview, in Sicily.
