Zang-fu

I. THE ZANG ORGANS ->Liver

The liver is situated in the right hypochondriac region, its channel connecting with the gall bladder relating it externally-internally with the gall bladder. The liver opens into the eye. Its main physiological functions are storing blood, maintaining patency for the flow of qi (vital function), and controlling the tendons.

(1) Storing blood. The liver possesses the function of storing blood and regulating the volume of circulating blood. During rest, part of the blood remains in the liver, while during vigorous activity blood is released from the liver to increase the volume of blood in circulation to the required amount. The liver, therefore, along with the heart,, supplies the tissues and organs with blood, and it influences menstruation as well.

(2) Maintaining patency for the flow of qi (vital functions) means that the liver is responsible for harmonious and unobstructed functional activities of the human body, including the following three aspects:

a. The liver is related to emotional activities, especially depression and anger. Prolonged mental depression or a fit of anger may weaken the liver so that it is unable to promote the unrestrained and free flow of qi. Conversely, dysfunction of the liver is often accompanied by emotional changes such as mental depression and irascibility.