In traditional Chinese medicine, the Five Element Consciousness Framework is a system for understanding the body and its functioning. Each of the five organ systems is associated with a specific group of correspondences or energetic frequencies relating to body, mind and spirit. Because it is based on the many interconnections that exist within the body and nature, this dynamic framework illustrates how the body functions as an integrated whole.
The stomach is the most important organ in the material world because it absorbs and stores food. However, when it comes to food processing, many people focus on the spleen-gastric organ system. The main organ system behind the digestive process is actually the liver-gall bladder. There are many physical conditions linked to the relationship between the liver and stomach, such as acid reflux, high cholesterol, ulcers and more. Therefore, it is essential to understand the role the liver-gallbladder plays in healthy metabolic function.
To create maximum energy or Qi for the entire digestive system to function properly, we must look beyond the physical and understand the energetic functions of the liver and gallbladder. These bodies function independently of each other, but also share a lifelong partnership. As a team, they must work together to support the multiple functions of the spleen-gastric organ system.
For excellent metabolic function, gallbladder function must be strong. Strong gallbladder function depends on strong liver function. Good cooperation ensures that the body functions properly.
So, what is the requirement for absorbing and digesting more of the material our bodies are willing to accept? Current. Everything in the body should flow smoothly. Stomach Qi must flow, Liver Qi must flow, Kidney Qi must also flow. This action allows Kidney Qi to follow the laws of nature and express itself fully. Once things slow down, the entire system starts to become sluggish. That’s when health problems, such as obesity, bloating, anemia and more, appear on the physical level. The problem first appears on the energetic level, or Qi, and then moves to the physical level.
When the metabolic function is functioning at the highest level, the spirit of each organ expresses its best qualities. The liver will show its amazing flexibility – in the body, the emotions and the way life unfolds; the Kidney will flow smoothly, just as water flows; and the stomach will nourish the body and digest everything it ingests: food, emotions and information.
The liver is responsible for ensuring that blood and Qi flow easily and smoothly through the body structures. While the Spleen’s job is to manage the quality and quantity of your blood, the Liver is responsible for ensuring that blood flows smoothly throughout the body and that emotions remain balanced. If the liver cannot perform these tasks properly, other health problems are likely to arise, such as high blood pressure, stroke, tumors and more.
Cold, stagnation and lack of physical and emotional flexibility are three major factors that affect the liver-gallbladder. The liver is also strongly affected by stress. The stressors of a modern lifestyle almost guarantee some level of liver dysfunction. Almost everyone these days is dealing with stress, anger, frustration and/or irritability. Because emotions and thoughts are also Qi, suppressing them can directly harm the liver’s ability to function optimally.
Looking at health from this angle allows patients to view their bodies from a multi-dimensional perspective. By restoring the liver-stomach relationship with acupuncture and herbal treatments, and allowing emotions to flow freely, many physical problems – even long-term conditions – often begin to resolve themselves.
The basic principle of Chinese medicine is to encourage the body’s wisdom to help heal itself. The goal is to help the body return to a state of pure balance. On a spiritual level, the body is born with this wisdom. The challenge for TCM practitioners is to help the patient activate this. For complete healing, they must look at the interconnected factors of body, mind and spirit.