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The liver and the gallbladder are the two organs of the wood element, an element that is itself associated with spring.
This means that in spring the dominant energy is that of wood: the energy of the beginning of life, of growth, of rising sap. During winter, the season of the water element, the energy was in the Earth: in autumn the sap of the trees flows back down towards the Earth, which is why leaves fall in autumn and trees stand bare in winter; the vegetation itself hibernates.
But in spring the sap wakes up and rises to the tops of the branches, coming out again as green leaves and flowers.
The energy of wood is exactly this energy: the one that makes the sap rise, that wakes nature up, that makes plants and human beings grow, because human beings, as we too often forget, are themselves governed by the laws of nature and carry this same energy within them.
It corresponds to the energy of the liver and the gallbladder.
The liver is responsible for the quality and quantity of the blood produced by the body. It also “de”-toxifies the blood before it reaches the heart. It stores toxins so that they don’t overwhelm the heart; however, if it is overheated or overloaded, it can no longer store them, and they end up in the blood and therefore throughout the whole body. This is what makes the liver such an essential organ.
It also regulates the flow of ki, our vital energy, and its distribution throughout the body.
It governs the eyes, eyesight, muscle tone, the ligaments and the nails.
For example, vision problems, muscle tension, brittle nails, irritability and uncontrollable anger all point to a disturbance in the functioning of the liver’s energy.
Poor circulation of energy in the gallbladder meridian affects the hips, the lower back and the pelvis.
Sciatica, lumbago, hip joint problems and some migraines are caused by heat in the gallbladder.
People with a sensitive gallbladder tolerate neither coffee nor fatty foods.
A healthy liver and gallbladder
A relaxed liver shows itself through spontaneity, creativity, a talent for organisation, tolerance and generosity, inspiration and imagination.
The gallbladder allows us to face conflict by giving us the courage to assert ourselves and to shape plans that we can then bring to life thanks to the Earth element. Let’s not forget that all the elements support one another and form a dynamic whole, which is why they all need to be kept in balance with one another.
On the other hand, people whose liver is tense react with irritability or anger to anything that limits them.
Those whose gallbladder is blocked are tense and indecisive, an indecision that can go as far as being unable to make any choice at all (this may be chronic or follow an emotional shock).
This is just a short summary to give you an idea of the role of these two essential organs. There is much more to say. I invite you to join my workshop on 9 May to find out more!
