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f) Fluid is Tears
This follows from e).
g) Houses the Ethereal Soul (Po)
Chapter 9 in Simple Questions states that the Liver is the residence of Po. Recall that the Corporeal Soul (Hun) is firmly
attached to the body and upon death returns to the earth with the body. At death, the Po survives, leaves the body and
returns to the world of subtle, non-material energies.
Po influences planning and finding a sense of direction in life. Mental confusion and a lack of a sense of direction in
life is said to be wandering of Po. This can occur if Liver Blood is weak and so Po will not be rooted. Po may also
temporarily leave the body before going to sleep or during sleep if Liver Blood or Yin is very weak. People who have a
severe Yin deficiency may feel as if they were floating before falling asleep. This is termed the “floating” of Po not
rooted in Blood and Yin. The Discussion on Blood Diseases says that if Liver Blood is deficient, Fire disturbs Po
resulting in nocturnal emissions with dreams. This also illustrates that Po can become uprooted at night by a Liver Blood
or Yin deficiency.
Being determined or unwavering is also related to Po. A feeling of fright before falling asleep is said to occur
because of a lack of rooting of Po.
(h) Is a Resolute O rgan
Liver Yang flares up easily, causing anger or irritability and Liver Qi easily becomes excessive and stagnant in a
diseased state. In health, the same type of Liver energy can make one very creative and resolute.
(i) Influences Rising and Growth
The correspondence of the Liver to Wood is used to symbolize that, energetically, the Liver promotes rising and growth.
Recall that Liver Qi rises upwards and in all directions to smooth the flow of Qi to all parts of the body promoting
growth and repair.
Loss of control of the rising of Liver Qi can occur in disease. This results in the excessive rising of Liver Yang or
Fire, which causes a red face, irritability, outbursts of anger, tinnitus, dizziness and anger.
(j) A rises from the Left Side
The Liver is related to the left side of the body in several ways, even though the liver is located on the right side.
Sometimes left-sided headaches are related to the Liver, while those on the right relate to the Gall Bladder.
The right side of the tongue reflects more of the Gall Bladder’s state, while the left side reflects the Liver’s state.
The Liver’s energy is felt on the left side in Pulse diagnosis.
(k) Loathes Wind
This property is related to both Interior and exterior Wind. Patients suffering from a Liver disharmony frequently
complain about headaches and a stiff neck appearing after exposure to windy weather.
(l) Can Cause Convulsions
A convulsion is a defining symptom of Interior Wind, which is always related to the Liver.
m) Controls Planning
This was discussed in g). A lack of direction and an inability to plan life can be a consequence of a diseased Liver.
n) Harmonizes and Regulates
These properties refer to the Liver’s regulation of Blood, discussed in a) (i). If the Liver’s Blood is deficient one cannot
recover energy by resting or have enough energy to move efficiently.
January, 2012 Yang-Sheng (Nurturing Life) 63