By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
Liver cirrhosis was a common diagnosis in the past among alcoholics. Nowadays, however, we know of people who are diagnosed to have liver cirrhosis and yet are not alcoholics.
First, we review some information about the liver and this time we integrate some knowledge from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) so that we know more how to take care of our liver. The liver is the largest organ of the body located in the right upper abdomen below the diaphragm and mostly protected by the rib cage. Western medicine sees the liver as the body’s chemical processing plant and does a lot of important functions particularly in detoxifying the blood. Everything that is absorbed in the intestines passes through the liver. So it is like a special screen.
The liver can be damaged by long-term exposure to toxic chemicals like alcohol, certain medicines such as high dose paracetamol and other painkillers and some antibiotics, artificial chemicals in our food and highly processed foods. It could also be damaged by viral infections particularly Hepatitis B and C. In many cases, the cause cannot be pinpointed. Traditional Oriental Medicine also says that aside from excessive alcohol, the liver is weakened by anger, especially suppressing it and having sudden emotional flare-ups, chronic frustration, overplanning and over control (micromanaging), staying up late at night and too much sitting. Scientists agree that there is no one main cause.
When the liver is injured by any of the above, it tries to heal itself. Remember, we have been discussing before in this column about the built-in healing power of our body. But in the process of healing, a scar is created, just like when your skin gets cut and heals, there may be a scar left behind. When there is long-term exposure to the damaging substances or emotions or behavior mentioned above, then a lot of scars are produced and although the liver can cope, eventually it can weaken and the person will not feel well. Early symptoms could be just feeling tired or mild nausea. As the liver becomes more damaged, there could be yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), easy bruising or weight loss.
Diagnosis usually starts with simple blood tests, followed by imaging such as ultrasound, CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Cirrhosis can often be stabilized and managed. Treatment is first to stop the underlying cause, if identified, like alcohol, medications. There are medications for hepatitis also. And there other treatment modalities like acupuncture to improve energy circulation and restore balance in the organs. It is best to combine treatment methods bearing in mind the causes of the cirrhosis. Liver transplant is an option for a non-functioning liver.
The patient also needs to have a healthy lifestyle to stop further damage to the liver and help it heal, specifically:
1. Eat whole, minimally processed foods and include traditionally fermented foods like sabeng and tengba.
2. Limit packaged and ultra-processed foods and engineered foods
3. Avoid heating food in plastic
4. Avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications
5. Stress reduction
6. Emotional control; healthy anger expression, not explosion.
7. Adequate sleep, especially crucial to be asleep between 11pm- 3am.
8. Active life – walk, walk, walk
Here’s a simple exercise which you can do daily to unblock liver qi:
1) Stand up or sit down. 2) Raise arms with palms facing each other 3) Breathe in and as you exhale, bend or lean to the right. 4) inhale as you return to center 5) Exhale as you bend to the left. Count 10-15 full breaths. Keep movements slow, smooth and relaxing.
These measures are also preventive measures. Here’s to a happy liver!***
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“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2**
