5 Tips to Support Your Liver and Improve Sleep

There's more to the Wood Element

that meets the Eyes

Many of you know how deeply fascinated I am by the wisdom of Chinese Medicine. Its beauty lies in its truly holistic approach—considering not just the physical body but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our well-being.

The Liver: A Bridge Between East and West

Let’s take the liver as an example, particularly as it aligns with the Wood Element of Spring.

From a Western medical perspective, the liver performs around 500 vital functions. These include synthesizing amino acids and cholesterol, metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and producing bile to aid digestion. It also plays a crucial role in regulating blood, breaking down insulin, and detoxifying harmful substances for elimination. In essence, the liver supports nearly every organ in the body.

In Chinese Medicine, the Liver (with a capital “L” to denote not just the organ but also its energy channel) has a broader influence. It manifests in the nails, opens into the eyes, governs tears and blood, and is deeply affected by stress and emotions, particularly anger.

Key Functions of the Liver in Chinese Medicine

• Stores Blood – Regulates blood volume and menstruation, nourishes the sinews, and when deficient, can lead to fatigue.

• Ensures the Smooth Flow of Qi & Blood – Facilitates movement throughout the body; an imbalance may cause agitation, shaking, or lack of coordination.

• Houses the Ethereal Soul – In Chinese Medicine, each yin organ is the dwelling place of a spirit, and the Liver's spirit is connected to vision, purpose, and direction.

The Inner Landscape of Wood. "I can't see the Wood for the Trees"

At a psycho-emotional level, the Liver is deeply intertwined with our mental and emotional state.

Here’s how this manifests:

• Anger & Frustration – These emotions are closely linked to the Liver. How you express them may depend on your elemental constitution. A Water type, for example, may feel triggered when their survival (physical, financial, or social) is at risk. Do you externalize frustration (blame, passive aggression) or suppress it (self-criticism, apathy, or resignation)?

• The Virtue of Wood – According to Taoist philosophy, the highest expression of Wood energy is benevolence.

• The Spiritual Issue of Wood – Finding your true path in life. Wood governs direction, purpose, and the journey itself.

• The Gifts of Wood – Vision, clarity, and perspective. Do you struggle to see the big picture, "I can't see the wood for the trees", or do you thrive in strategic planning?

Waking Up Between 1-3 AM?

According to the Chinese Medicine Body Clock, each organ has a two-hour window of peak activity, and 1-3 AM is the Liver’s time. If your Liver energy is imbalanced, you may experience disrupted sleep, intense dreams, sleepwalking, or even a complete lack of dreaming. Stress and unresolved anger can create heat and stagnation in the Liver, which, over time, may impact Kidney energy (adrenal fatigue) and Earth energy (digestion).

5 Tips to Support Your Liver & Improve Sleep

1. Slow down during the day, especially at mealtimes.

2. Process your day through conversation or journaling (brain dump).

3. Avoid mental stimulation in the two hours before bed.

4. Take a bath or shower (Water softens Wood)—but not too hot!

5. Practice calm, nasal breathing throughout the day.

If you'd like to explore this further, book a 30-minute health assessment.