When Donguibogam stated that 'the liver stores blood', it did not refer merely to the anatomical organ known as the liver. It is an integrative concept encompassing the entire body's blood circulation, hematopoietic function, nutrient metabolism, and even the immune system. Modern medicine can explain these roles of the liver in even greater detail.
First, the symptom of 'blood deficiency' can be most commonly interpreted in modern medicine as 'anemia'. In particular, iron deficiency anemia, which is common in women, causes diverse symptoms such as dizziness, chronic fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. While the liver is not directly responsible for hematopoietic function, it stores iron, synthesizes blood coagulation factors, and is deeply involved in the nutrient metabolism required for hematopoiesis, including vitamin B12 and folic acid. In other words, hypofunction of the liver can indirectly worsen anemic conditions.
'Dry eye syndrome' and 'dim eyes' are chronic ailments of modern people. Through detoxification, the liver eliminates fatigue-inducing substances from our body and plays an important role in supplying the nutrients and oxygen needed by the eyes. It also indirectly affects lacrimal gland function and the health of retinal microvessels. When liver function declines, the accumulation of toxins and deficient nutrient supply can heighten eye fatigue and cause dryness.
'Brittle nails' are often considered an important indicator of iron deficiency anemia. Iron also influences the production of keratin, the main component of nails, reflecting overall nutritional status. Because the liver is a core organ for protein and mineral metabolism, hypofunction of the liver can lead to deteriorating nail health.
'Muscle spasm' and 'dizziness' cannot be left out either. Muscle spasms are deeply related to electrolyte imbalance involving magnesium and potassium, blood circulation problems, dehydration, and more. The liver also indirectly influences this electrolyte balance and fluid metabolism. Dizziness has various causes besides anemia, such as orthostatic hypotension, inner ear dysfunction, and autonomic nervous system imbalance; however, chronic liver fatigue and blood deficiency reduce blood supply, causing oxygen deprivation to the brain and deepening dizziness.
Women's health, especially 'decreased menstrual flow', is closely related to hormonal imbalance. The liver plays an important role in metabolizing and regulating sex hormones such as estrogen. If liver function is compromised, hormonal balance breaks down, affecting the menstrual cycle, reducing menstrual volume, or even leading to amenorrhea. Furthermore, chronic stress affects the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, causing endocrine disruption, and Korean medicine also views the liver as a key organ that regulates stress and emotions. As such, viewed from the perspective of modern medicine, the Donguibogam concept of 'the liver storing blood' can be said to contain remarkable insights that comprehensively encompass our body's hematological, metabolic, and endocrinological functions. It reminds us once again how crucial it is to listen to our body's small signals, doesn't it?
