In Donguibogam, the condition where fluid fills the body and causes swelling is called edema, and when it stems specifically from liver trouble, it is referred to as liver water (gansu). The liver acts much like the conductor of the body, regulating the flow of qi and blood circulation. Like a tree in a forest, it continuously breathes out vitality and maintains open pathways. When liver qi stagnates or function weakens, this conductor falls out of rhythm, and the body's water pathways become obstructed.
Among the five viscera and six bowels, the liver is the organ that prioritizes free communication and regulation above all else. It smooths the flow of qi, stores blood, and secretes bile to aid digestion. When liver function declines due to stress, irregular meals, or overwork, fluid metabolism in the body also runs into trouble. It resembles trash piling up in a narrow river channel, damming the water and forcing it to spill into the surrounding banks. Just as stagnant water turns foul, fluid retained in the body leads to edema and abdominal discomfort.
The symptoms of liver water recorded in Donguibogam closely mirror modern descriptions of liver cirrhosis. It notes that the body feels as heavy as a thousand pounds, making it hard to turn over, the abdomen distends uncomfortably, urination is sluggish, and the ankles and legs swell. When the liver cannot perform its roles, the body fails to drain unnecessary fluid, resulting in generalized swelling. Because the liver is known as a silent organ, it rarely produces overt signs until considerable damage has already developed. For this reason, even simple leg swelling should not be dismissed, and you should pay close attention to the small warning lights your body offers. Caring for the liver with gentle attention before liver water spreads through the body is essential.
