Spring is the optimal season for nourishing and protecting the liver. Failure to regulate emotions may lead to stagnant liver qi, potentially triggering various ailments. Liver disease incidence or recurrence rates are higher in spring compared to other seasons. Next, we'll explore the extent of harm caused by staying up late.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver governs blood storage, controls tendons, opens to the eyes, and is paired with the gallbladder. As the wood element in the Five Elements theory, the liver's upward-rising energy resembles the unfettered growth of tree branches and leaves—unrestricted, smooth, and vibrant with life. Just as spring nurtures all living things, the liver sustains the vital energy of the body's organs. Thus, spring places the highest value on the liver (and gallbladder).
Experts note that many modern lifestyle habits constantly harm the liver—such as emotional tension, chronic sleep deprivation, insufficient rest, or excessive drinking—all constituting "liver-damaging" behaviors. The Inner Canon of Traditional Chinese Medicine states: "All cases of stroke, dizziness, convulsions,mania, eye disorders, depression, anger, menstrual irregularities, and are most closely linked to spleen-stomach disorders. All five organ diseases can be related to the liver." This means symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, sallow complexion, persistent gloominess, irritability, declining vision (or dry eyes), and menstrual irregularities in women may indicate liver damage.
Additionally, prolonged liver qi stagnation may manifest as vertical ridges on nails, which become thin and brittle; liver blood deficiency may result in sparse, dry hair with increased graying. Nourishing the liver involves both tonifying and clearing it. Tonifying focuses on sleep—modern habits of frequent late nights cause particularly severe liver damage.Many liver ailments stem from chronic sleep deprivation. Night owls often exhibit bloodshot eyes—a sign of rising liver fire. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine states: "When one sleeps, blood returns to the liver." Modern research confirms that blood flow to the liver during sleep is seven times higher than when standing. This increased circulation enhances liver cell function and detoxification capacity.Ensuring adequate sleep to "clear liver fire" prevents excessive liver qi rising. Avoiding late nights, reducing alcohol intake, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and enjoying nature walks are all beneficial for liver health. Among foods, goji berries, green apples, green dates, cornelian cherries, jujube kernels, and animal liver are considered premium choices for nourishing the liver.Experts emphasize that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the five major organs correspond to five emotions—anger, joy, thoughtfulness, sadness, and fear. The liver corresponds to "anger," as the saying goes, "anger harms the liver." Therefore, maintaining emotional balance and regulating mood are essential in daily life.The key to nourishing the liver lies in maintaining emotional harmony, cultivating an open-minded attitude, and embracing joy and sincerity. That concludes our discussion on the impact of staying up late on your health. We hope this information has provided valuable insights. Finally, we sincerely wish you good health and happiness in life.