The largest internal organ in our bodies is the liver. It is our chief chemical factory, producing about 1000 enzymes, and the protector our internal environment.
This large, meaty, multi-purpose organ weighs about three pounds and sits on the right side of the abdomen. It performs close to 600 functions.
The liver is responsible for regulating our entire internal condition by actions on the blood, with its most important duty being that of filtering out impurities and contaminants. As blood carrying the contents processed by the stomach and intestines winds through the liver, it’s purified and returned to the body for removal through the kidneys, bowels and skin.
The liver is the body’s EPA system responsible for neutralizing toxins and poisons. It also stores excess glucose as glycogen, produces proteins and vitamins, controls fat storage, regulates elements of blood clotting, aids digestion, produces hormones, processes drugs, manufactures cholesterol and produces bile, a liquid that looks like motor oil, that acts as a detergent to break down fat for digestion.
An organ with that much responsibility deserves our love and respect!
Reflexology and the Liver
In reflexology, the liver reflex is given a lot of real estate. It occupies the entire area between the diaphragm line and pelvic line on the plantar surface of the right foot, and extends over a little into the first zone of the left foot. It’s an easy area of the foot to work, with the tissue in the arch generally being the softest. Thumb-walking both vertically and horizontally will reveal any adhesions, congestion and or tender spots to stop and give additional attention to.
Think of working the liver when people complain of lethargy and chronic tiredness.
Trivia
Here’s a little trivia for you regarding your liver:
* 1/3 of your blood passes through the liver every minute – twice as much as what is sent to the brain.
* The liver is the only organ where a portion can be removed and it will still function to keep a human healthy. The liver cells will actually re-grow themselves over several months, depending on how much was removed. While most organ donations are harvested from the deceased, it is now possible for family members to donate portions of their liver to a close relative, after which their own will re-grow.
Now that’s pretty amazing! Let’s hear it for our LIVERS!
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