🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Most patients who have received both traditional Chinese and Western medical treatments lack basic understanding of the differences between the two theoretical systems. First, the concept of the liver in Western medicine differs completely from that in traditional Chinese medicine. Generally, Western medicine refers to the liver from a purely anatomical perspective—the familiar organ located deep beneath the diaphragm in the right abdominal cavity. The Western liver (liver) is an anatomical unit responsible for detoxification, synthesis, metabolism, excretion, and regulation of blood volume.
By contrast, the concept of the liver in traditional Chinese medicine is broader and more complex. It includes not only the anatomical liver but also a functional system—a more abstract concept encompassing mental and emotional activities. Similarly, the concept of liver disease in traditional Chinese medicine differs from that in Western medicine. In TCM, liver disease primarily refers to disorders arising from dysfunction of the liver and gallbladder and their meridian pathways, forming a group of syndromes. Due to the complex physiological characteristics of the liver and gallbladder and their meridian distribution, the range of conditions involved is extensive. For example, certain ophthalmic diseases are often diagnosed in TCM as "liver fire ascending," "liver-kidney yin deficiency," or "liver blood deficiency." Some patients mistakenly believe their liver is damaged, but these conditions often fall outside the scope of Western hepatology. Thus, the concepts should not be confused.
When we commonly refer to hepatitis B, we mean the liver being invaded by virus and developing inflammation, as defined in Western medicine. Patients with hepatitis B may exhibit symptoms of "excessive liver fire," but individuals with "liver fire" symptoms do not necessarily have hepatitis. To determine whether liver function is normal or if hepatitis B virus infection exists, blood tests are required—not subjective assessments by TCM practitioners. Conversely, assessing whether the TCM "liver" is imbalanced does not rely on blood tests but on the subjective judgment of the TCM physician. Modern TCM may use instruments like bioenergetic devices as supplementary evidence.
In summary, the definitions of "liver" in Chinese and Western medicine differ fundamentally, resulting in significant differences in understanding liver disease. When people suspect liver problems, they should first undergo blood testing at a hospital to confirm actual liver issues. Regardless of whether receiving Chinese or Western medical treatment, treatment must follow "syndrome differentiation and treatment"—administering different medications based on distinct syndromes. If liver disease is confirmed, regular health checkups remain essential for maintaining overall well-being.