There is a diagnostic pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), that perfectly describes the cycle of alcohol abuse and frequent indulgence. The pattern alway kicks off with a desire to satisfy a craving for an alcoholic beverage. A few sips bring out the first flushes of intoxication, then subsequent drinks push one into full blown rhapsody- the state of being gloriously drunk!
After the exaltation and excitement, whether a lengthy or short period of time, at some point passing out occurs. As always, after a crapulent time, the very unglamorous, grand finale arrives- the dreaded hangover. (Crapulent is a real word meaning relating to the drinking of alcohol or drunkenness.)
In the language of TCM, this pattern corresponds to a diagnosis called Liver Stagnation- Heart Fire. To better understand this concept, it’s best to clarify the role and importance of both the liver and heart.
The mighty, indispensable liver removes toxic substances from the bloodstream. This process requires ample water intake to flush out harmful material. Alcohol is a diuretic, so consuming it increases your flow of urine, causing the liver to dehydrate.
The feeling of intoxication occurs when the liver can not convert the alcohol into removable by-products quickly enough. Alcohol then flows, unfiltered, and unabated into your bloodstream.
The liver has other important functions as well, according to the wisdom of TCM. It is said to relate to the eyes, allowing us to visualize our goals and see ourselves clearly. It also helps us focus on a larger vision, so we aren’t blinded by details, and therefore perceive all the opportunities that exist. We can look people in the eye with confidence, survey our surroundings, unafraid of the reality we find ourselves in.
A well-nourished liver soothes sinews, muscles, joints and tendons, making them supple and flexible. This makes us more agile and ready for spontaneous movements. Action taken on instinct is on point. Muscles feel well oiled, strong and toned. Joints fit securely in place, leaving no room for arthritis or asymmetries in the bone structure.
On an emotional level, the liver reacts negatively to suppressed rage, overexpressed anger, resentment and frustration. These malign expressions stop the smooth flow of energy, called Qi, throughout the body, causing irritable, unpredictable behavior. Cramps, spasms and muscle tension can ensue. When the liver is adequately nourished, there is a general sense of well being, even if passions fly off the handle, recovery is swift and thorough.
Another function is the regulation of blood volume circulating in the bloodstream. It can withdraw it, store it, and pump out more of it, as the situation requires. During rest and sleep, it is stored. During exercise and digestion it releases more. It even has a significant influence on the amount and flow of menstrual blood. Periods without cramping and pain, that is neither too light nor too heavy, indicate a healthy, well organized liver.
We can see the liver enables us to observe, make quick, correct decisions, and spring into action at once if need be. High quality, rich liver blood is the basis of your self-confidence, survival instincts, the ability to defend yourself and the power to make your dreams come true. Insufficient quantity and quality of it undermines your character, erodes your internal power base, leaving you vulnerable to the vagaries of outside disturbances.
The best way to appease the liver is to feed it less toxic substances. It is prone to heat and anger when there is too much garbage to clean up. When drinking alcohol, choose your timings carefully. Try to put three days in between each session, as your liver requires this time to detoxify and recover. Drinking after eating snacks rich in protein and fat can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your system.
Keep in mind that the liver regulates blood-sugar levels by releasing glucose into the system as necessary. When drinking, this function is put on hold, which lowers your blood glucose level, potentially causing a condition commonly known as hypoglycemia. Eating fatty, or high protein foods, in between drinks can reduce this issue.
The fun starts with the first sip. Down the hatch, the liquid goes straight into the stomach. This organ resembles a crumpled paper bag, the inside filled with many little shallow grooves, known as gastric rugae. As food enters the surface area expands, allowing the stomach acid to churn and breakdown the contents.
The next stop in the food production assembly line is the small intestine. There is a small valve connecting the stomach and small intestine, called the pyloric sphincter. Its job is to open and shut as necessary. It remains firmly shut when there is food being processed in the stomach.
If you want to slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, simply eat and drink at the same time. This halts the alcohol from sliding out of your stomach into your small intestine, preventing a spike in your blood-alcohol level.
Try the reverse if you’re looking to go into quick, high gear party mode, by drinking on an empty stomach. Or if your delicate stomach is prone to inflammation and upset, eat a light meal, then indulge in the bubbly about an hour later. The churning food will coat your stomach lining, reducing the chances of irritation when the hard stuff arrives.
In the process of partying, the liver starts drying out. Without proper moisture, it loses its suppleness and hardens. A stiff liver can’t perform smoothly which helps explain the craving for more alcohol. Boozing temporarily softens up the liver, but at the expense of exacerbating further drying in the near future.
The heart also suffers during, and after, intoxication, although it might not feel like it when you’re in the throes of a wild hoe down. Symptoms of a TCM Heart-Fire diagnosis include mental restlessness, hyperactivity, inappropriate laughter, loud voice, ceaseless talking, stuttering/slurring speech, sensations of body heat, red nose and red complexion. Sound familiar?
The heart, known as the Emperor, is responsible for housing and safeguarding the Shen. This TCM concept describes our consciousness, spirit, and mental abilities. It radiates through the eyes and is the essence of our humanity. You can expect clear mental activity, balanced emotions, restful sleep and a hearty memory when the Shen is properly anchored in its home.
Rich, healthy blood, and coolness provide the perfect environment for a thriving Shen. Alcohol consumption damages the quality and flow of blood, causing further aggravation, thereby creating excess heat. When the Shen is thus disrupted, it flees from its home in the heart and gives rise to symptoms such as anxiety, poor sleep, nervousness, forgetfulness and irregular heartbeat.
If we marry the adverse conditions of the liver and the heart, we get a diagnosis of Liver Stagnation- Heart Fire, to accurately describe the frequent twirl on the merry-go-round of alcohol indulgence. The lingering discomforts and malaise from drinking too much, too often, and the awful symptoms of a hangover, profoundly affects liver and heart health.
The liver hardens, having lost its suppleness from dehydration and overuse. It can no longer properly regulate the smooth flow of Qi servicing all the organs. The heart, being especially sensitive, suffers from the excess of heat, and chaos, roaming through the bloodstream. Feelings of sadness, ennui, depression, guilt and other toxic emotional states flare up easily.
Nutrient-deprived liver blood causes stiff joints that lead to painful movements, or a propensity toward inactivity. The survival instinct dulls and the ability to defend oneself diminishes. Vision blurs, opportunities once bright and visible, tarnish and become harder to recognize. In this way, the whole being takes a hit. In such an unhealthy, disorganized state, the heart and liver unwisely start craving the temporary antidote- more wino, pronto!
