According to Ayurveda, what are the 5 functions of the liver, understand the functions of this organ from the doctor

We all are aware of the fact that the liver performs various functions for our body, but it is also important to know how it has been explained in Ayurveda. 

Liver In Ayurveda: In the Vedas, the liver is called Takima or Yakna. In some other ancient literature, words like Kalkhand, Jyotish, Hepatrakhanda, Hepatrpind, Raktdhara, and Raktshaya have been used for the liver. But the most common word for this important organ in Ayurveda is 'Yakrit' which is made up of 'Yaha' i.e. one and 'Krit' which means doing. In this way, the word liver means an organ that is always active and performs important metabolic functions in the body.

What is said about the liver in Ayurveda?

The understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the liver in Ayurveda is quite different from that of conventional Western medicine. Although the knowledge of liver embolism is similar in both systems, the Ayurvedic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease is not conventional. Treatment in Ayurveda is more symptom-based rather than organ-based, so we do not find a separate chapter on liver or kidney diseases in Ayurvedic texts. Rather, the concept of disease is based on tri dosha, i.e. imbalance of vata, pitta and kapha, which is similar to the balancing of humors in Hippocratic and Galenic medicine.

5 important functions of the liver

India's renowned gastroenterologist Dr. Anil Arora said that from a hepatological perspective, bile is the most important bio element because most of it is produced by the liver, and it controls the digestion and metabolic functions of the body. Pitta dosha controls many bodily functions. It works in 5 ways which are as follows. 

1. Digestive bile

digestive bile, located in the small intestine and stomach (whose main function is to digest, absorb and assimilate food), 

2. Pigmented bile

Pigmented bile, located primarily in the liver, gallbladder, and spleen, gives color to all tissues (especially the blood) throughout the body; 

3. Critical bile

Alochana pitta, located in the eyes, is important for vision; 

4. Heavy Pitta

Bharajaka Pitta is located in the skin, where its main functions include maintaining skin color, texture, temperature and moisture; 

5. Sadhak Pitta

Sadhaka Pitta, which is located in the brain and heart, is responsible for emotions and conscious thinking. 

Liver is an amazing organ

In Ayurveda the liver is described as a fiery, hot organ because it performs fire functions. 'Agni' literally means fire and in Ayurveda the term fire is used to mean the digestion of food and metabolic products. Ayurveda describes at least 40 specific bodily "fire" functions, 5 of them known as the 5 Bhutagnis, which are specifically located in the liver. Functionally, the Bhutagnis are responsible for converting food into biologically useful substances. The digestive process breaks down food into its most basic form. There are 5 basic elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether) and the Bhutagnis (one for each element) convert these elements into a form the body can use. Only these more refined substances are actually made available to the tissues through circulation.