The Importance of Detoxification – Part 1

Author Ben Chang and Jaime Hernandez

https://www.changschinesewellness.com/

🌿 Detoxification & Liver Health: A Dual Medicine Perspective

Part 1: What Is Detox Really About?

You’ve probably heard the word detoxification tossed around quite a bit in recent years. But with all the fad cleanses and questionable products out there, it’s easy to misunderstand what detox really means—and how to approach it safely and effectively.

In this series, I’ll walk you through the science and tradition behind detoxification from both Western and Chinese medicine perspectives—starting with the liver, your body’s primary detox organ.

🧬 The Liver: A Western Medicine Perspective

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body—weighing around three pounds in an adult—and it performs over 500 essential functions.

Here are just a few of the critical jobs your liver performs:

• 🧪 Metabolizes toxins, drugs, and waste

• 🌿 Produces bile for digestion

• 🧬 Synthesizes proteins and cholesterol

• 🍬 Stores glucose as glycogen and releases it to stabilize blood sugar

• 💊 Stores fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals like iron and copper

• 🛡 Produces immune factors and removes bacteria

• 🩸 Processes nutrient-rich blood from the digestive tract

Your liver is essentially your body’s chemical processing plant. It handles everything from filtering toxins to balancing hormones.

Did you know? The liver is one of the few organs that can regenerate itself even after significant damage.

🔄 But Here’s the Catch:

In the process of neutralizing toxins, the liver itself can become overwhelmed—especially with prolonged exposure to:

• Alcohol

• Processed foods

• Medications

• Environmental pollutants

• Chronic stress

This is where supporting detox pathways becomes essential.

🧘 The Liver: A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Graphic idea: Yin/Yang organ chart showing Liver functions in Chinese medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is not just a physical organ—it’s an energetic hub that connects to the entire body.

According to Chinese medicine, the Liver is responsible for:

🔹 Storing Blood

• Supplies blood to muscles, tendons, and extremities during activity

• Especially vital in regulating women’s menstrual cycles and fertility

🔹 Course and Drain Qi

• Maintains the free flow of energy through the body

• Disruptions often show up as emotional distress or digestive symptoms

🔹 Controls the Tendons and Nails

• Weakness or injury here may indicate Liver Qi imbalance

🔹 Opens into the Eyes

• Vision problems can be linked to Liver health

🔹 Governs Planning and Decision-Making

• The Liver and Gallbladder work together to influence clarity, courage, and long-term strategy

⚠️ Signs of Liver Imbalance (Chinese Medicine View)

🧠 Mental & Emotional Symptoms:

• Depression, irritability, emotional outbursts

• Indecisiveness, anxiety, panic

• Difficulty making decisions or future planning

💪 Muscular & Nervous System:

• Muscle cramps, tremors, spasms

• Dry or brittle nails and hair

• TMJ, neck and shoulder tension

• Weak tendons or chronic tendonitis

🔄 Digestive Issues:

• Bloating, belching, acid reflux

• Alternating diarrhea and constipation

• Abdominal pain radiating to groin or chest

♀ Reproductive Symptoms (Women):

• PMS, irregular periods

• Endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS

• Infertility or miscarriage

♂ Additional Symptoms:

• Testicular pain, sexual dysfunction

• Hypertension, dizziness, seizures

• Blurred vision, dry eyes, night blindness

✅ Do You Need a Detox?

You don’t need a Western medical diagnosis of liver disease to benefit from a detox program.

If you experience several of the symptoms above, it’s very possible that your liver—and your overall system—could benefit from:

• 🌱 A clean, whole food diet

• 🫖 Herbal support (with medical supervision)

• 💊 Targeted liver support supplements

• 🧘 Mind-body practices to regulate emotions and stress

💊 Supplements for Liver Support

Support your detox naturally with pharmaceutical-grade supplements that assist liver function and cellular health:

🔗 Shop Liver-Supporting Supplements on Thorne

Recommended supports:

• Liver Cleanse formulas (with milk thistle, NAC, and artichoke)

• Curcumin for inflammation

• Antioxidants (Vitamin C, glutathione precursors)

• Methylation & B-complex to support detox pathways

All supplements are hand-selected by health professionals and third-party tested.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re guided by modern science or traditional wisdom, one thing is clear:

Your liver is your body’s lifeline. Support it, and you support your whole system.

In Part 2, we’ll explore how detoxification actually works and what practical steps you can take to support it—safely and effectively.

If you’re interested in working with me to design a whole-body detox program or want to integrate lifestyle changes with functional supplements, let’s connect.

Yours in health, Jaime Hernandez Health and Exercise Prescriptions🛒 Shop Supplements on Thorne