The Kidney's Relationship With The Liver
![Kidneys and liver interactions Kidneys and liver interactions](https://new.shen-nong.com/storage/shennong-wp-files/wp-content//uploads/2015/12/img09.gif)
Water can nourish wood
![The kidneys can nourish the liver. The kidneys can nourish the liver.](https://new.shen-nong.com/storage/shennong-wp-files/wp-content//uploads/2015/12/img10.gif)
Essence and blood transform each other mutually
Acquired essence and blood come from the same source; they are transformed from the nutrient essence that produced by the stomach and spleen. The blood is then stored in the liver and the essence is stored in the kidneys. Normally, blood stored in the liver relies on kidney's essence for enrichment; while essence stored in the kidneys relies on liver's blood for constant replenishment. The two mutually transform and nourish each other.Both organs possess ministerial fire
The ministerial fire is originated from the vital gate, which is then housed in the liver and kidneys. The ministerial fire works with the monarch fire (heart fire) to promote healthy functioning of the whole body. A coordinated working manner of two organs is crucial.Their functions are opposite but complementary
The liver promotes flowing and spreading actions; while the kidneys promote storing and sealing up actions. The actions of them are opposite but complementary in nature. Proper control on flowing and spreading by the liver ensures that the kidneys work within its normal capacity so it does not become hyperactive. On the other hand, proper control on storing and sealing up by the kidneys restrict the liver so it does not hyper or under function. This special relationship is illustrated when looking at male ejaculation or female menstruation. If the liver fails to play flowing and spreading actions, the kidneys cannot store essence, that result in hyperactive liver-yang, vital gate fire exposure, and kidney essence leaking, then it will give rise to nocturnal emission, and menstrual disorders.![The liver promotes the flowing and releasing movements while the kidneys promote storing and sealing up actions. The liver promotes the flowing and releasing movements while the kidneys promote storing and sealing up actions.](https://new.shen-nong.com/storage/shennong-wp-files/wp-content//uploads/2015/12/img11.gif)