The Liver and your Tendons
Why Looking After Your Liver Keeps Your Tendons Happy – A Chinese Medicine Perspective
When it comes to tendon pain or injury, most people think about stretching, massage, or maybe supplements like magnesium or collagen. But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we also look at what’s happening internally—and one of the key organs we consider is the Liver.
Why? Because according to both Five Element theory and classical Chinese medical thought, your Liver does a whole lot more than process toxins and alcohol. In TCM, it plays a big role in keeping your tendons strong, supple, and pain-free
The Liver and the Wood Element
In Five Element theory, the Liver belongs to the Wood element, which is all about growth, flexibility, and movement—like a tree swaying in the wind. The body tissue associated with Wood is the tendons (including ligaments and connective tissue).
So when we say “the Liver nourishes the sinews,” we mean that a healthy Liver helps keep your tendons elastic and strong, so you can move freely and recover well from injury
If the Liver is out of balance—whether it’s stagnant, overheated, or blood-deficient—the tendons may become:
- Tight or stiff
- Weak or prone to injury
- Crampy or twitchy
- Slow to recover
The Liver Stores Blood
One of the Liver’s major roles in TCM is storing Blood and delivering it to the muscles and tendons during movement. If you’re very active, stressed, or not getting enough nourishment, your Liver Blood can become depleted—and that can affect your whole musculoskeletal system.
How to Support Your Liver and Tendons
The good news? You can support your Liver (and tendons!) by eating well and living in a way that helps your Qi and Blood flow smoothly.
Here are some Liver-loving, tendon-friendly habits:
Eat foods that nourish Liver Blood:
- Leafy greens – spinach, kale, rocket
- Beetroot – roasted or grated into salads
- Eggs – especially the yolk
- Lean red meat or chicken liver – in moderation
- Black beans or lentils
- Berries – especially blueberries and goji berries
Help Liver Qi flow freely:
- Lemon and warm water in the morning
- Avocado and olive oil – healthy fats help nourish the Liver
- Fresh herbs – parsley, mint, coriander
- Whole grains like brown rice or oats
- Avoid overeating and heavy, greasy meals
Stay hydrated:
- Dehydration can make tendons tight and cranky
Manage stress:
- The Liver is particularly sensitive to stress, frustration, and anger
- Try gentle movement like yoga, tai chi or walking to keep Liver Qi moving
In Summary:
If your tendons are giving you grief—or if you’re recovering from a strain or injury—don’t forget to look deeper. Supporting your Liver health can help your muscles and tendons stay supple, strong, and happy.
In TCM, we don’t just treat the site of pain. We ask why the tissue is struggling—and often, the answer leads back to the Liver.
Want to know more about how acupuncture or herbs can support your Liver and tendons? Book in for a consult and let’s get you moving freely again.
– Nick
