👨‍🎨 Leonardo da Vinci & The Liver: What You Might Not Know!

 What Are Liver Function Tests?

Most people know Leonardo da Vinci as the genius artist behind the Mona Lisa, a true Renaissance man skilled in painting, engineering, and science.But did you know…He was also one of the first people in history to study the liver in precise anatomical detail?

🧠 What da Vinci Discovered About the Liver

1. 📜 He performed human dissections and sketched remarkably accurate diagrams of the liver, which was groundbreaking for his time.

2. 🔍 Historical evidence suggests he observed signs of liver cirrhosis, noting irregular, scarred liver surfaces.

3. 🧪 He described the liver as the source of blood creation and energy transformation—an idea that aligns with both modern medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

🩺 Why Does This Matter?

• The liver often suffers in silence—most liver conditions show no symptoms until advanced stages.

• Early understanding helps prevent serious diseases like chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

• Liver care is not just about avoiding alcohol—it also includes proper diet, sleep, and stress management.

💡 The Liver’s Role in Digestion

• Produces bile, essential for breaking down and absorbing fats.

• Detoxifies substances absorbed from the intestines before they reach the rest of the body.

• Synthesizes proteins, vitamins, and stores energy as glycogen.

🧪 What Are Liver Function Tests?

• Blood tests that measure enzymes and substances reflecting liver health.

• Used to detect inflammation, bile duct blockages, or liver damage.

• Often ordered when patients have symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, indigestion, or itchy skin.

🩸 Key Liver-Related Blood Markers

1. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase / SGPT)

   • Found mainly in liver cells.

   • High levels suggest liver cell damage (e.g., hepatitis, alcohol, medication side effects).

2. AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase / SGOT)

   • Present in the liver, muscles, and heart.

   • Interpreted alongside ALT to determine the origin of damage.

   • If AST/ALT ratio >2 → may indicate alcoholic liver disease.

3. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)

   • Linked to bile ducts.

   • Elevated in bile duct obstruction (e.g., gallstones, hepatitis, cancer).

   • Also found in bones—may be high in children, pregnancy, or bone disease.

4. GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)

   • Indicates bile duct issues more specifically.

   • Combined with ALP to confirm liver origin.

   • High GGT alone → may suggest alcohol or drug-related liver damage.

5. Bilirubin (Total / Direct / Indirect)

   • Byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.

   • Liver converts it to a water-soluble form (direct) for excretion via bile.

   • Helps diagnose jaundice, liver obstruction, or hemolysis.

6. Albumin / Total Protein

   • Albumin: Protein made by the liver; maintains fluid balance in blood vessels.

   • Low levels → liver’s protein synthesis is impaired (e.g., cirrhosis).

   • Total Protein = Albumin + Globulin; reflects nutritional status and chronic inflammation.

🩻 How Are These Tests Performed?

• A simple blood draw from a vein.

• Fasting for 8–12 hours may be recommended, depending on the test.

• Results are usually available within 1–2 days.

✅ Who Should Get Liver Function Tests?

• Anyone with:▸ Discomfort under the right rib cage▸ Yellowing of eyes or skin▸ Chronic fatigue

• People taking long-term medications or who drink alcohol regularly

• Those with family history of hepatitis

• If experiencing sudden weight loss, indigestion, or loss of appetite

🌿 The Liver (肝 - Gan) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In TCM, the Liver is the "General of the Body," responsible for regulating Qi (vital energy) and emotional balance.

🧠 1. Key Functions of the Liver in TCM

1. Stores Blood (藏血)▸ During rest: blood returns to the liver for replenishment.▸ During activity: liver releases blood to the body.

2. Regulates Qi Flow (疏泄 Shūxiè)▸ Ensures smooth flow of energy throughout the body.▸ Qi stagnation → mood swings, rib pain, digestive issues.

3. Controls Emotions▸ Linked with anger in TCM.▸ Liver Qi stagnation → irritability, frustration.

4. Opens to the Eyes, Nails, and Tendons▸ Liver imbalances → blurred vision, brittle nails, tight tendons.

🧭 2. Common Liver Imbalances in TCM

1. Liver Qi Stagnation▸ Chest tightness, bloating, mood swings, menstrual irregularities.

2. Liver Fire▸ Red eyes/face, headaches, insomnia, irritability, vivid dreams.

3. Liver Blood Deficiency▸ Dizziness, pale skin, weak nails, twitching muscles.

4. Liver Wind Stirring▸ Tremors, convulsions—often seen in stroke or neurological cases.

🍵 3. TCM Tips for Liver Health

1. Manage Stress – Emotional strain blocks Liver Qi.

2. Sleep well, especially between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., the liver's recovery time.

3. Avoid greasy, fried foods and alcohol—they cause heat and dampness.

4. Eat Liver-nourishing foods, such as:

   • Small amounts of chicken/pork liver

   • Leafy greens, spinach, red beans, black sesame

   • Chrysanthemum tea, safflower, ginkgo leaves

5. Use Acupuncture or Acupressure, especially Liver 3 (Tai Chong), to release stagnant Qi.

6. Gentle exercise like Tai Chi, Yoga, or Qi Gong promotes healthy energy flow.

🎓 Lessons From This Story:

1. Knowledge has no boundaries

   • da Vinci was an artist, yet his anatomical insights rivaled the best physicians.

2. Observation is the root of understanding

   • His dissections laid the foundation for modern anatomy—without modern tools.

3. The liver is a silent hero

   • It works tirelessly, often without symptoms—until it’s too late.

4. Routine liver checkups are crucial

   • Blood tests = early detection = chronic disease prevention.

5. Health is both a science and an art

   • Deep understanding of the body requires both analytical and intuitive thinking.

Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t just an artist—he helped shape our anatomical understanding of the liver long before medical technology existed.His legacy proves that science and art have always walked hand in hand.

❓ Top 5 Most Asked Liver-Related Questions

1. “Does high liver enzyme mean liver disease?”

Answer: Not always. Elevated ALT or AST can come from:

• Viral hepatitis

• Medications or herbs

• Alcohol

• Fatty liverDiagnosis depends on all lab values + symptoms.

2. “What are normal liver test values?”

Approximate reference ranges (may vary slightly by lab):

• ALT (SGPT): ≤ 40 U/L

• AST (SGOT): ≤ 40 U/L

• ALP: 30–120 U/L

• GGT: M < 60 / F < 40 U/L

• Bilirubin: < 1.2 mg/dL

• Albumin: 3.5–5.0 g/dL

3. “Is fatty liver dangerous?”

Answer: It can be. If unmanaged, it can progress to:

• Hepatitis → Cirrhosis → Liver cancerGood news: With early lifestyle changes (weight loss, diet, exercise), fatty liver can be reversed.

4. “Can herbal supplements damage the liver?”

Answer: Yes, in some cases. Herbs that are:

• Contaminated

• Improperly dosed

• Combined with medications...can be toxic to the liver. Always consult a doctor or licensed herbalist.

5. “Should I test my liver even if I feel fine?”

Answer: Absolutely.Liver diseases like fatty liver and cirrhosis often show no symptoms early on.Annual testing can catch silent conditions before they become serious.

This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.

Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.

A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW!

Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, NY

🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷

Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM

Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine

Caulo Care Acupuncture

🔖 By appointment only

📧 bookingcaulocare@gmail.com

☎️+1 (929) 269-4549

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