Hara - Liver Diagnosis

What is Hara in Acupuncture?

In Japanese style acupuncture, "hara" or abdominal diagnosis is used to determine the underlying internal imbalances causing the condition or symptoms.

The liver reflex which is associated with the liver organ in Oriental Medicine, is located to the left of the belly button. In Oriental Medicine, one of the liver functions is to store "blood". Blood is considered to be a major factor in the ability to restore the body. The liver plays a major part in the movement and circulation of blood and qi (the functional energy of tissues and organs within the body). 

Signs and symptoms associated with an active liver reflex include:

- Digestive issues (acid reflux, ulcers, nausea, colitis, constipation)

- Headaches 
- Abnormal menstrual cycle/painful periods  
- Fatigue
- Cold hands/feet

- Chronic pain 
- Feeling of heaviness in head/poor concentration 

These symptoms plus an active (painful, tight) liver reflex provides a diagnosis for the practitioner and allows for a focused treatment of the liver.