Traditional Chinese Medicine signifies the importance of spring as a time for renewal and growth. The liver is the organ of interest and the element is wood. This is a time of the year to release our energy which has been harnessed in the colder months and place it to good use. We should stay active both mentally and physically setting new goals and aspirations for ourselves. Along with the liver which easily becomes stagnated with lack of growth, we need to take special care of our eyes, tendons, and joints which all fall under the care of the liver.
Certain foods like goji berries which nourish liver blood, and dark leafy greens, especially dandelion greens are very nourishing for both the liver energy and blood. Celery juice is very beneficial to help detox the liver especially if hypertension or high cholesterol exist. Specific points on the liver meridian are also used to eliminate stagnations from occurring in the body. The liver is in charge of the whole body and needs to be maintained to assure the best optimal health within the body as a whole.
Other factors like being in bed between the hours of 10pm and 1am help the liver to function at its peak. Also, just as important, is the ability to manage stress properly. Chronic stress plays havoc on the liver which eventually effects other organs of interest, specifically the digestion. This can create a multitude of issues with gastrointestinal disharmony and even offset metabolism and nutrient absorption. This is considered the liver overacting on both the spleen and stomach.
Managing stress is a daily task and good journaling or healthy daily proclamations are all very beneficial. Taking time to breath and regroup and allowing your emotion to be felt but knowing circumstances do not define us. Taking walks in nature during this beautiful Spring weather and performing tai chi outside are all great ways to manage stress.
Two of the classic Eastern Medicine formulas Jia Wei Xiao Yao San and Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang are amazing quick acting herbal prescriptions. These are often used when a patient finds they are stuck in a rut and having a hard time dealing with many stressors. These formulas can be used to help gently move the liver energy allowing the patient to adapt and become more flexible to new changes and less vulnerable to stressors. This is due to the nourishing effects of the herbals to tonify liver blood and gently move liver stagnation created by stress. Typically, they are taken for about 7 to 10 days to achieve the outcome needed.
So, Spring is the perfect time for rejuvenating overall heath. The liver is the organ responsible for the smooth flow of vital energy throughout the whole body. Daily stretching is an amazing way to start invigorating this energy and keeping our joints and tendons in great shape. Remember the importance of cleansing breaths with each stretch whether tai chi or yoga. Also, include healthy, healing words for yourself everyday offering hope, patience, and love to yourself and others.
The season of Spring is also a time for creativity and planning. This is a time to broaden your horizons, try new things, meet new people, explore new surroundings. Both the liver and gallbladder are the organs for this season. The gallbladder energy helps with the decision making processes. Whenever there is an issue with making decisions, the gallbladder is often the culprit.
Some signs that the liver or gallbladder meridian may be off is feeling irritability, anger, hard to adapt to situations, flank or rib discomfort, gastrointestinal issues, and even depression. Other signs may include PMS, migraines, poor sleep, and neck and shoulder tension, even sometimes chest tightness may occur.
Acupuncture is a wonderful way to ensure health and balance all year long. It is also a great way to get help from any seasonal allergies that may show up in the springtime. With regular maintenance care, the body works more optimally, and one can easily navigate from one season to the next feeling balanced and full of vital energy.
Call today to schedule your assessment. Spring is the onset of a new journey to healing and transformation. Optimal health can be yours. Call 772-353-1397
