In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) there are five seasons, and each has a corresponding organ and element. The Liver, representing the Wood element, is most active during the Spring. It is considered the Great Conductor as its role is to move Qi throughout the entire body. One thing you might have been experiencing since we have been transitioning into Spring is higher levels of agitation or feeling quicker to anger. Why? Outside of the construction on the I-94 (ha, ha), the idea is that we are a reflection of Nature which is undergoing rebirth and renewal with vigorous energy, which we can experience as agitation in our bodies. Another common theme, which I have been seeing a lot of in clinic, is heightened tension in the jaw, neck and upper back — also a sign that the Liver Qi isn’t free coursing as it should.
In the body, “Wood” i.e. the Liver & Gallbladder mediates the storage, detoxification and circulation of blood; flexibility and strength of tendons and ligaments; nourishes vision; plays a hand in healthy digestion (of fats).
Additional physical symptoms relating to Liver and the Gallbladder disharmony:
- Waking between one and three a.m.
- Women’s health: PMS, breast tenderness
- Headaches (specifically temporal or vertex – top of head)
- Digestion: hiccups and/or belching
- Dizziness, vertigo
- High Blood Pressure
As we move deeper into the season, I am seeing more of a Liver and Lung disharmony which causes the immune system to be overactive — mostly manifesting as allergies.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Come for acupuncture to get your Liver Qi in movement, clear Liver Heat and harmonize your immune system. Hello!;)
EMOTIONAL HEALTH:
If the Liver does not properly circulate Qi, psychological symptoms including frustration, irritability, anger, anxiety, and depression can arise.
- Reduce resistance to change.
- Feel your emotions rather than internalizing them. Heal repressed emotions.
- Decide where you can increase acceptance of your life.
LIFESTYLE:
- Set a bedtime before 11 pm which ensures you are in deep sleep by one am, which is the start of the Liver time (ends at 3 am).
- Move your body, especially outdoors.
- Eat in harmony with the Spring season:
- Eat more leafy greens and grass-fed beef (for non-vegetarians) especially following a menstrual cycle. The greens can serve to cleanse and cool the Liver: dandelion greens, asparagus, watercress, radicchio, endive, chicory, escarole, artichoke and bitter melon. You are nourishing your body along with detoxing.
- Reduce consumption of foods that agitate the Liver – coffee, alcohol, sugar and processed / refined foods. Eliminating these foods short term would serve as a great Liver detox.
- Drink chrysanthemum tea with goji berries. Goji berries nourish Liver Blood which in turn nourishes the eyes. (avoid chrysanthemum if you have a ragweed allergy)
- Omega 3s – Fish is the ideal source as it enables your body to absorb DHA to optimize neuro function (including calming the nervous system). Veg sources: walnuts and hemp, microalgae like spirulina and chlorella
Lastly, ride it out! Things will settle as Spring transitions into Summer.
Harness the energy of growth, forward direction, vision and creativity.
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