You, Your Liver and Spring

There is a shift in the air this week. Everything feels a little stirred up and unsettled. More energy is coming forward as we wake up from winter. Sometimes this is a gentle process but other times it can leave you feeling irritable, restless and with more pain. Think of those spring plants pushing up and through the cold earth, they may look pretty and delicate but it takes a lot of work to rise up to meet the spring sun. Growth is not always easy! This is the energy of the liver. It is rebirth, new growth, an upward and outward moving energy, yang within yin as we move fully into the months of spring.

The liver and gallbladder pair are the organs most energized by spring. The liver helps with the free flow of blood, qi and emotions through the body. She is a wonderful organ who can tend to get a bit out of sorts at this time of year. When there is an imbalance in the liver it can show up as digestive concerns as the liver can be a bit of bully and if she is grumpy she will make sure your digestive organs know it! Other liver symptomology can include headaches, migraines, anger, irritation, dizziness, tendonitis, dry eyes, PMS and menstrual pain. The gallbladder energetics are involved in decision making and self-esteem. Even if you have had your gallbladder removed acupuncture still treats the energetic system of this organ. It may not physically be there but it does still play a role in how you move through life.

So, what are the best ways to support your liver and gallbladder this spring?

Chinese nutrition therapy shifts with the seasons so as we move into spring we start introducing more leafy greens and less slow cooked foods. The liver loves greens, fermented foods, goji berries (add them to salads, oats or teas), cruciferous veggies and sour foods.

Stress management is also key as stress shows up very easily within the liver especially in our fast paced society. Breathing techniques which help move lung energy (qi) can support the liver and help your body shift out of the stress state of fright or flight. Epsom salt baths are a wonderful way to support liver health and support our nervous system. Recognizing and allowing space for your emotions is also key. When there is an emotional back log this causes a stagnation of the liver energy leading to the symptoms listed above.

With spring we begin to include more exercise than we did in the winter. Adding in movement that stretches and supports tendons and ligaments as these are the body tissues supported by the liver and gallbladder.

And of course, acupuncture! There are key acupuncture points that support movement of liver energy, dispel anger, decrease PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness and benefit the tendons and ligaments of the body.