Though the liver is most often credited simply with detoxification of the body, Chinese Medicine attributes many other health issues to liver health and function. For example, tendons and their associated muscles are more easily strained and torn when the liver is imbalanced. This is because qi (energy) gets stuck in the liver due to stagnation caused by overeating heavy, rich foods. Since qi is supposed to flow through the body and maintain the proper distribution of fluids and this stagnation limits that flow, muscles and tendons are less supple and flexible during stagnation.
Most people would never guess that their aching muscles are a message from the liver! Liver imbalances also cause symptoms including anger, impatience, frustration, impulsiveness, mood swings, goiters, cataracts, glaucoma, poor eyesight, allergies,fatigue, indigestion and menstrual problems, among many others.
To thoroughly treat a liver ailment, it would be best to see a practitioner of Chinese Medicine. Unlike in Western Medicine, diagnosis and treatment is rarely if ever simple and straightforward. There are, however, a few simple ways you can treat your own liver stagnation.
One way to clear liver stagnation is to administer pressure to the the acupressure point outlined below. Liver 3 is located in a hollow on the top of your foot below the gap between your big toe and the next toe, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. To stimulate this point, place your right heel in the juncture between the bones that attach to the large and second toes and gently knead the point for approximately thirty seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate Liver 3 on your other foot. If you would like help locating this point just ask me at your next session!
There are also foods that can help clear stagnant liver energy. Some of the recommended foods are:
Lemon, lime or grapefruit, members of the onion family, mustard greens, cardamom, cumin, fennel, horseradish and lemon balm. Also helpful are sweet rice, strawberry, peach, cherry, pine nuts, cabbage, turnip root, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts, sprouted beans and seeds, mushrooms, rye, asparagus, amaranth, quinoa and alfalfa.
Spring time is a great opportunity to cleanse and clear the body, mind and spirit. Eat lightly, drink plenty of water, get some good bodywork, and look into your emotional states. Look for healthy ways to express your anger instead of repressing it or taking it on those around you. Write it down, breathe deeply, go out into the woods and yell at the top of your lungs or scream into your pillow.
I would love to help if I can. Let me know if I can point you in the direction of additional resources as you take advantage of this wonderful time of the year.
Listen to your liver, and have a great Spring!
