TCM TIME – Keep that Liver Happy!
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees the human body quite differently from Western Medicine. Instead of viewing ourselves as a collection of systems that work together, the Chinese view our being as a reflection of nature and it’s rhythmic cycles- each major body organ is related to one of the 5 major elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element is also associated with a season, and can be altered and affected by a variety of other correlations, including: color, flavor (food & drink), an emotional state, and one of the five sensory organs. For example, if you have an issue going on with your eye or sight, it is usually an imbalance that has incurred in the Liver qi.
Spring corresponds to the “Wood” element, and is related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. It is also said to contribute to our body’s resistance to external pathogenic influences, and is also believed to weigh our ability to plan our lives. The gallbladder provides the Qi to the sinews, effects the quality and length of sleep, and gives us drive and the passion to excel; to take the action necessary for our intentions to come to fruition. Dealing with adversity also comes under the role of the Gallbladder.
You can do things on your own to keep that liver happy, Qi flowing smoothly, and enjoy being in balance with this time of year, by observing:
Color: Green – Wear this color, eat young plants- fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, etc. Go outside and sit in a nice patch of grass, enjoy the return of the leaves on the trees.
Flavor: Sour – Try naturally sour foods like yogurt, raw sauerkraut, or fresh lemon juice in water. Use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Emotion: Anger – find and use healthy ways of communicating and releasing pent up emotion. give yourself permission to be angry, but do not dwell in it- learn to let things go.
Sense organ: the Eyes – Rest your eyes occasionally by covering them with the palms of your hands. Do this a few times a day, for 5 minutes if you work a lot on the computer. Also munch on some Goji berries everyday- the Wolfberry is proven to have a huge effect on the way the eye functions. (ancient Chinese secret!)
These suggestions may sound simple, but little things will go a long way in helping you feel grounded and healthy. Overall, the best thing you can do during this change of season is get outside and move- stretch the body; the sinews, muscles, tendons, the areas most effected by this time of year want some fresh air and energy to come in, rejuvenating the liver, keeping your overall energy vibrant and working for you. Tai chi, qi gong, yoga, etc. are great activities to do at least a little bit daily. Enjoy moving that body! Love your body. I know this is not always an easy thing, but the more we love and accept ourselves just the way we are, the more we automatically heal, get better, and feel in balance with all of life.
If you have further questions, would like to schedule an appointment for a Shiatsu massage or counseling session, please use the contact info for me on the right side of this page- I’d love to hear from you!
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