By Carina Wagner, L.Ac.
Welcome everyone, spring is here, my favorite season. Everything in nature is bursting forth with new growth and displaying all sorts of beautiful colors. Spring is a time that always reminds me of new beginnings. As we are observing this happening in nature, it is also occurring in our bodies. Do you notice that you crave lighter foods, and all those yummy fresh salads this time of year? It is our bodies attempting to replenish our natural life force (Qi) reserves, and what better way than to eat foods that are alive and are full of natural enzymes and beautiful colors that are high in antioxidants.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is associated with an organ/meridian complex. The Liver is the organ that is most influential during the Spring. Imbalances that may be brewing in the Liver system will have the most potential to be healed and come into a healthy balance during this time. In order to understand the organ/meridian complexes in TCM, it’s useful to think of them as functional zones of concentrated activity within a larger energetic grid of the body. When I speak of the Liver, I am not only talking about the Liver’s function of filtering and cleaning the blood of toxins, but also a broader energetic definition which includes many attributes such as color, smell, emotion, etc. One of the Liver’s main energetic functions is to maintain the smooth and healthy flow of Qi throughout our body. Sometimes I think of the Liver as a juggler that thrives on the stress and excitement of having lots of balls flying through the air at the same time. All is well until the balls start dropping and then the flow is disrupted. When this happens, the Liver’s energy may become stagnant and the all important function of providing a smooth flow of Qi throughout the body begins to shut down.
So, what does all this have to do with our breast? When the Liver is stressed and then becomes stagnant, the imbalanced energy shows up in many ways. One common place to see this is somewhere along the pathway of the Liver meridian itself. The Qi flows up the medial side of the legs, through our genitals, and lower abdomen, chest and flanks, nipples, throat and culminates at the top of our head. Premenstrual complaints of swollen, sore breasts or exquisitely tender nipples are classic symptoms of stagnation of the Liver flow. Irritability and crabbiness is a common symptom when the Liver stagnates and affects us emotionally. Bloating and craving sweets in the premenstrual phase of our cycle is stagnant Liver Qi attacking our digestion organs. Finally, migraine type headaches are a symptom of the Liver becoming stagnant, overheating and rising upward and getting lodged in the head.
How can we keep our Liver’s happy and our body healthy? Since the Liver is so involved with regulating healthy Qi flow throughout the body, it is very important to take steps to keep our Qi flowing evenly. Developing healthy boundaries between work and play, spending lots of time outdoors in nature, participating in regular exercise, practicing some form of meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or dance are all terrific ways to ensure healthy energy flows in our body.
As for potential stuck energy in the chest /breast region, there are a few things that I like to share. Lying on a firm foam roll placed length ways down the spine is a great way to open up the diaphragm and chest and release tight muscles in the mid back. It also greatly enhances deep breathing and is very relaxing.
If you notice tightness or heaviness in the chest or neck area, tune into any unspoken feelings that might be hanging out there. If possible, speak your feelings or just acknowledge them to yourself and then let them go.
Diet plays a very important role in keeping our Liver’s healthy and happy. Eating foods in their most unrefined state, using healthy oils such as olive, or flax, and eating in a relaxed manner all aids digestion and in turn helps our liver do its job better. In TCM, green is the color associated with the Liver so eating green leafy veggies are an excellent way to cleanse our Liver. Renee and Jen, owners of the Thermography Center turned me on to a delicious smoothie recipe that promotes gentle Liver detoxification and taste great. They call it Pina Mojito Smoothie. Call the Themography Center for the recipe.
Another delicious and healing support for the Liver is a product called Dandyblend. It is a powder blend of roasted barley, chicory, and dandelion root extract that is mixed in hot or cold water and served with milk. I’ve been drinking this for years and have introduced many people to its great taste. Feel free to call me to try it. (707) 823-3456 #2
Acupuncture can be a great modality for promoting Liver health. By stimulating the acupuncture points, Qi is called forth from deep in the meridians and blockages are gently released. I often joke with clients that we should have “acupuncture rest stops” after work so we can return to our families refreshed and relaxed!!
Chinese herbal therapy also has a long history of being used to treat Liver issues. There is a very famous and popular Chinese herbal formula used for PMS called Xiao Yao Wan which translates to “Free and Easy Wanderer”. Its works great and should be in every woman’s medicine cabinet.
Blessings on a green, bountiful and healthy spring season.
For more information visit my website.
For more information visit my website.
