The wood element rules spring and is related to the Liver which is our organ corresponding to regeneration and new life.
This organ filters the blood at over a liter every minute. In Chinese Medicine, the Liver corresponds with the abilities of detoxifying, revitalizing and nourishing the blood. Blood is also stored in the Liver. Western Medicine has the Liver doing essential tasks such as assisting in the release of stored sugar and creating proteins to help our body grow and repair tissues.
- Seasonal Health: Spring!
Liver Qi Stagnation
In Chinese medicine the smooth flow of Qi in the liver is what allows us to have smooth emotions. Feelings such as anger, irritability and frustration are all signs of dysfunction of Liver Qi. We call this, Liver Qi Stagnation and in our fast paced, high stress world of today, it is one of the most common problems we see in the acupuncture office.
Points that help the Liver function better
One of the most popular treatments for stress, anger, frustration and other binding emotions is known as the Four Gates. These four points connect us through our hands with the heavens and through our feet with the earth. It is a very moving, yet grounding treatment. They consist of four points, done on both the right and left side of the body, acupuncture points Liver 3 (Taichong) and Large Intestine 4 (Hegu).
Large Intestine 4 is located on the padded area of your hand between the thumb and index finger, between the first and second metacarpal bones. Massage this point with your thumb on both hands for approximately 30 seconds.
- Acupressure massage on Hegu
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 Lv 3 on your other foot.
Liver Qi Stagnation Signs and Symptoms
Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with Liver Qi stagnation:
- Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body
- Depression and mood swings
- Sighing or hiccups
- Inappropriate anger and frustration
- Sensation of a lump in throat and having a hard time swallowing
- Stomachache that worsens with anger
- PMS with irritability or swollen breasts
- Irregular or painful periods
- Poor appetite
- Churning sensation in stomach
Foods Used For Liver Qi Stagnation
These are just some of the foods that are believed to help Liver Qi stagnation:
- Milk Thistle Tea
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Cherries
- Chicken
- Tofu
- Mustard seed
- Squash
- Sweet potato
- Red and black dates
- Caraway seed
- Spearmint
- Oregano
- Red bean
- Sweet basil
- Saffron
Tags: Seasonal