Spring is the time to focus on the liver. Liver Qi stagnation is identified in traditional Chinese medicine as the cause of many physical and emotional problems.
Stress greatly impacts our bodies. According to traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, stress directly affects the liver. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the body. When the liver is affected, through stress for example, the liver can become stagnant, creating numerous symptoms.
Common symptoms associated with Liver Qi stagnation are:
* Depression
* Irritability
* Frustration
* Anger
* Mood swings
* Sighing
* Hiccups
* Sensation of a lump in throat
* Difficulty swallowing
* Bitter taste in mouth
* Constipation
* Abdominal pain and/ or discomfort
* Stomachache that feels better after massage
* Stomachache that worsens with anger
* PMS with irritability and/ or swollen breasts
* Irregular or painful periods
* Churning sensation in the stomach
Eating for the season, according to TCM, means adding in certain foods that can boost these important organs. Foods that can address Liver Qi stagnation include:
Mustard greens, watercress, rhubarb root or stem, daikon, radish, spinach, Swiss chard, kale, parsley, dandelion root, beets, lettuce, cucumber, asparagus, taro root, cabbage, turnip, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, beets, Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, celery, chives, leeks, scallions, cabbage, kohlrabi, squash, sweet potato, mushroom, rice, beef, chicken, liver, mussels, sprouted grains, amaranth, quinoa, alfalfa, millet, beans and seeds, rye, sourdough breads, mung beans, red bean, onions, garlic, turmeric, basil, mint, horseradish, caraway seed, cardamon, cumin, fennel, lemon balm, ginger, black sesame, marjorams, safflower, black pepper, dill seed, mustard seed, rosemary, saffron, sweet basil, saffron, oregano, rose and jasmine flowers, small amounts of citrus, tangerines, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquats, plums, mulberries, cherry, peaches, date, pine nuts, water chestnuts, small amounts of pickled vegetables, vinegar, miso, soy sauce, seaweed, nori, amasake, kelp, tofu, lotus seeds, Chinese red dates, gotu kola, coconut milk, extra virgin olive oil, molasses, and small quantities of wine.
Acupuncture is also commonly used in the treatment of Liver Qi stagnation. Specific points often targeted are called the four gates. Large intestine 4 is located on each hand between the index finger and the thumb and Liver 3 is located on each foot between the big toe and the second toe. Together, these points move energy and blood throughout the body, calming the mind, balancing out emotional disturbances such as anger, frustration, and irritability, and assisting in treating overall symptoms associated with Liver QI stagnation.
Exercise also moves qi and blood and can help “unclog” liver congestion. Daily exercise is important for the health and wellness of the overall body, in addition to the liver.
Seasonal adjustments in diet and exercise can promote better body, mind, and spirit health. Here’s to a season of health and happiness.
Contributor:
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.