Although Spring is full of vitality, it could be a miserable season for people who have allergies. As all plants grow, their pollens fly with the wind. Families often with children who suffer from allergies which is more painful in Spring season.
Spring is liver's season, in TCM the Liver is the organ responsible for the smooth flow of emotions as well as Qi and blood. It is the organ that is most affected by excess stress or emotions. The Liver’s partner organ is the Gallbladder.
- The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood in your body. It controls the volume and smooth flow of blood in your vessels and also stores the blood.
- The eyes are the sensory organ related to the Liver. If you have any eye issues, including blurry vision, red or dry eyes, itchy eyes, it may be a sign deep down that your Liver is not functioning smoothly.
- The tendons are the tissue associated with the Liver. TCM says that strength comes from the tendons, not muscles. Be like the cat that is strong, agile, and flexible, not the cow, which has huge muscles but little real strength.
- The taste that corresponds to and supports the Liver is sour. If you crave sour foods, that may be your Liver communicating that it needs an extra boost, so be sure to include high-quality vinegar and sweet and sour recipes in your diet.
- Anger is the emotion associated with the Liver. If you are often irritable, get angry easily, have trouble unwinding from the day’s activities, have trouble reasoning or going with the flow and letting things go, you are experiencing a Liver function problem. Experiencing these emotions chronically or excessively can seriously unbalance the function of your Liver..
When Liver Qi is imbalanced, hot and spicy
foods may cause too much heat. Sour and bitter flavors are said to benefit
the Liver meridian. Excessive frustration and irritation can be especially
difficult when the Liver meridian is out of balance. Physical exercise
and reading can help restore balance. The fall is a vulnerable time, as
well as the winds of March, and extremely hot weather.
Common signs of Liver meridian stress include
dry, brittle, thickened nails and pain just below the ribs. Common illnesses
include migraines, eye problems, and sinus problems. The Liver meridian
circles the genitals, and rashes and discharges are associated with its
imbalance, as well as hernias. For women, menstrual problems are common
including PMS, painful periods, and heavy bleeding. Uterine fibroids may
be related to imbalance of the Liver meridian as well. The Liver and Gallbladder
meridian pathways traverse the top and sides of the head, the most common
sites for migraine headaches.
The Qi of liver flourishes in
the spring when plants are sprouting new growth. That's why Spring is the best time to treat the health conditions caused by liver Qi imbalanced.
Acupressure for Liver Health
Deep press the acupressure point “Taichong” (Liver 3) which stimulates a key point on the Liver channel. It may be sore, but this means you’re hitting all the right spots! You are unblocking your Liver Qi.Rub this area every day. It’s located on top of your foot where the big toe bone meets the second toe bone (about an inch back from the skin between these toes). Using your thumb, press and massage this spot on both feet (the meridians are on both sides of your body). It will calm you down especially when you get anger.
Looking for the experienced TCM acupuncturist in Toronto, please feel free to call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic at 416-800-3978 or book an appointment online.
