If my spidey senses are correct, many of you out there are feeling a little more crabby than usual – maybe our temper feels a bit shorter? Or maybe we’re just feeling kind of “blah”, like something is wrong but we can’t quite put our finger on it. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault! It’s just your Liver Qi…
Remember a few weeks ago I was talking about how different organs have different elemental associations, as well as climates, seasons, and emotions? Well, this is a great example of how this is observable in the real world. Right now, we’re entering into the new season of Spring (yay!), which belongs to the element of Wood. Wood is all about growth (think about all the plants and trees that begin to grow and flourish in Spring). Growth also means change, which also means STRESS. It just so happens that the Liver and Gallbladder organs also belong to wood as well. So as this Spring season begins to stretch its legs after a long winter’s nap, the Liver and Gallbladder are also trying to ready themselves to “take the reigns” during their season and direct the flow of Qi throughout your entire body. Because they’ve been a little “Qi Lazy” during hibernation, it’s natural for them to feel a bit groggy? When the Qi in these meridians is feeling a bit groggy, it’s easy for the Qi to become “stagnated” (think of it as a traffic jam in your meridians). . When the Qi in your liver is stagnated, your emotions can feel a bit stagnated too, which makes you a little more temper-tantrum prone – not to mention that the particular emotion that the Liver is most associated with is anger and irritability. Now it makes a little more sense why those emotions are running a bit rampant right?
So, at this time of transition, don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re feeling a bit groggy or cranky. And the same goes to your loved ones, because chances are they’re feeling exactly like you! Just be patient and try to breathe your way through these next couple of weeks until your Liver and Gallbladder smooth themselves out. Honor yourself and your needs and communicate them clearly – even if that means wearing a T-Shirt or Hat that says, “Leave me alone!” or “Somebody Hug Me!”
If you feel you may need a bit more than just your average “breathe in and out”, there are some things you can do for your liver to help ease the transition.
Acupuncture is a great way to relieve stress and reduce these feelings of irritability. We’ll probably be using your favorite points (Large Intestine 4, and Liver 3) Liver 3 is the point you’ve heard me refer to as the “Happy Liver” point – and that’s because it is THE point for soothing and spreading Qi in the Liver. Combined with Large Intestine 4, it’s known as the “4 Gates” which literally means that we’re opening up the gates for Qi to move freely throughout your entire body.
You can also apply pressure on these areas to relieve some Qi Stagnation. If you prefer massage, let Mandy or Mary Pat know that you’re feeling some stress, and they can massage the meridians to relieve some of the stagnation too!
Supplements/Herbs: Dandelion Root (We Acu’s call it Pu Gong Ying) & Milk Thistle are great for soothing your Liver. Get in touch with a healthcare provider qualified to discuss proper dosing with you prior to purchasing these supplements.
Abdominal Breathing Exercises. Take a few minutes to lie on your back and place your palms on your stomach. Intentionally breathe into your stomach and focus your awareness on the rise and fall of your belly. Do this for a few minutes and I promise you will feel a bit more centered and calm.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi are also great ways to get Qi moving in your body, while also helping your mind find balance and a sense of peace. Our very own Tonya Leger teaches Qi Gong glasses here at Stream Point twice a week (Tues. 7am & Wed. 5:30pm)
Visit our website at www.streampointwellness.com today to free up your LV Qi Stagnation 🙂
Until next week, give those livers some love my friends!
