The Liver Belongs to Spring

Spring is the time of the liver in Chinese medicine. Just as the leaves and flowers are starting to bud on the trees, the liver is an organ of regeneration and movement.  The liver is responsible for the smooth and free flow of energy in the body, filtering and storing the blood at night, and the emotion of anger. Its element is that of wood and just as a tree likes to stand tall and free, the energy of the liver and health of the vessels depend on the liver's ability to move freely. Emotions such as anger can prevent the optimal function of the liver. 

When a person experiences anger the liver's focus on circulating energy becomes disturbed and the energy fails to move properly. This leads to symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, frequent sighing, rib pain, a bitter taste in the mouth, a lump in the throat, abdominal distention or pain, constipation or diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, pain or problems with tendons, blurry eyesight, ridges of the nails, sleep disturbances, and more. 

To keep your liver happy, be sure to let yourself feel and process your emotions as you experience them. It's best not to dwell or become fixated on any one particular circumstance or situation.  Acupuncture can help one process such emotions and herbs can help restore liver function and health. Do yourself a favor and take the time to remove your shoes, plant your feet firmly on the ground, and connect with the energy of spring. 

As stated in the Yellow Emperors Inner Cannon, a classical Chinese medicine text, "Get up early in the morning, walk around in the courtyard, loosen your hair and relax your body. By doing so you will generate mental strength and act in harmony with the energy of spring, thus following the way of nourishing life. If you live contrary to this principle, you will harm your liver.' 
 

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