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Spring Relief and Rebalance with Acupuncture

In theories of acupuncture, we are seen as part of the natural world that surrounds us. As the seasons change and we transition from winter to spring, it is important to keep out bodies in balance. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help us do that.

Each season is linked with an organ system in the body. Spring is the Liver and Gall bladder organ and meridian. Spring is when the liver should thrive. According to TCM, the liver is responsible for smooth flowing Qi (chi) or energy through the body. The liver and gall bladder meridians govern the muscles, tendons, and nerves in the body. The liver also controls the eyes. However, during times of transition like early spring, the liver can become out of harmony and vulnerable. Acupuncture improves the function of the liver meridian and can restore balance to the organs.

The five elements of TCM suggest seasons and change of season correspond to the flow of energy and the balance of Yin and Yang. Spring and the liver/gall bladder meridian go hand in hand. This is an ideal time for cleaning, harmony and rejuvenation.

Here are some signs that your liver/gall bladder meridian may be out of balance this time of year.

1. You feel extra tense. The liver meridian controls the flow of energy. If the energy is not moving, things like emotional stress and the posture of your body can get disturbed.

2. Muscle stiffness, aches and pains, headaches. The liver/gall bladder nourishes the tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. You may notice increased stiffness and tension now or in the coming weeks. Menstrual cramps may be worse than usual. This is known as stagnation in TCM.

3. You feel Irritable and frustrated. Each organ has an emotion attached to it, and the liver emotion is anger.

4. Dry or fatigued eyes are a sign of liver imbalance.

5. Digestive problems. Digestion is dependent on smooth flow of qi or energy.

Things to do for Liver/Gall bladder Qi Stagnation

1. Move your Qi. Get outside and move. Exercise, walk, run, bike, etc.

2. Eat greens. Green is the color associated with the liver meridian. Eat fresh, leafy green vegetables.

3. Taste associated with the liver is sour. Sour strengthens the liver qi. Add lemon to your water, use olive oils in your cooking and salad dressings.

4. Stretch. Try some yoga, tai chi, or chi gong or any movement patterns.

5. Eye exercise. Take breaks from the T.V. and computer.

6. Detox the liver. Many herbs can help, including milk thistle tea.

7. GET ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT.

I recommend 1-2 acupuncture treatments to balance your meridians at the change of seasons. Each season change has specific points as well as your own specific constitutional points to use for balance. Acupuncture treatment in spring can help your muscles, tendons, fascia and connective tissue. Acupuncture and spring specific treatment can also help your emotional wellbeing by balancing your stress, anger, frustrations and insomnia. Seasonal acupuncture treatments can help tonify your meridians and organs and balance minor issues before they become serious problems.

Acupuncture is also a very effective treatment for another common ailment this time of year: allergies.  Patients can find quick and lasting relief from seasonal allergies after an initial series of treatments.  Many patients find they can reduce or completely eliminate their dependency on prescription or over-the-counter allergy treatment with the help of acupuncture.  If you're suffering with allergies this time of year, schedule a consult with us to discuss a treatment protocol that can provide you with the relief you're seeking.