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.