Your Liver + Spring

As we move into Spring, we acupuncturists begin to see more involvement of the Liver in patients’ health patterns. Coupled with the Gall Bladder to represent the Wood element, the Liver manifests creativity, direction, justice and vision.  At the same time, when the flow of the Liver is disrupted, one experiences stress, anger, frustration, irritability, jealousy and guilt. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Stress: we all have it, and there is no avoiding it in life. Not all stress is bad though. Short term stress is normal and expected in life. So, when does stress become the perpetrator of illness and disease? ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Chronic, long term and intense stress have been shown to have harmful effects on the body. Stress places your organs, especially the endocrine (hormone producing) system, into overdrive wreaking havoc on your body. This imbalance causes body systems to function poorly and cause diseases such as high blood pressure, weight gain, hair loss, missed periods, appetite fluctuations and many other illnesses. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Acupuncture can play a major role in helping you decrease stress and guide your body back to homeostasis (state of balance in the body). Common points used to treat stress in the body and calm the mind:⁠⠀    

Yin tang – Found on the forehead between the eyebrows⁠⠀     

Ear Shen Men – Found on the ear, based on a microsystem on the ear⁠⠀    

Ren 17 – Found on the midline of the chest⁠⠀     

Du 20 – Found on the top of the head, on the midpoint⁠⠀     

Liver 3 – Found between the big toe and second toe, an inch or two above the webbing of the toes⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

What can you do at home to move your qi and reduce stress? ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Exercise! Whether it is walking, dancing around your living room, running, biking swimming or playing with your kids, movement is what keeps your liver qi moving, which reduces stress. ⁠⠀  ⁠⠀

Meditation! Just a few minutes everyday with deep belly breathing can help immensely. ⁠⠀

Stress is inevitable in life, but there are ways to move through it and reduce it to decrease the chances of long term illness. Do what you can, let chinese medicine help, hug your loved ones and take care of yourself. ❤️ Schedule an appointment to find out how we can help!