According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is the time to nourish the “Wood” Element. This makes perfect sense, in that the plants are waking from their slumber and becoming very active now. The organs that correspond with the Wood Element are your Liver (Yin) and Gallbladder (Yang), which also includes/ controls/ affects your tendons, joints, reproductive organs, breasts, thyroid and eyes.
Spring is a time of new beginnings. Paul Pritchford, wrote in Healing with Whole Foods that it is “the time of year to rise early with the sun and take brisk walks”. These are Yang (ascending and active) activities which help us to be in harmony with nature. Each organ/ element has different qualities, emotions, flavours, functions and so on that either nourishes or weakens them.
Sadly, the liver is one of the most congested of all organs in modern day people due to excess fats, chemicals intoxicants and denatured foods. All of these factors disrupt the hundreds of biochemical processes occurring in the liver, which need to be in prime working order to filter and detoxify our bodies of chemicals and to make our hormones among other things. Our poor gallbladders work overtime and are frequently overloaded with stones which need to be safely and effectively flushed out this time of year, rather than have this important organ of digestion removed.
Some of the liver’s first signs of disharmony occur on the emotional level and include; anger, frustration, impatience, resentment, arrogance, stubbornness, aggression, impulsivity and exploding behaviour. When these emotions are not able to be expressed outwardly they can be transformed within the body and cause depression, mood swings and left untreated can, over the long term, cause physical disease.
Some of the physical symptoms of stagnant liver energy or Qi include: nervous system disorders, allergies, lumps and swelling, chronic indigestion, menstrual problems, muscle, joint and back aches & pains, weakness or stiffness, headaches, fatigue, lack of flexibility, eye problems, skin disorders, grogginess in the morning, insomnia, finger or toe nail problems, dizziness and tinnitus – and that’s just the summary 🙂
It is equally important to address the diet/lifestyle factors that support the liver/wood element as it is to address the underlying emotional issues such as greed, anger and resentment. The physical and emotional factors are intimately connected and constantly feedback between each other. Addressing both and bringing them back into harmony will result in a happier and healthier You! For when the liver is in harmony there is peace and calm in the body and the mind.
In addition to paying attention to specific conditions and symptoms you currently are experiencing, this time of year I will pay special attention to the assessment and health of your liver, gallbladder, tendons, joints, reproductive organs, breasts and thyroid. This includes;
- Physically assessment/palpation of your liver, gallbladder and thyroid
- Clinical breast exam
- Pulse and tongue diagnosis
- Body temperature assessment
- Iodine skin test
- Muscle testing of all organs with Total Body Modification technique
- Review and perform any necessary labs
- Review the foods that you are eating – teach how to eat for Spring
- Review the activities you engage in
- Assist in identification of emotional and mental challenges and offer support through awareness techniques, mindfulness practices and individualized support.
- Customize a treatment plan specifically for you!
The treatment Plan typically includes:
- Parasite and Liver Cleanse
- Liver and Gallbladder Flush (with or without Kidney support)
- Joint Support
- Breast Care
- Spring Foods – We can create a personal Spring within when we eat the appropriate sweet and pungent flavoured foods.
- Breathing Techniques
You (and your family members;) will appreciate the care that you take in supporting yourself this time of year, so that you can be bursting with energy and happiness!
