Support your Liver energy easily this Spring season!
Spring is a time for new growth; awakening from the cold, dark winter and looking forward to warmer, brighter seasons to come. It is a time when the body begins to shift from a state of building, to one of gentle cleansing, nourished by valuable foods to help aid and compliment this natural process. Supporting your body as you head towards a more active summer season is important to staying healthy and strong.
Here are some exercises to move your Liver Qi!
The LIVER & SPRING according to Traditional Chinese medicine
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, spring is associated with the energy of your liver organ. Your liver is responsible for moving nutrients, energy, blood and vital fluids throughout your entire body.
- Nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) are important to keep your tendons and ligaments strong and your body moving easily, free from pain or tightness
- Your liver governs your eyes and requires good Liver qi for optimal health
- Green vegetables help to support the liver, improving it’s job of moving and detoxifying
When the energy of the liver gets stuck it can make you feel tired, irritable, stiff/pain or contribute to digestive issues. So get your qi moving (see the video) to help move your body and improve your flow.
The Liver from a western perspective
From a Western medicine viewpoint, the liver is responsible for the filtering and the breakdown of waste. By-products from your food, medication, alcohol, hormones and pollution all run through your liver and then are eliminated through your stool. The liver also aids in the digestion of vital macronutrients, especially fat, providing valuable bile which is stored in the gall bladder.
If your liver function isn’t optimal, you may struggle with digestive issues, feeling nauseated and tired. This is not the time to power through…if you are feeling unwell it would be a good idea to see your health care practitioner for some testing. Find out more about the signs your liver isn’t functioning properly.
What foods can help support you during the spring season and why?
- Fresh water, sustainable fish (wild salmon, sardines, herring, cod, mackerel, oysters) – offers Omega 3 fatty acids, supports cardiovascular, mental and endocrine health.
- Small amount of organic nuts, seeds, grains (soaked overnight) – provide a variety of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, protein and amino acids needed for bones, skin, cells, muscles etc.
- The skins of organic citrus fruit – provide vitamins and minerals as well as phytonutrients that may has been shown to reduce inflammation.
- Leafy green vegetables – provide calcium and magnesium needed for strong bone and muscle health.
- Bitter greens (such as spinach and dandelion leaf) – have been shown to help the liver increase its bile flow and flush out toxins.
More ways to support your liver energy during the spring season!
- Eat a WHOLE FOOD diet - focus on green vegetables to support liver detox including kale, asparagus, dandelion and spring lettuces
- Do physical activity daily - exercise helps to keep the blood flowing, qi moving and keeps our muscles and sinews strong
- Get adequate sleep - set a good bedtime routine and aim to sleep earlier as the sun rising earlier so will you
- Manage stress - keeping the adrenals calm means that your cortisol won't spike and stay high (esp important for menopause)
- Eat a clean diet - try to avoid artificial colours, flavours, additives and "natural" additions to your foods
- Nurture your body, mind and spirit - support your whole body's health with some grounding breaths and calm focus daily
- Plant some creative seeds - the spring season is about rebirth and growth, so plant those seeds and see it flourish!
Cindy is a registered acupuncturist, certified Pilates instructor, holistic nutritionist and a foodie. She works with her patients to support their whole body health, emphasizing self care, living a positive life and nourishing the body and mind. Cindy is the owner/creator of My Fit Over 50, a website dedicated to health of women through menopause.