Spring,The Season of the Liver

By Jaimie Champagne, Lic.Ac., MAOM, Dipl.Ac.

   

Our health is very much affected by our environment, and each season brings with it a different set of blessings and challenges we must adapt to in order to maintain wellness.  Spring is the season of creativity, change and new growth.  The energy of the liver is the strongest during springtime, and most appropriately so!  Spring is when our bodies become rejuvenated after a long cold winter and begin to release toxins that may have accumulated.  A healthy liver can process these toxins and cleanse our bodies, minds and spirits.

However, for those who may have a susceptibility to liver energy imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the strengthening of liver-qi can increase symptoms that may be associated with such a diagnosis.  Common symptoms related to liver-qi disharmonies are headaches & migraines, shoulder tension, reflux, indigestion, irritable bowel flare-ups, high blood pressure, menstrual cramping, irregular periods, depression, and inappropriate irritability or anger.  Anger is the emotion associated with liver energy and it is not uncommon for even the calmest of personalities to feel easily agitated as the liver gains strength during springtime.

 

There are things that can be done to help soothe an overactive liver and support its natural functioning.  Gentle exercises such as stretching, yoga, qigong, light weights, walking, and meditation are recommended.  Acupuncture and massage can help regulate energy flow and oxygenate muscles, both enabling the release of toxins.  Less sleep is generally needed during spring, so if you find yourself waking earlier than usual, consider this a healthy response to the season!

Food is medicine, and certainly some foods are more beneficial to eat during spring than others.  Green is the color of the season and eating plenty of fresh greens and sprouts cannot be emphasized enough!  Foods that detoxify the liver include celery, mushrooms, rhubarb, seaweeds, lettuce, millet, cucumber, mung bean, radish, and wheat grass.  Processed foods, high fat foods, chemicals, and intoxicants overwork the liver so it is recommended to eliminate them from your diet.  Eat less quantities of food at each sitting and avoid eating late at night.

Herbs that are helpful to take during a liver detox include milk thistle, fennel seed, schisandra berry, and dandelion root.   Xiao yao san, translated as “Free and Easy Wanderer” or “Rambling Powder” is a commonly prescribed herbal formula by practitioners of Oriental Medicine to regulate liver-qi.  It includes bupleurum, angelica root, white peony root, atractylodes, poria, licorice, ginger, and mint.  Xiao yao san is indicated to treat ailments such as headaches, irregular periods, PMS, depression, insomnia, and chronic gastritis when liver-qi stagnation is diagnosed (please note: only a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist should make such a diagnosis).

Stay healthy and well this spring!

Jaimie Champagne, Lic.Ac., MAOM, Dipl.Ac. 

Jaimie is licensed to practice acupuncture in New
Hampshire and Massachusetts and is nationally certified with the NCCAOM.  

For more information about Oriental Medicine, visit her website at www.acupuncturewholehealth.com. 

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