According to Chinese medicine, the liver plays an integral part in maintaining an equilibrium in energy (Qi) flows within the body. When this flow becomes restricted or blocked it can manifest as various physical and emotional symptoms that manifest themselves physically as well as emotionally.
Acupuncture and herbal formulas have long been employed to balance Liver Energy. Emerging research substantiates this approach’s deep link between physiological liver function and emotional expression, strengthening TCM’s mind-body framework.
Stress
The Liver functions in harmony with both stomach and spleen to coordinate digestion, absorption and circulation to achieve optimal health. When emotions such as frustration or anger disrupt this flow, the consequences can include bloating or digestive discomfort as well as emotional irritability – according to traditional Chinese medicine, having a healthy liver lies at the foundation of our ability to manage our emotions effectively and experience emotional wellness.
Mental and emotional strain caused by overwork, stress and trauma can have a direct impact on the liver, leading to chronic problems like joint pain, allergies, asthma and headaches. Acupuncture can soothe both organs by relaxing the nervous system thereby relieving tension and creating physical and emotional balance.
Approving regular acupuncture sessions as the optimal method for keeping your liver healthy is ideal, but there are other steps you can take at home to support its natural processes. Eat Green – Eating leafy greens like kale, dandelion and chard can help support the function of both liver and gallbladder while including foods with sour flavors in your diet may increase its qi and movement.
Drink Soothing Teas – Peppermint, Chrysanthemum and Rose Tea are excellent at soothing the liver. Additionally, taking herbal supplements may also assist your body’s detoxification processes.
Acupuncture & Acupressure – Acupuncture can help unblock stagnation and promote healthy flow of qi, while massaging the Liver 3 (Tai Chong) or Gallbladder 34 (Yang Ling Quan) acupressure points can relieve feelings of stress or irritation.
Not only is acupuncture effective at supporting liver and gallbladder function, but there are many herbal remedies that can also provide much-needed support. You may wish to combine herbal treatment with acupuncture treatments for optimal results; or take as supplements alone for maximum efficiency. Working with an experienced practitioner who can listen carefully and tailor holistic care that addresses each person’s specific needs can be key – one who offers both time-tested therapies as well as supportive herbal formulas can all contribute towards your wellbeing.
Anger
Anger can be one of the strongest emotions to surface during perimenopause or menopause, leading many women to seek ways to suppress it instead of focussing on emotional balance through happiness and peace. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), suppressed anger can actually damage physical health in ways such as digestive discomfort and tight shoulders.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anger is directly related to your liver health. A healthy liver allows Qi (energy) to flow freely, leading to emotional stability and resilience; when blocked energy forms in the liver it may manifest in form of irritation and frustration.
Mindful movement such as walking or Qi Gong can help your body release pent-up anger and frustration. Other helpful techniques may include journaling, speaking with trusted friends or engaging in creative outlets that allow for expression. Acupuncture can also stimulate liver meridians and clear away energy blockages.
Emotions
Chinese medicine views emotional well-being as an indicator of liver health. When functioning optimally, energy flows smoothly to support mental balance, digestive function and menstrual cycle regulation. Conversely, when blocked emotions like frustration or anger surface it’s vital that we find healthy ways of channeling these feelings, especially since they may be natural reactions to modern stressors such as work pressure, deadlines or relationships that trigger them.
The liver-emotional relationship demonstrates how our physical and emotional health are inextricably intertwined. If we let these emotions remain suppressed, their energy may build up in our livers and manifest as fatigue or digestive upset. Furthermore, this connection illustrates that livers play an integral role in detoxification processes; Western understandings of detoxification may focus on chemical processing or flushing out your system while TCM envisions them more as energetic purifiers capable of gently balancing rather than aggressively eliminating.
Another key sign of liver health is clarity and vision – both day-to-day and long term. To maintain our vision, acupuncture treatments or practicing self-care rituals that help keep us focused on what matters are important are two effective ways of supporting it.
To maintain optimal liver health, it is advisable to consume green tea (preferably chrysanthemum or peppermint varieties) regularly; consume whole foods rich in anti-oxidants like kale, dandelion and spinach; participate in activities that encourage movement like walking, yoga or tai chi; practice relaxation and meditation regularly and try Acupuncture as an effective means of relaxing nervous systems and supporting liver health.
Acupuncture can help restore the body to an equilibrium by helping restore the proper flow of Qi and bring about balance. It may alleviate neck and shoulder tension, digestive symptoms, bloating, menstrual pain and Liver Qi Stagnation by unblocking stagnation while encouraging emotional release – stimulating Liver 3 (found between first and second toes) or Gallbladder 34 (located two finger widths below where kneecap meets) is an excellent way to undo blockages in Qi flow and get Qi unstuck from its stagnational hold.
Diet
Acupuncture works to restore balance within your body by maintaining an even flow of energy, blood and fluids throughout its channels – including menstruation regulation and emotional balance. Acupuncturists refer to this vital flow as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). When this Qi becomes restricted or stagnant in your liver qi flow, digestive problems, irritability or other physical symptoms may arise.
Chinese Medicine associates the Liver with spring and new beginnings and is part of an ancient system called Five Elements which categorises change both externally and internally in various cyclical phases. Being a wood organ, its movements resonate naturally with windy conditions found outdoors during spring, as well as your body’s yang energy.
Nutritionally speaking, it is best to focus on eating foods that nourish and have an upward energy for the liver. This includes lots of leafy greens such as kale, collards, bok choy, watercress, daikon tops and radish leaves as well as herbs such as parsley and cilantro as well as strong-scented foods like fennel, dill and mint which also benefits the liver along with fruits such as bananas, avocados and berries. Whole grains also play an important supportive role so make sure to include plenty of them but avoid processed and packaged options like processed and packaged food items when possible.
Stagnant Liver Qi can often be caused by stress, poor diet and emotional upheaval. Acupuncture can help unblock this energy and bring balance back into your system so that you feel less overwhelmed by daily demands and are better able to cope with life.
Exercise, deep breathing and massaging or tapping the Liver 3 (Tai Chong) point on the top of your foot are other effective strategies to move Liver qi along. We have found this point especially helpful when feeling anxious or irritable; drinking chrysanthemum tea with peppermint or rose blossoms also provides soothing support to the liver. For your next ‘liver tune up’ appointment contact Tauranga Acupuncture now.
