Spring is a
season of renewal and when we become more active. The element of wind, both in
nature and internally can affect us. As spring begins our energy begins to
loosen and move
upwards. This is a time to nurture the yang, or more active principle. Our bodies no
longer need to store energy as in winter. This is always a good time to detoxify and
cleanse. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
Our liver is
the major organ related to spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The liver is sensitive to
wind. As all of us living in the Cape can testify...the wind does come into play in the
next few months. It can appear quickly, change without warning and is often unpredictable. On a physical level some of the symptoms of wind, internal (not flatulence)
and external may be: dizziness, cramps, itching, spasms, tremors, pain that comes and
goes, vertigo, twitching, pulsating headaches, ringing in the ears or dryness in the upper
body.
On an emotional level, wind can trigger manic depression, nervousness,
inability to settle or make commitments, agitation and emotional turmoil.
Internally,
wind may move other conditions, such as heat or cold around in the form of fevers.
If the liver
is balanced and functioning optimally, we are happy. What we eat and how we eat it
play a huge role in how we feel and express our feelings. People with a healthy
liver are calm, make decisions easily and cope well with stress. The liver
stores emotional
issues that haven’t been dealt with and can be the home of anger, frustration
and depression. Equally, it is the abode of our moods. An unhealthy liver may manifest as
the feeling of being on an emotional roller coaster, feeling resentful, aggressive,
edgy or impulsive.
Outwardly, the health of our liver shows in our eyes, fingernails
and toenails and can be felt in our tendons.
The taste
related to the liver is sour. Sour strengthens the liver. A small amount of
this flavour is
essential for a balanced liver, but an excess can cause imbalance. Examples of sour foods
include lemons, limes, pickles, vinegar and rosehip. Those with constipation should avoid
sour foods. Avoid greasy foods as this makes the liver work too hard and puts strain
on other organs.
Stagnant liver qi, often caused by overeating and lack of exercise,
means our Qi (or intrinsic energy) is blocked and we may feel sluggish. This
manifests as
chronic indigestion, allergies, lumps or swelling, neck and back tension, eye problems,
skin disorders, muscular pain, period pain, tendon problems and struggling to get going in
the mornings.
The liver is
the storage and purification centre for blood. If there is stagnation, these functions
are impaired and toxins may be released into the blood. They eventually show up as acne,
eczema or other skin problems. Toxins in the blood also affect degenerative
conditions like arthritis.
Pungent and
sweet foods help ease stagnation. These include watercress, cardamom, oregano,
dill, pepper or rosemary.
If there is
an excess of heat in the liver, we are prone to headaches, bloodshot eyes and a red face.
The most common outcome is hypertension. Anger, irritability, arrogance, rudeness and
impatience are emotional signs.
What to eat
in spring? Come and visit Basic Stock Deli for inspiration. For health, Dr Sanien De
Beer, Mayfair’s phytotherapist has a cornucopia of herbal preparations to support
liver health. Eileen Jacobs of Ozone Wellness can advise on detoxing and cleansing
the body within and without. Acupuncture is another effective way to enhance the
body’s own healing and purification system. Laureine Weil’s gentle Bowen technique
works on a subtle and profound level. To release emotional stagnation, Egyptian
Sekhem and Reiki. Reflexology or lymph drainage massage assist our shift through
spring and movement is still one of the most powerful ways to shift ourselves on any
level. Join us at i.move for Nia, Pilates, Yoga,Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Zumba, Biodanza or Kettlebells.
