In TCM, Spring is governed by the wood element which is the Liver (LV) and Gallbladder (GB).

LV /GB govern the tendons, ligaments and facia in the body along with anything that turns or pivots in the body. They also are in charge of ensuring the smooth flow of Qi which can lead to irritation, pain and anger when stuck. So, it can be very common to see issues in these areas in the spring.

 

During the Spring season of the Wood element, think about how plants grow and move. A healthy plant or tree will have branches that are very flexible and able to bend with the wind. When that same plant is dried out, the branches can snap in the wind.

This is similar to what happens to our connective tissues (tendons, ligaments and facia) when not properly nourished. The tissues can become less flexible, stuck and painful. These tissues have less blood supply than our muscles, so they are more susceptible to malnourishment and dehydration. So feed your liver this Spring and support your body!!

 

FEED YOUR LIVER!

 

Your Liver LOVES greens and sour foods.

Other foods that support the Liver / Gallbladder in TCM. Enjoy them all!

You can NEVER have too many fruits and veggies in your diet!

  • alfalfa
  • algae
  • asparagus
  • basil
  • broccoli
  • celery
  • citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, etc)
  • cucumber
  • fennel
  • fermented foods (sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, etc)
  • ginger
  • greens (collards greens, bok choy, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, etc)
  • lettuce (butter, romaine, arugula, etc)
  • radish
  • seaweed
  • spirulina
  • sprouts (broccoli, alfalfa, sunflower, etc)
  • vinegar
  • watercress
  • wheatgrass

 

 

Acupressure Point for Supporting the Liver

Liver 3 is a fabulous point for supporting the liver and moving stagnant Qi in the body.

https://www.jennumacupuncture.com/healing-at-home-liver-3/#:~:text=This%20point%20can%20be%20found,is%20all%20about%20smooth%20movement.

 

It’s located on top of your foot between where the big toe bone meets the second toe bone., right in the area where the bones connect.

Using your thumb, press and massage this spot on both feet. You can also move your thumb forward along the inside of the big toe bone towards your toe.

Apply pressure to this point every day for about 30 seconds at a time.

It may be tender, and that is ok. Keep working massaging it and it will get better along with your Liver Qi.