Ten Tips: Spring Cleaning for the Liver

Springtime is the season of the Liver and Wood element in Chinese Medicine. The Liver Qi is particularly active in the springtime as it is considered aligned with nature’s energy of breaking through, such as the way plants and flowers pierce the surface in spring. The term “spring cleaning” also rightly applies to this organ, which is responsible for filtering all the blood leaving the digestive tract before it is re-circulated throughout the rest of the body. When congested, the Liver can often contribute to symptoms such as:

• Irritability
• Depression
• Feelings of excess heat
• Weight gain
• Muscle and joint pain
• Migraines and headaches
• Menstrual pain
• Digestive issues and allergies
• Suppression of creative or sexual fire

Giving the Liver some extra love early in the season is a natural way to clear your filter system and recharge your energy. Here are some simple and quick tips to try today or this week:

• Start your day with a cup of hot lemon water
• Drink dandelion root tea
• Eat dandelion greens
• Increase the amount of vegetables and micro-greens in your diet
• Reduce alcohol, caffeine, sugar and processed foods, or avoid them altogether for a spring cleanse/detox period
• Walk, dance, jump on a trampoline—any form of daily exercise that will get the body moving and your blood circulating
• Engage in activities that foster the flow of self-expression and creativity such as drawing, painting, coloring, writing, journaling, quilting, sewing, crafts, wood working, etc.
• Practice the ancient breathwork technique known as Breath of Fire for 1-3 minutes daily.  Breath of Fire adjusts the aura (reducing stress and improving mood) and energizes the blood. Ego Eradicator is an easy-to-learn Kundalini Yoga Kriya that incorporates Breath of Fire. Refer to Russel Brand’s humorous video below for the basics on this simple but powerful practice that you can quickly incorporate into your daily spiritual time or yoga practice.  (And if you missed finding out about his Soul Animal Wisdom, check out my article, “Warrior Soul Animal Wisdom” from March 11!)