What does that even mean?!
In Chinese Medicine, the liver is closely associated with the element of Wood, which is dominant during the spring season. Spring, a time of renewal and growth, mirrors the qualities of Wood—expansion, vitality, and upward movement. Just as trees and plants sprout and flourish in spring, the liver’s energy is at its peak, promoting growth and the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body.
Smooth Flow, Movement
The Liver is all about the smooth flow of movement–on every level. It is about moving our bodies, moving our minds, shifting things in our lives. The liver is also associated with the eyes, and with the blood in this ancient system. So what can we do to help support healthy liver function?
The first thing is to take a look at movement in our lives—the liver HATES getting stuck. As a matter of fact, FRUSTRATION is a sign that the liver needs some movement. Getting a little more irritable lately? It’s time to move your body! Go for a walk, do some stretching, visit a gym, go to a yoga class, join your friends for a jog. Just MOVE IT. Then…AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! A Happy Liver. Now, I don’t mean go out and run a marathon. The Liver is like Goldilocks–it likes the JUST RIGHT amount of movement. Not too much, not too little. Just the right amount. That’s different for every body. A good litmus test is to check in and listen to how you feel after you exercise. Do you feel refreshed, a burst of energy, and a calmer, more present feeling? Then you’ve done the right amount. Do you feel like you could lay down and go to sleep for an hour after a workout? Then you need to back it up, and start slower. Are you more irritable after moving? Slow it down, cut back the time or intensity and find the happy medium of being invigorated but not wiped out after a workout.
Here’s some great flowing movements to get your body harmonized:
Qi Gong for morning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac08kMK-dyI
Qi Gong for evening:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9kvYnWKG3g
WIND & TIGHT NECK and SHOULDERS
Yoga for Tight Neck and Shoulders (17 minutes)
A few other tight neck and shoulder tips for you here: if it’s really windy out, and you get a stiff neck, come home and get your hair dryer out (really!). Turn the heat up, and blow the wam air on your neck, as you turn it back and forth. Then put some good muscle cream on it and gently turn it back and forth, as slowly as you can stand. (I have both Evil Bone Water (pain liniment) and Magnesium Cream in the clinic if you don’t have one at home). Keep the heat on it. Take an epsom salt bath, then more heat. If THAT doesn’t do the trick, call us and get in for some acupuncture &/or cupping.
CLEAN IT OUT, FROM WITHIN
Cleanses. Oh my. We live in a culture of cleanses. My recommendation is to just start simple: warm water with lemon I it every morning when you wake up. The simplest hello to your liver, first thing in the morning. 16 oz. Smile into your liver, eat good food, avoid sugar, and drink half your body weight in water every day.
FRUSTRATION vs. COMPASSION
Finally, the liver has two emotions associated with it: frustration, as mentioned above, and COMPASSION. When you feel compassion–for yourself, for others, for all human suffering, your liver is functioning well at an emotional level. When in doubt, reach for compassion, for yourself first and foremost, because from that, everything else flows. AKA Lovingkindness. All day. Every Day. Because love is the most powerful medicine
of ALL.
In deepest gratitude and compassion,
Lisa
About the Author
Hi, I’m Lisa Jensen, a Licensed Acupuncturist in Winchester, MA with a passion for helping people find balance and healing through traditional Chinese medicine. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in pain management and women’s health—fertility, pregnancy, and peri/menopause care, and believe in the power of natural healing to enhance overall well-being. When I’m not in the clinic, you can find me with my husband and 2 kids, enjoying hikes with my dog Ernie, or practicing meditation and yoga. I created this blog to share tips, insights, and the latest in holistic health practices to support your wellness journey.
Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to connect and answer any questions you may have!