Welcoming The Change
We are awakening to a new life. Flowers, trees, grass, people – all of us feel the tug of the sun lingering longer and longer in the sky. We breathe in different air, filled with promises of sundresses and fresh garden vegetables, swimming and suntans. Spring is a time of rebirth, awakening and cleansing. In traditional Chinese medicine, Spring is the time of the liver and gallbladder, which correspond to the “wood” element. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. Below are some great techniques for some “spring cleaning” — body, mind and spirit.
Liver Love
To cleanse your liver, there are many supplements and products out there. But for a simple and gentle way to get your system going is to drink 2 glasses of filtered water with a pinch of sea salt and lemon juice upon waking. Also a glass or two of dandelion tea or incorporating dandelion greens into your diet can support liver function. Milk thistle tea is also an herbal alternative. Any food with a sour taste is thought to stimulate your liver for cleansing – dill pickles, vinegar and lemons are all great choices.
Colon Health
To cleanse the colon, colonics are a great way to go. You can go to a professional or do one at home. Flushing out your colon is a time-honored method to remove toxins and take stress off of your liver and other cleansing organs. Think about it this way — you take a shower every day, so why not take a shower once a season (on the inside)?
Fasting Freedom
There are so many fasts you can choose from. You can eat some foods, eliminate some or not eat at all. The type of fast you choose is very personal and health status and commitment level should be carefully considered. A simple-in-concept yet challenging-in-execution fast is to eliminate refined sugar from your diet for 7 days. It sounds simple, but takes real perseverance to accomplish.
Another aspect to consider is the emotional connection of the liver. The liver is associated with anger, so consider evaluating what is making you angry these days and see what you can do about letting go of that anger. Sitting in meditation, cultivating your tapas (discipline) can be a good way to help you release an angry mind. Adding in alternate nostril breathing can help balance your thoughts and help you see a situation more clearly.
And as always, yoga can help you move that energy around! Some particularly great poses for the liver are Half Bow, Bridge, Wheel, Updog, and Sphinx Pose. Any twist works great as well. As an added bonus, the liver gets stimulated when you are outside, so take these poses to your nearest sunny spot and enjoy!
The author, Anna Ferguson, is a yoga teacher, artist, photographer and writer. She teaches weekly classes at Asheville Yoga Center and other studios in Asheville, NC. Find out more about her at ushasyoga.com.
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