The Winter season is associated with the kidneys and bladder, our stress response, with shorter days and recuperating. We are now in the season of Spring which is associated with the liver and gallbladder.
On a physical level the liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for multiple life sustaining functions. It lies just below the diaphragm on the right side of the body. It converts the nutrients in our diet into substances that the body can use, stores these substances and supplies them to the cells when needed. Everything we take into our bodies is filtered through the liver, what we eat, drink, inhale and put on our skin, the hormones that we release are all filtered through the liver. The liver filters, detoxes and purifies approximately 1,200 pints of blood every 24 hours from the digestive tract before passing it on to the rest of the body. The gallbladder is located beneath the right side of the liver and its main function is to store and concentrate bile. The cells of the liver replace themselves about every six weeks.
During the winter months with shorter daylight, we produce more melatonin, the sleep hormone which is all about storage and survival. As daylight is getting longer and the temperature changing outside, our bodies naturally react to the increased level of light to produce more serotonin the happy hormone and stress buster. This hormone is associated with movement, activity and creativity. Many people can feel quite exhausted, nauseated, get headaches and slight depression at this change of season as our bodies adjust. This change can put extra pressure on the liver. This adjustment can last for two to three weeks between March and April when it normally dissipates. This can be a result of lack of sufficient blood and energy to the brain and organs.
On an energy level the liver is all about being creative, expressing our personal power. The Solar Plexus is the energy centre of Spring. This energy is all about exploring new ideas, planning new projects, growing in new ways. Using our intuition, intelligence and confidence to design a new future. The gift of this energy is our independence, the challenge is being alienated. The liver energy moves upward in the body from the base/root chakra to the heart chakra as we move toward summer. It cannot stand any blockages. It can get stuck in the reproductive organs, breast tissue or throat. The organs that are associated with the liver are the eyes. Muscles, ligaments, tendons and toe nails.
The liver/gallbladder is associated with the practical application of ideas and decision making. The negative emotions connected with the liver/gallbladder are frustration and anger. Some symptoms of imbalance are; bad temper, sensitive to light and sounds, loss of vigour, emotional depression, supressed anger (anger affects all the systems). The eyes lacking in lustre, poor muscle tone (generally rigid), nausea & pressure in liver area, pain in the flanks, joint stiffness. The liver stores glycogen which changes into sugar, and plans the distribution of energy, this can have an effect on brain vitality and mental activity.
This change of season is different for everyone. Here are some suggestions to help adjust:
· Get active outdoors, helps produce more serotonin
· Keep regular exercise routine
· Eat plenty fresh fruit & veg
· Stay well hydrated
· Cold showers – help with blood circulation
· Play lively music – get up and dance
· Regulate sleep pattern
· 15 min nap during the day
· Get creative, paint, draw, gardening, take up a new hobby…………………………..
· Yoga/breathing practices
The time of day associated with Liver/gallbladder in TCM is between 11pm and 3am. When we are asleep the lymph system gets to work and gathers up all the waste and then the liver does its work. It is recommended to be in a deep sleep at this time.
The gallbladder meridian runs up the sides of the body, so spinal twists and side bends help to move this energy. The taste associated here is sour. Abdominal breathing helps support all digestive functions especially the liver with metabolism. The Kapalbhati breath is excellent for breaking down internal belly fat.
In general this is the time to ‘Spring clean’, inside and out. It you do have any symptoms that are not going away, it may be a sign of something else out of sync. Lethargy can be a sign of blood pressure issues or blood sugar level problems or Have a blood test to check.
I am continuing with daily practice sessions on Zoom for the month of March-see you there!