The Spirit of Renewal: Spring and Traditional Chinese Medicine
By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM

While winter was a time to conserve energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and a renewal of spirit.

Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. As spring is represented by the wood element and includes the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder, these two organs are usually the primarytargetsfor springtime cleansing and health regimens.

• Element: Wood
• Color: Green
• Nature: Yang
• Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
• Emotion: Anger

Liver Qi Stagnation
Spring corresponds to the “Wood” element, which in turn is conceptually related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body and smoothing our emotions. Anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our Qi is not flowing smoothly. This is referred to as Liver Qi Stagnation, one of the most common imbalances treated by Eastern medicine practitioners in the United States.

Acupressure Points for Moving Qi
A popular treatment for the stress, anger, and frustration associated with Liver Qi Stagnation is known as the “four gates.” The four gates are the right and left side acupuncture points Lv 3–Liver 3 (Taichong) and Large LI 4–Large Intestine 4 (Hegu).Together these four acupuncture points are thought to enhance the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body and have a calming and analgesic effect. They are also used to alleviate pain.

Large Intestine 4 is located on the padded area of your hand between the thumb and index finger, between the first and second metacarpal bones. Massage this point with your thumb on both hands for approximately 30 seconds.

Liver 3 is located in a hollow on the top of your foot below the gap between your big toe and the next toe, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. To stimulate this point, place your right heel in the juncture between the bones that attach to the large and second toes and gently knead the point for approximately thirty seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate Lv 3 on your other foot.

Liver Qi Stagnation Signs and Symptoms:
Depression Bitter taste in mouth
Mood swings Constipation
Sighing Abdominal pain and discomfort
Hiccups Poor appetite
Frustration Churning sensation in stomach
Inappropriate anger Irregular or painful periods
Sensation of a lump in throat PMS with irritability or swollen breasts
Difficulty swallowing Stomachache that worsens with anger
Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body Stomachache that improves after massage

Foods Used For Liver Qi Stagnation:
Milk Thistle Tea Tofu
Garlic Squash
Turmeric Sweet potato
Cherries Spearmint
Chicken Saffron
Mustard seed Oregano
Red and black dates Red bean
Caraway seed Sweet basil

-Re-printed with permission from AcuFinder.com, the largest acupuncture practitioner, school and event directory in North America. Click here to list your practice!