Happy Liver means a smooth transition into spring and summer. In Macrobiotic living, we respect and support our surrounding environment because we are interconnected with it. I’ve made a list for you to refer to as you make dietary and lifestyle adjustments during this time.
These are some of the most common symptoms that indicate an imbalance in the Liver.
Anger or Irritation
Depression
Digestive disorder (IBS and indigestion)
Menstrual disorders (PMS, irregular or painful menses)
Shoulder and Neck tension
Headaches and Dizziness
During spring there is a tendency to experience an increase in the above Liver pathologies. But, by shifting our awareness and taking simple steps we can harmonize our Liver with the expanding energy of spring and experience getter wellbeing.
Simple lifestyle changes make a big difference
1. Wake early. While it is still beneficial to go to bed by 10 pm, the morning is the spring of the day and therefore in spring it is a good idea to begin to rise earlier. Wake by 7am and see if you feel more energized throughout the day.
2. Exercise. While exercise is important year-round, the connections between spring, the Liver, and anger and depression makes this time of year especially important to have a good exercise routine. Any exercise that gets you moving and sweating provides an avenue of release for those emotions. All it takes is a brisk walk in nature for 20-30 minutes 3-4x/ week.
3. Eat your Greens. The Liver is associated with the color green. Take advantage of the new spring growth and increase your consumption of kale, sprouts, arugula, watercress, and other green vegetables.
4. Add sour to your diet. The flavor related to the Liver is sour. Add a slice of fresh lemon to a glass of water every morning. This aids both digestive and emotional health.
5. Relax and de-stress. While the tendency in the spring is to get even busier, it is important to schedule downtime as not to burn out all your energy in spring.
6. Bodywork such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic and etc. all work together to bring you to balance by harmonizing you and attuning you to spring.
Experience relief in your symptoms and set yourself up for long term health for the rest of the year by taking time to live within nature’s rhythm.
Virginia
