Are you feeling bloated, angry, and unable to make decisions?
According to the Chinese Five Element theory, the body is made up of the same five primary elements that exist in nature – Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth and Water. Each of these elements links to different organs, and affects us physically and psychologically.
In spring the wood element is strongest, so activating the meridians (energy channels) of the liver and gallbladder brings balance to these organs, and provides us with the ability to change and be flexible.
The liver
The liver is the biggest organ in the body and the most important outside of the brain and the heart. It is located to the right of the stomach, in the upper abdomen and below the diaphragm. The liver performs a lot of different tasks, like – processing and eliminating toxins and drugs from our bodies, producing bile that is used to break down fats and to fight infection and disease. It is also responsible for cleansing our blood, storing glycogen, the body’s glucose storage and processing digested foods and their nutrients.
According to The Chinese Medicine System the liver controls the peripheral nervous system, which regulates muscular activity and tension. Liver energy also controls ligaments and tendons, which together with muscles regulate motor activity and determine physical coordination.
Liver imbalance can cause anger, frustration, an inability to adapt to change, and inability to think or plan. Also blurry vision, tight joints or recurring joint problems can occur.
Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” ~ Buddha quote.
Meridians for the liver
The liver meridian starts at the inside of the big toenail, crosses over the foot, to the inside ankle, continues past the knee along the inner thigh to the groin. It continues up and around the stomach to the liver and gallbladder. It connects with the ribs, runs up through the throat, opening to the eye, and ends at the crown of the head; a branch also circles the mouth. From within the liver, another internal branch reaches the lungs.
This is an excerpt out of the book, Spring Yoga: 20 Poses for the Liver and Gall Bladder Meridians available on Amazon. This e-Book also contains many links to video clips so you can practice along with the teacher, guaranteeing you get the most out of this informative yoga book.
Books in the Yoga for the Seasons range:
Spring Yoga
Summer Yoga
Autumn Yoga
Winter Yoga
