Time to Renew

Crocuses are blooming! During spring flowers begin to bloom, leaves appear, and birds return from the south. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and principles are based on observations of Nature. Spring is time to renew our bodies, just as it is a renewal time for nature. What can you do to help with this revitalization?

According to TCM, the liver is the primary organ of springtime because it is a major organ for detoxification. It removes toxins from our blood that are inhaled, ingested, and absorbed through the skin. The liver has an enormous task, even if you are careful to eat healthy; avoid smoking, drinking, and drugs; and use natural body care products and household cleansers. The air we breathe is polluted, and it’s virtually impossible to avoid all chemicals. Our livers can definitely use a “healing hand”.

Why Cleanse? A stressed liver may, among other things, cause headaches; allergies and sensitivities; tearing or inflammation of tendons, ligaments, and muscles; stiff neck and shoulders; anger, irritability, frustration and depression; high blood pressure; eye problems; fatigue; and skin problems.

Food Cures. It’s no coincidence that green is the color associated with liver energy - the same color we see more and more of during spring. While winter has us craving heavier, richer comfort foods, in spring we should lighten up. Eating more leafy green vegetables and sprouts is consistent with foods becoming available locally. If you are veggie-challenged, consider adding a greens food supplement to your diet such as spirulina - known for its energizing, nutritious, and detoxifying properties.

Here are some other foods especially suited to boosting liver energy during springtime:

Vegetables: onions, beets, cabbage, turnip root, daikon radish, radishes, kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, asparagus, celery, lettuce, cucumber, watercress, parsley, Swiss chard, artichoke, dandelion leaves.

Fruits: strawberries (choose organic), dark grapes (local or imported), blackberries, lemon, lime, grapefruit; small amounts of peaches (choose organic).

Grains: brown rice, sweet rice, basmati rice, sprouted grains, whole grains, rye, quinoa, millet, oats, barley, amaranth, roasted buckwheat groats (kasha); naturally leavened, whole-grain sourdough rye bread.

Spices: turmeric, basil, basil leaf, cardamom, marjoram, cumin, dill, ginger, black pepper, rosemary, mint.

Liquids: Lots of room temperature water (optionally add squeezed fresh lemon), green or herbal tea (e.g. mint, chamomile); coffee substitute like chicory (tastes similar to coffee), and yerba mate tea (energizing effect).

Beneficial fats: EFA-plex oil (1 Tbsp per 50 lbs body weight daily - may have to work up to this if digestion is weak by starting with 1 tsp 2-3 times daily and gradually increasing).

Sea veggies: hijiki, nori, kombu, etc.

Beans: aduki beans, mung beans (also detoxify the body), black beans, kidney beans.

Protein: Soy sources of protein (primarily fermented soy products such as tempeh or miso).

Herbs. There are many herbs known to help protect and renew liver cells. They are generally bitter herbs, including milk thistle, dandelion, and artichoke, and the Chinese herbs chai hu and long dan cao. However, TCM is always about balancing and choosing what is right for you. When you are cleansing the liver, make sure you are properly eliminating toxins and addressing other strengths and weaknesses that are unique to you.

Exercise: Stretch, stretch, and stretch. As it warms up, go outside and move around. Find a beautiful place to breathe fresh air.