Spring Season - Wood Element - Liver Detox

As promised this blog is about Springtime and Wood energy which are directly related to the Liver organ in the human body.
By now just about everyone should be enjoying the magical awakening that is taking place. In the cycle of the seasons spring is a wonderful experience of rebirth and expression. It is important to take a moment and immerse yourself in this process. The natural world has so much healing energy, yet we almost seem to avoid it these days...

In Chinese 5 Element theory Spring is associated with the element of Wood. The Wood energy flow is facilitated through the liver. The liver is the yin organ which stores blood and facilitates the flow of blood and energy through the body. The liver is responsible for the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. The gallbladder is the yang organ that balances the liver and is responsible for storing and excreting bile. Cultivating Wood energy can help with subduing anger and irritability as well as banishing indecisiveness. It also helps with blood flow problems.
The increasing power of Wood provides us with the ability to recognize our higher purpose in life. Connecting to Wood energy brings us into alignment with nature.

Care for your Liver
After a cold winter it is always beneficial to take care of your liver.
1 - Drink water 1st thing in the morning - this supports the liver's natural detoxification process
2 - Eat more green vegetables - green is the color associated with the liver and provides chlorophyll, a substance plants use to trap the energy of the sun.
3 - avoid refined sugar
4 - eat more sour tasting foods to enhance bile flow
5 - reduce alcohol, nicotine and caffeine consumption to ease the pressure on the liver.
6 - schedule time for self-care. Get a massage, take a hot bath, come to a vermont retreat!
7 - Breathe, move and relax....
Practice Zen Yoga! - http://www.artofzenyoga.com

Vernal Equinox - 2010

Saturday March 20 is the Vernal Equinox.

In many traditions the Vernal Equinox is the beginning of the Awakening Time. It is a time of emergence from the long dark hibernation of winter when everything comes back to life and awakens. The Vernal Equinox marks the beginning of spring, a balance point of time when energy starts to rise just as the sap begins to flow upwards into the branches of the tree.

This is a very powerful time of year, a time of exhilaration.

In Chinese 5 Element philosophy, springtime is associated with the element of Wood. Wood represents growth. It is the element of expansion. Wood is the lifeforce that exists within all things. In the body, the sacred point of Wood is the lower dan tien, a point approximately three finger widths below the navel. By practicing deep breathing into this point we can access the energy of the Wood and connect with the inexhaustible source within our being.

The color of Wood energy is green. Wood energy provides confidence and the ability to persevere in times of difficulty. It enhances physical strength and stamina. Balanced Wood energy is rooted and decisive. Unbalanced Wood energy brings anger and confusion.

The Wood energy flow is facilitated through the Liver. In my next post I will discuss ways we can increase the vitality of the Liver.