Spring is here and people are starting to talk about detox and cleansing their bodies. I often read articles about different kinds of diets and Liver cleansing. Nutritionists and food experts recommend eating fresh veggies and making your own smoothies and juices and they talk at length about different kinds of diets, for example the Keto diet, detox drinks and whatever else is currently trending.
Let's forget the latest trends for a moment, and tune into our bodies. Spring, and especially the month of April, is associated with the Liver. The Liver is a very special organ. It is a superhero within your body.
Why is the Liver special?
The Liver is the body's heaviest internal organ. It weighs around 3 pounds in adulthood and is also the body's largest solid organ. It is also the largest gland in the body which makes and secretes bile. It is one of the hardest working organs in the body. Without a functioning Liver, a person cannot survive. It is the only human internal organ that can regenerate itself (25% of the original Liver mass can regenerate back to its full size).
The Liver works as a chemical -processing plant - it filters toxins and waste products from the blood producing chemicals that break down fat and creating urea. Clearing the body of toxins is very important for personal health. Many illnesses can be traced to toxic build up. The Liver absorbs poisons and toxic substances before neutralizing them.
The Liver also stores vitamins and minerals such as iron and copper, releasing them if the body needs them. It breaks down proteins (with the help of vitamin K), alcohol, medications, old and damaged blood cells, and fats, as well as producing and storing energy. The Liver can store extra blood sugar as glycogen. If your blood sugar levels increase (after a meal for example), the Liver removes sugar from blood and stores it in the form of glycogen. If blood sugar levels are too low the Liver breaks down glycogen and releases sugar into the blood. The Liver is responsible for bile production and excretion (with excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones and drugs). The bile is stored in the Gallbladder, a small organ on the underside of the Liver. These two organs are partners. They both have important roles in all metabolic processes in the body. Without the Liver, it is impossible to have a properly working metabolism, healthy circulation, balanced hormones, clean blood and strong digestion!
The Liver helps with our digestion of food but also our digestion of emotions. It is the organ most affected by excess stress or emotions. It is responsible for the smooth flow of emotions, Chi energy and blood. The Liver has an impact on both our skin and eye health. It rules the health of nails, vision and the eyes.
Where is the Liver in our body?
The Liver is a dark reddish-brown organ shaped like a "fat croissant" situated mostly under our ribs. It's position is mostly in the right upper abdomen, below the diaphragm. A portion of the Liver goes into the left upper quadrant of the abdomen as well. It sits on top of the stomach, right kidney and intestines. The Liver is part of the Solar Plexus Chakra which is associated also with the Stomach, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Small Intestine, muscles and adrenals.
The Liver diagnostic
How can you recognize an unbalanced Liver? The Liver diagnostic zone is between the eyebrow and the root of the nose. The withdrawal, or hardening of the Liver is manifested in wrinkles in that zone. Degree of liver degeneration is shown in the number and appearance of these wrinkles. Also, white spots on the skin together with deep wrinkles in the area between the eyebrows can indicate cysts in the Liver. Age spots on the skin, hair loss , hair sedation or dry hair can indicate Liver penetration. During my massages I sometimes see vertical ridges on people's fingernails which can signify a weak Liver.
Symptoms and risk factors
Symptoms of Liver disease could be jaundice (skin and eyes appear yellowish), itchy skin, abdominal pain and swelling, gallstones, bloating and gas, nausea and vomiting, constipation, weight loss, swelling in the legs and ankles, and chronic fatigue. Certain drugs (for example excessive amounts of acetaminophen or Tylenol) and excessive intake of alcohol can of course damage the liver as well.
Alcohol abuse, tattoos and body piercings are dangerous to the Liver, as are unprotected sex and usage of illegal drugs. Antibiotic usage, consuming chemically treated vegetables (crop spraying), air pollution, toxin exposure in household and beauty products, high stress, obesity, diabetes, and a poor diet can also contribute to liver damage.
Liver inflammation can cause a stiff neck, heartburn, gallstones, stomach pain, irregular menstruation, stored anger and aggressive behavior.
Here are some of the Liver's enemies:
Synthetic hormones, antibiotics, too much alcohol and/or caffeine, fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides, refined grains, farm-raised fish, factory - produced meat, conventional dairy, sugar, processed foods - the Liver has to work extremely hard to remove all of these toxins from the body.
How to take care of our Liver naturally
To improve your Liver health these foods are recommended:
- bitter green vegetables such as arugula, chicory, dandelion, mustard greens
- cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale
- raw cultured vegetables
- fresh herbs (turmeric, parsley, coriander, cilantro,oregano......)
- raw garlic (lowers inflammation, increases blood flow)
- raw honey, preferably locally procured
- nuts
- fatty fish (rich in Omega 3)
-probiotic foods (kefir..)
- apple cider vinegar
- green tea (matcha)
- grapefruit, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, which are all high in antioxidants
- melons
- beetroot (fights inflammation)
In April have more vitamin A, zinc, magnesium - a short talk with your doctor may be in order
Remember that sugary foods (drinks and snacks) put lot of pressure on your Liver to convert and store glucose.
Don't eat with people you don't like!
Anger
Anger and long-stored grief are emotions which affect the Liver and it's partner, the Gallbladder. The Liver is the organ most affected by excess stress and emotions. Displays of rage can indicate that this anger energy is in excess and can cause a blockage of the Liver.
Many years ago during my massage and wellness studies I had an appointment with my teacher/healer. I laid down on his massage table and he performed his check up on me. At the end he told me: "You are a healthy young lady, just pay attention to your Liver and you will be alright. You are a Liver person, born in April, be sure to calm yourself down daily, let go of built-up anger. Practice forgiveness regularly and try to stay as calm as you can." I will never forget his words.
Anger and fear can really be damaging to us. Constant fear of not having enough (food, money, love, attention) can be very dangerous and toxic. There are people who try to have too much (food, sex, alcohol, etc.) and later they are deeply unhappy. Depression often arrives, which affects our Liver, leading to stagnation of the Liver Chi energy. Unhappiness, anger and the "nobody loves me" attitude can block and unbalance your Liver. Psychological symptoms include brain fog, headaches, menstrual problems, digestive disorders and more. It is said that 80% of people are angry or irritated, resulting in an array of available drugs used in treatment, which further damage the Liver and Gallbladder. You have to go within. Understand your body more. Listen to what it is saying and restore the balance. Get rid of old toxic thoughts and try to keep only the good ones.
People with a healthy Liver are calm leaders and healthy decision makers. They don't have much stress and tension in their life and in their body. The Liver represents how we are able to communicate with our surroundings.
Liver Meridian
A meridian is an energy path in our body with Chi energy flowing through it. Chi energy is the life force. The Liver meridian is responsible for filtering, detoxifying, nourishing, replenishing and storing blood even when we are resting, sleeping or exercising.
It's line starts on the big toe, passes in front of the inside ankle and continues up the inner thighs to the groin region, lower abdomen, ribs, and throat. Then it rises up the cheeks, comes into the eyes, passes up the forehead, and ends at the crown of the head.
Peak hours of this meridian are between 1 am - 3 am. Insomnia, waking up during this time of night can signify an unbalanced Liver.
Physical imbalances are mostly connected to our vision and nails, and emotional imbalances are shown as anger, frustration, jealousy.
The Liver doesn't like the stress of modern life, toxins, and keeping our emotions locked inside.
Our Liver likes a balanced lifestyle - regular bedtime, regular yoga stretches, Chi-Gong exercise and expressing emotions consciously rather than keeping them trapped inside of us.
Massage
I love to take care of my Liver. It is the darling organ we can't live without. It needs our loving care because it works so hard to keep us healthy and alive.
There are lots of ways to give love to your Liver. There are massage points on the hands and feet to stimulate liver function. Always breathe deeply throughout the self-massage.
There are a few points on the top of the foot that are part of the Liver Meridian such as the third point called "Taichong". You can learn more about the meridians and acupressure points.
In April the Liver increases its function and is also very sensitive. That's why it is so important to pay attention to it. I love to massage the top part of the foot. Actually, there is a reflex liver zone, but you don't need to find it precisely. It is very beneficial just to massage the entire top of the foot. Gently massage the top right foot below the last three toes; in the second half of April you can press more firmly there to strengthen the Liver.
Bend your fingers backward on each hand and stretch them, letting the fingers on the other hand be the guide. Breathe. Change hands. With the thumb of your left hand you can massage the area below your little finger in your right palm. Don't worry about finding the proper "Liver zone", you can't go wrong with gently massaging the whole palm if you want. Hand massage in general is very good for you.
You can find more massage tips on my "Unconditional Space in Uzes " Facebook Page.
"In my life I experience only love, peace and joy and I lovingly release anger and irritation"
" I let go everything I no longer need"
"I have a beautiful healthy Liver"
Your Liver knows what to do - it knows how to cleanse your body. Help it to do its job by eating good food, releasing anger, moving your body and massaging it - your Liver will thank you!!
At the studio I offer massages and therapeutic treatments how to clean the Liver and make this beautiful organ stronger and healthier. I also re-establish communication among the Liver and the other organs so they can be happy and healthy again. Make an appointment today!
