As we move into spring I wish to share some Yang Sheng ( To Nourish Life) techniques to support our journey from Winter to Spring and prepare for the emergence from the cold winter months into a place of renewal.
I will focus mainly on the liver as it is the Main organ of influence in Spring time.
Circulation is very important for Liver Health. Regular qigong practice will nourish our Liver energy by invigorating the circulatory system to stimulate a smooth flow of Qi and Blood and strengthen the key organs of the Body. In the Constructive cycle the Liver (Wood element) feeds the Heart (Fire Element), Heart feeds the Spleen (Earth element), Spleen feeds the Lungs (Metal Element), Lungs feed the Kidneys (Water Element). Keeping your liver Healthy, Happy and Strong helps to ensure the other organs are as well.
The Liver also controls the smooth flow of emotions. Using the Breath to keep you calm throughout the day helps us to stay regulated and as a buffer from becoming overwhelmed.
Breathwork helps to prevent stagnation from building up in our Liver. We want a nice steady flow of Qi.
As the Tao states….Express yourself fully…..and be still. So allow yourself freedom of expression and then be still. Yang is actively Expressing yourself. Taking walks, swimming, dancing, sports, Taiji etc. are some ways to express yourself. Yin is stillness. You can use Breathing techniques like Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril Breathing, and Straw Breath, sitting meditation, prayer and chanting. Expression is Yang. Stillness is Yin. Honor them equally.
Find your own rhythm. Our Bodies will let us know what it needs.
What other things we can do you may ask?
- Eating late at night causes stress and stagnation in the Liver. Ideally, leave at least 2 to 3 hours between eating and bedtime. This will help your Liver to repair and rejuvenate during the night.
- The Liver opens into the eyes, so it’s important to rest them. Regularly gaze into the distance, ideally at a natural environment such as a garden or trees.
- Gentle exercises such as qigong, walking, swimming, yoga or golf are better for Liver health than hard or fast exercises. These can stress the tendons, causing them to eventually lose their flexibility, which in turn impacts the Liver’s function of being flexible.
- “Shaking the Tree” (I like to think we humans are the Walking Trees of Mother Earth) is a quick energizer if you only have a moment or two. Simply shake the body all over, from head to toe – this is perfect to support the Liver, releasing tension and stagnation and improving circulation.
- The element associated with the Liver is Wood, so growing plants, flowers or trees supports Liver energy. Spend some time in the garden or take a walk in a forest or park, enjoying the greenery. It is good to have plants in the home, too.
- Deep, restorative sleep is very important for the Liver so that it can repair itself. Sufficient rest and good quality sleep – aiming to be in bed by 10:00pm – will allow the Liver to perform its detoxification and regenerative functions properly. As
Liver function is closely tied to the natural circadian rhythm, maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial. Remember to limit screen time an hour or two before bed.
Use a wooden comb or wear wooden or bamboo accessories. I have a bamboo staff I train with.
Consider wearing stones in shades of green, such as jade, emerald or green tourmaline – make sure they have good clarity.
Transcend your emotions: When you recognize you are beginning to contract or begin to feel a negative emotion, replace it with a positive one. The emotions that are harmful for the Liver are anger, hate, frustration or resentment. Try to replace them with the healing emotions of loving kindness, compassion, empathy and forgiveness.
I teach a technique called the Natures Guidance system that is excellent for shifting from a contracted state of being to an expansive state.
Reach out if you are interested in taking a deep dive into the Natures Guidance System. It is a powerful tool to keep us in a state of respond ability!
Stay tuned to the Blog for monthly inspirations on health, meditation, poetry and art.
David Johnston
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