by Tanya Keam | Oct 24, 2016 | Acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Client information, Daily Rituals, DIY Wellness Tips, Exercise, Fitness, Immune Support, Liver Health, Mental health, Nambour, Nature, Nutrition, Seasonal living, Spring, Stress, Sunshine coast, Wellness
We live in one of the most fittest and healthiest places in Australia. We often have triathlon events, surfers at Noosa, runners on Alex hill, mountain climbers on Ngun Ngun, dog walking at Kawana and health cafes popping up everywhere. Who wants to stay inside on a sunny weekend? NO ONE!
Spring is the season of regeneration and growth and connects to the liver organ. The days become longer and we want to spend more time outside, especially living on the beautiful Sunshine Coast!
Here are some tips and strategies fitness wise and to support liver health:
From a Western medicine perspective, the liver is a very important organ that stores blood, produces bile, processes toxins and aids in our immune function.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, it also has a major influence on the smooth flow of energy (life force) to move throughout our bodies. When something blocks this energy flow such as lack of exercise, stress, pent up emotions or an unhealthy lifestyle; the liver becomes agitated/blocked/stuck, which can lead to symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, PMS, tight muscles, mood swings, digestive discomfort, pain in the body and headaches.
So what can you do to your liver energy/life force to flow smoothly in the face of every day activities?
Exercise: The best way to get your energy moving is to move! Different types of exercise suit different people. Some people do really well with vigorous exercise such as long runs or high intensity interval training (HIIT), while other people are more suited to slower, gentle forms of movement such as walking or yoga. I have personally found a mix of both types of exercise to be beneficial. If the gym is a bore, then find something you enjoy, it might even be a group fitness class where you can meet new people. This spring I’m into swimming, yoga, running and resistance exercises. Get those endorphins flowing !!!!
Diet: It is important to eat foods that will cleanse and improve overall liver function. Sour flavours belong to the liver/gallbladder function. Having a squeeze of lemon in warm water first thing in the morning invigorates the liver to get moving for the day and vinaigrette dressings can be added to salads. Leafy greens such as kale, lettuce, spinach and chard support liver detoxification pathways. Artichokes contain a flavonoid which is a strong antioxidant – meaning prevention and cleansing of free radical damage to cells. Try to reduce the amount of dairy, alcohol, greasy and deep fried foods, and excessive salt.
Manage stress – Stress plays a part in all of our lives, and a small amount is healthy, but its just how we manage it all that counts. Dealing with issues, conflict in relationships, pent up emotions, work situations etc. Seek professional support if needed but otherwise have a ‘self care’ approach to your day to day lives. Rest when you need to, have health treatments such as acupuncture or massage, exercise, take moments to be in nature and soak up some vitamin D, express how you feel, plan your day and week ahead.
It’s the little things that count. See you in the pool!
Take care,
TK x
Tanya Keam Wellness is an experienced health clinic in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast. Helping you to feel better in all aspects of your health and wellbeing.
by Tanya Keam | Oct 29, 2015 | Alkaline, Client information, Daily Rituals, DIY Wellness Tips, Emotions, Gynaecological, Liver Health, Menstrual cycle, Nourishing, Seasonal living, Spring, Stress
SPRING into Spring !
Spring is the season of growth and transformation. We come out of the hibernation of Winter and move forward with bursting flowers, warmer weather and longer days of sunlight. There is a sense of renewal and new life all around.
While Winter was a time to conserve energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and a renewal of spirit.
Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being, as well as corresponding to the “Wood” element, which in turn is conceptually related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy movement throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. We even feel like doing more exercise and being outside!
Imbalances that can occur during Spring:
Feeling frustrated, irritable, anger outbursts
Insomnia, restless sleep
Temporal headaches, migraines
Depression
Abdominal discomfort
Alternating bowel motions
Lack of motivation
A feeling like there is a lump in the throat
Premenstrual symptoms
Irregular, painful periods
Bitter taste in the mouth
Stiff joints
Dry mouth and throat
Ringing in the ears
Sore red eyes, blurry vision
Seasonal acupuncture treatments a minimum four times a year can serve to regulate the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become health problems. Acupuncture can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver disharmony.
Stretch – The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try a local yoga class!
Eye Exercises – The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat Greens – Green is the colour of the liver and of spring time. Eating young plants – fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses – can improve the liver’s overall function.
Taste Sour – Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver’s movement. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Do more outdoor activities – Outside air helps energy to flow. If you have been feeling irritable or stuck, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver stagnation. Try bush walking or take up swimming.
Enjoy milk thistle tea
Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Take care of you, see you in the clinic,
TK xx
Tanya Keam Wellness is an experienced health clinic on the Sunshine Coast. Helping you to feel better in all aspects of your health and wellbeing.
