Spring Time Meridians- Liver and Gallbladder

According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are specific energy pathways called meridians associated with each season. Traditionally, the yin liver and yang gallbladder meridians have been associated with springtime and the element of wood.

During spring is a great time to be aware of these two meridians and to notice how they are working or not working for you and your life. In a perfect world, all meridians would be in balance and their energy referred to as Qi in TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) would be flowing optimally. Unfortunately, with stress, our busy lives, our environment, toxic overload, and unhealthy eating and exercise habits these meridians can become imbalanced, congested or stagnant. When the meridian energy doesn't flow as it should, then we can begin to feel out of sorts energetically, emotionally, and sometimes physically.

The same is true for the wood element. The wood element can also become imbalanced or stagnant. The good news is that you can bring balance to these meridians and element by better eating habits, exercise like yoga, and less stress. The colour associated with the wood is green, so eat more green vegetables during this time to balance this element.

Balanced Yin Liver meridian governs:

• Growth
• Development
• Drive and desires
• Ambitions
• Creativity

Imbalanced Liver Meridian:

• Anger
• Arrogant
• Over controlling
• Angry disposition
• Frustration
• Resentment
• Irritability
• Jealousy
• Depression
• Bitter taste in mouth, belching
• Dry or cracked nails
• Bloodshot, burning sensation in eyes

When Yin Liver meridian is imbalanced avoid:

• Hot and spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Toxic things

Benefits Liver:

• Sour and bitter flavors
• Physical exercise
• Reading
  

Liver Qi is at its peak between the hours of 1:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m. If you find yourself waking up between these 2 hours, then your Liver Meridian may need some nurturing.

Balanced Yang Gallbladder governs:

• Decision making
• Judgment
• Courage and initiative
• Sound sleep
  

Imbalnced Yang Gallbladder Meridian:

• Indecisive
• Resentment
• Easily discouraged
• Timid
  

Yang Gallbladder Qi is at its peak between the hours of 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

During this time it's best to give your Gallbladder meridian a rest and avoid caffeine, alcohol, stress, and toxins. Resting your body between those 2 hours will greatly benefit the Gallbladder meridian.

Yoga poses can help activate the meridian energy channels. Some poses to help balanced the liver and Gallbladder meridian are listed below.

Beneficial Yoga Poses:

• Gate pose
• Runners lunge
• Pigeon pose
• Butterfly
• Janu Sirsasana

Wood element governs:

• Sense of vision
• Anger
• Sound of shouting
  

Balanced and strong Wood element:

• Clear vision and goals
• Excel at planning
• Excel at decision making

Imbalanced Wood elelment:

• Indecisive
• Feel stuck in life
• No real direction
• Unable to express anger
• Digestive problems

Benefits Wood element:

• Sour foods
• Chewing Mindfully

Affirmation Suggestions:

• I allow the free flow of Qi in my Liver meridian to be restored and balanced at this time. 
• I allow the free flow of Qi in my Gallbladder meridian to be restored and balanced at this time.
• I allow the free flow of Qi in my wood element to be restored and balanced at this time.

Whether your Liver, Gallblader meridians and wood are balanced or not, spring time is the best time to nurture these meridians and element. The keys is to always treat your body with kindness and compassion and then you will hopefully never have to worry about any of these things again. Treat your body with respect and your Qi will flow effortlessly.

Many Blessings,

Kymberly Wostbrock

loveopensall.com

*Meridian definition-

"(in acupuncture and Chinese medicine) each of a set of pathways in the body along which vital energy is said to flow. There are twelve such pathways associated with specific organs."

https://www.google.com/search?q=meridians&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

NOTE: You should consult a doctor before beginning any excercise regimen or changing your diet.

Kymberly is a Certified Reiki Master, ThetaHealer®, Colorlight Practitioner,

Yoga Teacher and Spiritual Teacher.