Seasonal mindfulness: Spring is the season of rebirth

After a long, dark winter, the arrival of spring signals a time of recreational. We see it around us in nature with changes in the light, buds that appear on trees, and drives that appear out of the ground. One of my favorite signs is when the flowers are just before flowering. Here in the western hemisphere, from where I write this, we usually notice that the days in January will be longer, with a clear shift in February. Against this background, it is interesting to determine that March is usually associated with the beginning of spring, but spring in the Chinese lunar calendar on or around the 4 th February (known as Lichun-"spring"). data ccp-props = "{}">

In traditional Chinese medicine, the organs that are associated with spring are liver (Yin organ) and gallbladder (yang organ) and the element wood. Just as in spring it is about rebirth and renewal, including the wood element, which is also associated with our vision and imagination.

Both the liver and the gallbladder are in the upper right side of the abdomen and play an important role in the digestive system. At the physical level, the liver is the most important detoxification organ of the body with only a few tasks, including cleaning toxins from the blood, the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, the production of bile and regulating the amount of blood in the body. The gallbladder, which is located directly under the liver, stores bile, which helps break down fats.

The liver is referred to as "General of the Army" and is a very important organ in the TCM. From an energetic point of view, it is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy), emotions and blood by the body and therefore enables us to create and carry out changes. It is also the organ that is most affected by excessive stress. In the meantime, the gallbladder has been associated with our ability to follow our own way without being deterred by external influences.

The meridians of the liver and gallbladder

The liver meridian begins on the big toe and walks along the inside of the legs, passes the liver and gallbladder before continuing to the lungs, chin and lips and entering the eyes through the head. The gallbladder meridian begins at the outer corner of the eye and runs along the ribs, the waist, the pelvis and the outside of the legs down to the outside of the fourth toe. (For everyone who has been removed the gallbladder, it is important to know that the meridian lines of a distant organ are still available.)

Anger is the primary emotion associated with the liver. As a result, an unbalanced liver qi in the form of mood swings, irritation, aggression, frustration, menstrual complaints, headaches and difficulties in the change can occur. If liver and gallbladder Qi are balanced, we can feel more emotional calm and empathy as well as greater distinction. In addition, we feel less burdened by everyday stress that come to us.

The energy of spring can encourage us to proactively create positive growth and expansion in our lives. This is an ideal time when you wonder: "What do I want to grow (more) this season and in my life?"

Acupressure to support the liver-Qi

Taichong or Leber 3 (also known as "Supreme Rushing" or "Great Surge") is the third point along the Leber Meridian. In addition to the support of the Leber-Qi flow, some other reported advantages of stimulation of this point are the facilitating of digestion, insomnia, headache, PMS symptoms and irritability as well as the regulation of menstruation. To locate liver 3, put a finger on the place where your big toe and second toe meet. Push your finger back about 2.5 cm from here until you find the deepening shortly before the point where the two bones meet. (If it feels slightly sensitive, if you press on this point, you have found the right place.) Press the tip of your finger or thumb with a light to moderate pressure between thirty seconds and two minutes into this deepening at every foot. Here, too, you can massage with gently circular movements. Let your breath be slow and even while you do this.

Yin Yoga for the liver-dragonfly preservation

Sit on the floor with a straight back and outstretched legs. You can sit here on a block or a folded ceiling if this is more pleasant for your lower back. Take your legs apart, as wide as it feels comfortable for your hips. Bring your upper body forward. Come to the front as far as your body allows you to conveniently or strain.

If you want to add some support:

-Maybe you would like to put your forearms or your upper body on a base. You can also put a cushion upright or stack yoga stones in front of you to put your forehead on it.

-If you put a rolled-up blanket or yoga stones behind each knee, you can give your knee tendons more lightness if you feel tense.

The dragonfly conservation can also be practiced on the back with the legs on the wall.

stay here for three to five minutes. To leave your dragonfly pose, roll back gently to sit on.