An alarm call to Spring from your Liver! | TCM 5-Element Natural Inspirations for health

Dawn Chorus vs TCM body clock.

There is a rhythm and flow to life and we are part of it”. (Louise Hay). In TCM terms (Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophy), Spring is the Liver’s optimal time. My previous blog

‘Liver: Spring’s antidote to Stress’ referred to the seasonality of body energy and health correlations, particularly for the Liver. Each of the 5 Phases (commonly referred to as the 5 ‘Elements’) influences specific body organs and systems in various ways regarding physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, health and well-being. We are all part of the natural rhythms of the natural world. Birth, life, death, health and wellbeing in TCM 5 Element terms are reflected by a series of cycles – daily, monthly, yearly, seasonally and so on… from the macro down to the micro.

Growth & Transformation: With TCM the Liver relates to personal growth and the ability to transform – qualities shared with the early seasonal emergence of flowers that delight our senses with their delicate presence, announcing the arrival of Spring. They naturally embrace the TCM season’s qualities: outward, expansive, ‘Wood Chi’ (energy).

Snowdrop aspirations: To ascribe human qualities to the ‘Wood Element’ – inspired by the beautiful snowdrop’s example of achievement – the transition from bulb to flower – we would have to: (1) transform our personal ambitions germinated during the Yin Winter, ‘Water’ (Kidney/Bladder) Phase; (2) produce a thoroughly researched programme demonstrating achievement is possible; (3) strategically consider where and when is the best time and place to emerge against challenging odds (4) hope that success will bring pleasure and joy (Summer ‘Fire’ Heart/Small Intestine emotion) to others. In summation, positive TCM ‘Wood’ qualities of resolution, drive, successful accomplishment.

What time is it? In balance, those endowed with the ‘Constitutional’ characteristics of the Wood Element generously enjoy using their skills for strategic planning and implementation. On the other hand, being thwarted at every turn, unappreciated and too stressed for too long will inhibit their energy and suppress their commitment . Signature stress clues of Liver/Gall Bladder chi imbalance are: irritability, sudden outbursts of anger (think of Spring’s March winds), resentment or frustration. By way of compensation, stressed ‘Woodies’ can become over-controlling and inflexible (mentally or physically), losing their far-sightedness ability – classically, not being able to see the wood for the trees!

Dawn Chorus vs Liver’s Alarm Clock: Restlessness, dream-disturbed sleep, insomnia and excessive waking during the night between 1.00 a.m.– 3.00 a.m. are other key (Liver-stress) indicators which, of course, further undermines daily performance, perspectives and relationships for the out of kilter Wood Element. Such night time ‘disruption’ is the body’s rhythmical message to us, a notification that it’s time to detox and de-stress (physically, mentally, emotionally); time to rebalance the subtle energies, with a yin for yang treatment approach and not to over-stimulate with like on like i.e. yang for yang!

Body Clocks: The TCM 24-hour Body Clock acknowledges the holistic requirements for consistent performance: to balance work, rest and play through recuperation and restoration. Each organ chi has a peak and rest period, allowing for tissue repair, growth and elimination – a circadian rhythm representative for the biological processes involved for energy and life purpose. In the 24 hour cycle, the Liver’s peak time is between 1.00 a.m.–3.00 a.m. and rest time between 1.00 p.m.–3.00 p.m. (not a time, therefore, to over-stimulate this organ chi during a treatment!).

Time Management: Clear the mind, clear the body! The benefits of setting a calming bedtime routine, for example, a comforting bath, lavender on the pillow, chamomile tea, brief meditation, positive reading, no last minute techy stuff etc., can be comfortingly supportive. In addition a kinder, less detrimental, nutritional attitude (dump the junk!) will help the body combat the effects of stress on the system e.g. erratic energy levels and mood swings. Start this in Spring and see how you feel by Summer.

There’s no time like the present:
When night becomes day, the pressures pile and the Chi excessively ‘peaks’ in the early hours that’s exactly the time to buffer the effects of stress. Investing in a series of gentle recuperative reflexology sessions can diffuse the effects of over-stimulation and – through multi-system relaxation – help with regaining a good night’s sleep. Sometimes by doing less you will accomplish more!

NB: chronic lack of sleep can lead to other health issues so always consult with your physician about such matters.

The therapist is the conductor of the 5-Element orchestra: To Fine Tune for more TCM Good Vibrations with Reflexology Plus the Meridian Way™, Louise runs Wellness Links in Chi© CPD Approved Master Classes and Workshops. https://www.reflexologyplus-therapies.co.uk/good-vibes-classes/