If this stagnant qi continues to build, an internal pressure builds that will eventually need to release. About 30% of the diet should be comprised of complex carbohydrates. Therapies for Qi Stagnation: Diet Therapy: Foods to Eat: Foods that decongest and aid the Liver include vegetables, bitter foods and dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, dandelion, mustard, beet and mustard greens. You can read even more about how Liver Qi Stagnation, this most vital of the Liver functions, affects your life, here. This may be especially true during the holidays. The Liver and Liver Qi Stagnation Spring is ruled by the wood element, which is associated with the liver, an organ with an incredible capacity for regeneration. says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospitals. Then add your choice of. Pu gong yin (dandelion) clears the liver and clears the eyes. This is the first part of a three part series about women’s physiology, specifically as it concerns the menstrual cycle, from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and biomedical views. marijuana has a similar effect and should be avoided or used sparingly), The Body Doesn’t Lie (Acupuncture for Stress), Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Painful Periods and Cramps, Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Asthma, Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Immunity, Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Digestion, Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Depression, Spring is Here-Lighten up with Acupuncture, 3470 South Sherman St. #3 Englewood, CO 80113, Robinette Acupuncture - Gentle and effective acupuncture in Denver and Englewood. Just all in a days work for the seemingly lowly flowering 'weed' that we call a dandelion. Syndromes of the Liver in Chinese Medicine. Pu Gong Ying is also used in TCM to help treat jaundice...and more! However, too much of this can just as easily be a PMS) and Blood Deficiency. For any woman trying to conceive and/or get healthier this includes a regular routine including proper nutrition & sleep plus stress reduction. Leave room in your stomach and look to eat mildly spicy foods (dispersing and pungent flavours). Infections for which Pu Gong Ying can be of use include: acute mastitis, skin abscesses and infections, upper respiratory tract infections, lung abscess and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Lu hui (aloe) also clears liver fire and is a purgative. Apple cider vinegar (bitter and sour) is detoxifying and very activating - a good boost for the Liver. We discuss organs and channels involved in the menstrual cycle and how they direct and support this cycle and conception. Oils & Condiments: Flaxseed oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (first cold pressed), Vinegar (in moderation), Molasses, Miso, Soy (Bragg’s), Horseradish. Well in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we say that your Liver may be having trouble moving your Qi. However, when your qi is imbalanced, your body will not be as energized and nourished as it could be. Limit cold foods (like iced water and riding the ice cream train too often), as well as refined foods. sautéed vegetables). When possible, don’t eat while distracted or emotionally upset; select a calming space for meals. Although Spring is a time when the Liver is more challenged, Liver Qi Stagnation can occur any time of year. What’s more is that a MAJOR cause of disease is stagnation. Diet. If you’re Liver is feeling sluggish and are wanting to do a liver cleanse, Spring is the best time of year. The Liver controls the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body which is crucial to the health of all of the organ systems of the body. Pungent and aromatic foods help circulate and open up the qi flow. Are any of your health symptoms worse when you're emotional? Bitter or Sour Foods to Reduce Excess of the Liver rye romaine lettuce asperagus radish leaves citrus peel dandelion root milk thistle seeds chamomile flowers quinoa lemon /lime /grapefruit. Those who suffer from liver qi stagnation tend to experience nausea, constipation … "Liver Qi stagnation" besides poor diet is caused by chronic stress or unresolved anger. Potential causes: long-term Liver Qi Stagnation; feeling angry often; high stress. Some foods give us more energy and protect us from qi deficiency or liver stagnation better than others. The liver is weakened by spicy, greasy and heavy foods, excessive caffeine and alcohol. Disqus Comments. Liver Qi Stagnation is responsible for many emotional troubles that come with or without PMS! Warm, cooked, bland or sweet natured foods are best for all people. Therefore long term stress and anger lead to "heat in the Liver". This is often experienced as headaches, high blood pressure, or a raging temper. Jing has the greatest density and Shen is the most subtle. Seeds and Nuts: Black sesame seeds, hemp seeds, chestnuts and pine nuts. Look to our Free and Easy Wanderer formula. Grains & Legumes: Rice, Millet, Quinoa, Spelt, Mung Beans, Lentils, Rye, Amaranth, sprouted grains. Eat less at each meal, eat main meals earlier; try to avoid late night meals and skipping meals. When searching for the underlying cause of disease, practitioners of Chinese medicine often look first to the liver. When the liver becomes congested, the Hun becomes agitated due to the abundance of heat with no way to disperse it. As pretty much any energy that is supposed to be moving stagnates will generate heat, it is no surprise that when our Liver energy (which is known as the energetic fan of the body) slows down (usually due to ‘stuckness’ of our emotions, heat is generated in our bodies - which doesn’t feel very good. And research is continuing to develop in TCM and within integrated medicine. In TCM terms, two common origins of menstrual issues are Liver Qi Stagnation (e.g. Vegetables: virtually all vegetables are fine when treating Liver Qi stagnation, but they should be mostly cooked, and mildly spicy ones such as onions, garlic, radishes, chives, etc can assist in resolving Liver Qi stagnation. Liver Qi Stagnation is a common TCM diagnosis that is usually present when symptoms are worst with STRESS. Again, because the Liver is in charge of the smooth flow of Qi, this pattern is called “Liver Qi Stagnation.” Since there are so many ways this pattern can appear, it is divided into categories of related symptoms. Secondly, stop eating when 80% full. Liver Qi Stagnation Refer to discussion on meal preparation in the article "Regaining Balance with your Meals". 1 - Move! Sour foods stimulate the liver and bile, and often contain digestive enzymes and acids that help remove heaviness and stagnation. Xia ku ciao (prunella) clears liver fire and brightens the eyes. Vegetables should be cooked only lightly to preserve beneficial enzymes and vitamins. often seen in diagnoses like qi stagnation or blood stasis. Over-consumption of alcohol and other toxins, which are all heating in nature, also accumulates "heat in the Liver". But jue ming zi (cassia seeds) has the same function and also subdues liver yang. Cold foods and drinks, raw foods and certain spices are only suggested for selected individuals according to their constitution, and should be used in … Cut out junk food and fast foods (preservatives, additives, high salt and refined sugar content). The diet should also include plenty of fragrant and lightly spiced dishes. The Liver, however, is where it starts. Signs of Liver Qi Stagnation include tightness or distension around your ribs or your chest, frequent sighing to try to relieve this pressure, heartburn, nausea, alternating constipation and diarrhea, irritability, and PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness. All Rights Reserved | Website by Crimson Leaf Studios. However, too much of this can just as easily be a hindrance. :). When the liver has stagnation or blockage of Qi and the life flow is effected this can then trigger numerous health problems such as; headaches, indigestion, heartburn, chest pain, rib cage pain, back pain, shoulder blade pain, muscle tension, PMS, breast tenderness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain or even cancer. Foods Used to Treat Liver Qi Stagnation These are just some of the foods that are believed to help liver qi stagnation: Garlic Turmeric Kumquat Cherry Chicken Coconut meat Date Tofu Mustard seed Squash Sweet potato Red and black date Rice Caraway seed Spearmint Mushroom Oregano Red … It's part of a larger focus by Shen Space on TCM and women's health. 2. Overeating creates more pressure on the liver … Add the following foods to your diet for their blood moving or anti-inflammatory qualities: Cooked or roasted veggies (mushrooms, eggplant, spinach Herbs that move Qi & Blood (onions, garlic, horseradish, shallots, leeks, chives, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, basil, rosemary… When optimal, we are able to ride the waves of life and go with the flow. If you’ve been diagnosed by your Acupuncturist or Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (TCMP) as having the TCM Pattern of “Liver Qi Stagnation”, this blog offers some information and dietary suggestions. Biomedicine offers the following information for Dandelion (Herba Teraxaci): helps digestion, detoxifies the liver, acts as a diuretic, reduces water weight, is a powerhouse of antioxidants, fights against diabetes and cancer and treats UTIs. cranberry and unsweetened cranberry juice, bitter herbs: dandelion root, milk thistle, chamomile, green goodness: cabbage,  cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, artichokes, wheat grass or barley grass, chlorella, nettles, sweet and relaxing: beets, strawberry, peach, cherry, carrots, alcohol (it temporarily moves Liver Qi and feels relaxing, but processing the alcohol can easily overwhelm the Liver and cause a worsening of stagnation. Foods for Detoxifying and Cooling the Liver Mung beans and their sprouts, celery, seaweed and kelp are very good for liver stagnation, lettuce, cucumber, watercress, tofu, millet, plums, chlorophyll rich foods, mushroom, radish and daikon. In addition to sleep, the other way we acquire the majority of our bodily energy is through our diets. Nutritional therapy can, however, be an excel- ... A good diet protects and supports the kidney and its ability to function properly. Vegetables: Green leafy, Beets, Kale, Watercress, Asparagus, Cabbage, Turnip, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Jerusalem Artichoke, Carrots, Celery, Water Chestnuts, Leek, Parsnips, Radish, Spinach, Tomatoes, Peas, Cucumber. The liver plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body, and maintaining the efficiency of the body’s immune system. An overloaded Liver can result in release of toxins through your skin (acne, eczema and food or seasonal allergies). Grains, vegetables, legumes & complex carbohydrates are ideal sweet foods for long-term Liver harmony. Jing, Qi and Shen are known as the Three Treasures because they are fundamental substances which make us human. This is also why cooling foods are emphasized, and hot foods are avoided. Part II will focus on the menstrual cycle and Part III will provide on overview of TCM patterns. Proteins should comprise only about 10% of the diet, with a focus on high quality sources. Jing, Qi and Shen play major roles in women’s and men’s physiology. Beverages: Lemonade (homemade), teas (Green, Peppermint and Mint, Angelica Root, Lemon balm, Prickly Ash Bark. It can also manifest as depression and feeling stuck. Highly processed foods and well as oily and fatty foods should be avoided. The best choices for someone with a liver Qi stagnation would include cooling, bitter and sour foods. Apple cider vinegar (bitter and sour) is detoxifying and very activating - a good boost for the Liver. Honey is especially good as it has a detoxifying action. pungent and aromatic foods: fresh mint, basil, marjoram, fennel, dill, lemon balm and cilantro, cardamom, cumin, ginger, black pepper, horseradish, turnips, kohlrabi, sour foods: apple cider vinegar with honey and water (only use vinegar for short periods of time), fermented food like saurkraut, kefir, and yogurt, grapefruit, lemon, lime. And for any woman with PMS you are likely to have pain, high stress and irritability. Indeed, one could say that the monthly cycle can produce or exacerbate Liver Qi stagnation if there is the slightest trace of Qi stagnation around in the first place. This is the second in a three-part series on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), women's physiology and the menstrual cycle. Kidney is the founda- ... nation of qi is quite common with liver imbalances. In TCM, the liver stores the “Hun,” which represents the spirit or psyche. 3 Easy tips to balance your Liver Qi this spring! What is Liver Qi Stagnation? Due to our modern life, it's unlikely that any of us have truly healthy TCM Livers. In Spring, cook food for shorter time but higher temperature (e.g. At the end of this article, we are going to share with you diet tips and a Love your Liver meal plan to keep your liver running like a well-maintained machine. Bitter foods are often considered to be cleansing, and clear excess heat that tends to build up with stagnation. It's a situation where the energetic function of moving the Qi through the body (the LIver's job) is hampered or constrained. These foods are seen as the most vital, that is full of Qi. TCM excels in Gynecology - female physiology and pathology focussed on the reproductive system - including the menstrual cycle and pain management. Eat a Nourishing Diet. And with Christmas around the corner this may be just the article to read today. Lemon juice also helps decongest the liver. Place young dandelion greens plus spinach and other leafy greens into a bowl. A healthy energetic Liver provides for the smooth flow of Qi in your body and mind - this means that the Liver is able to process and clear stress before it becomes an issue in the body. Over a long period of time, stagnation of Liver Qi impairs circulation of Qi and can cause emotional states of constant low level anger, depression, and resentment. The health of your liver reflects your overall health and well-being. Some spicy and pungent food can be helpful in moderation as it can help to facilitate qi movement, as stagnation of qi is quite common with liver imbalances. Do you have a lot of stress in your life (high work demands, new mom, relationship issues)? The Liver detoxifies the body and all substances that enter the gastro-intestinal tract and enter the blood pass through the Liver - this includes preservatives, additives, antibiotics and other medications. Sour foods stimulate the liver and bile, and often contain digestive enzymes and acids that help remove heaviness and stagnation. This can change into Liver Heat which can then transform into Liver Fire over time. To help with optimal hormonal balance and digestive health, focus on a healing diet: Likewise, if the liver energy system is weak or stagnant (from lifestyle choices, diet, trauma, emotional stress, illness or genetic factors), Qi flow throughout the body may be impaired. Angel Hair Pasta with Clams, Radishes and Spinach, Radish and Cucumber Salad with Garlic-Yogurt Dressing, Refer to discussion on meal preparation in the article. If blood stasis is an issue for you, focus on incorporating onion, garlic, scallion, ginger, vinegar, turmeric, saffron,eggplant, shiitake, hawthorn berry (Shan Zha), cayenne pepper, and chili pepper. Signs of Qi Stagnation: In terms of symptoms, Qi Stagnation has far-reaching effects on the body. When Liver Qi does not freely flow, stagnation of Qi occurs, and affects the emotional state. Late night eating creates stagnation in the liver and prevents our body from cleaning and repairing at night. The following foods can worsen liver Qi stagnation and … The most important approach to this problem is to eat simply and lightly, and to pay particular … Liver Qi Stagnation, also known as Liver Qi Constraints is arguably the most common pattern of imbalance seen in western culture. R e fr e s h i n g L i v e r H a r mo n i zi n g C o o l e r. This means that our livers in the modern world are often overloaded, and cannot clean our blood effectively. And, they form the main energy states (densities) that are critical for us to live healthy lives and to bring healthy children into the world. The Basics Of The Chinese Medicine Diet. To live a long, healthy life, reduce aging, become strong and healthy to conceive, and increase the chances of a healthy baby, it's important to conserve the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi and Shen). This causes anger and irritability. Liver Qi Stagnation. Pungent and aromatic foods help circulate and open up the qi flow. And as the Qi moves the Blood, a healthy Liver also means that your blood circulation is being properly supported and nutrients are getting to the cells. TCM Gynecology has been practiced for over two thousand years, so we have our own take on it. Your liver works overtime to protect your mental and physical health. Foods for Building Liver Yin and Blood There is usually some form of stagnation in every illness or ailment and the Liver is the organ system in charge of clearing, moving, and breaking up stagnation. 1. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi in the body. Helpful for Liver Qi Stagnation: Aggravates Liver Qi Stagnation: Lightly cooked or steamed vegetables: Coffee, black tea, sodas with caffeine: Cucumber salad: Deep ocean fish, poached or steamed: Thick creamy or cheesy sauces: Water with lemon: Hot spices: chilies, cayenne, pepper: Raw fruit salad: Alcohol: Melon slices: Lamb So, how can diet alleviate this stagnation and internal pressure? The emotion of anger is closely related to the liver, so alcohol is best in moderation or, for some, should be avoided completely. The basis of healthy eating in regards to TCM is filling most of the diet with fresh foods that are free from chemicals, preservatives, and over-processing. Bitter foods are often considered to be cleansing, and clear excess heat that tends to build up with stagnation. Small amounts: red grape or rice wine; coffee (1 cup/day). Meat: all animal meats, especially red meat. 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