The Emotional Side of Spring (Liver/Gallbladder)

Spring is not only one of the best times of year to cleanse and detox, but it is also a great time to make some intentional emotional development progress. Why? Because according to Asian Traditional Medicine, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of blood and emotions throughout the body, and Spring is the season of the Liver and gallbladder.

The Liver is also the organ most affected by stagnant emotions and stress.

That is why Liver stagnation or an overactive Liver can cause some significant emotional build-up and illnesses.

The gallbladder is the organ partner to the Liver; its job is to store and excrete bile and govern decision-making, planning, dreaming, inspiration, and assertiveness.

While supporting Liver/Gallbladder health can help shift nearly all emotions and stressors, the following emotional disharmonies are directly related to these organs according to Asian Medicine understanding: Anger, depression, frustration, incapacity to forgive, indecisiveness, irritability, lack of assertion, lethargy, letting go of old habits, or pain, procrastination, resentment, unfulfilled desires. So if you experience regular expressions of these emotions, it will be best to work on Liver and gallbladder health.

On the other hand, the emotional signs of healthy Liver/Gallbladder include a forgiving character, assertiveness, decisiveness, even-temper, go with the flow attitude, fulfillment, happiness, inspiration, joy, passion, willingness to let go. All of these emotions promote a healthy liver or are a result of a healthy liver.

So, what can you do to help your Liver and gallbladder during this season? it is easy, take cues from your environment, for example:

• Take advantage of the warmer weather, and get outdoors as much as possible (exercise and meditating are great outdoor activities)
• Move a little bit more —start an exercise program of walking, dancing, Qi Gong, yoga, running, surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, etc.
• Start an herb or vegetable garden
• Walkthrough nature and listen to the birds sing
• Call an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while and have a good conversation
• Laugh as much as possible
• Spring clean your home
• Try something new
• Practice forgiveness as much and as often as you can
• Do something spontaneous to promote a sense of adventure 
• Complete items that you have been postponing for a while 
• Enjoy a sauna, steam, or soak to promote detoxification
• Get a facial or any body treatment to slough off that dull, winter skin
• Practice earthing by walking barefoot to get grounded and reconnect with the season

There you have it, some activities you can perform to improve your emotional health during spring - everything is connected, our emotions impact our health as much as our physical health impacts our emotions. So, always remember that emotions are as important to your health as food and exercise. That is because emotional balance promotes health and allows the body to focus on repairing itself as well.

Have a happy week and if you have any questions related to supporting your liver, email me at ContactToni@drtonicamacho.com and promote liver health by checking out my detox support herbal supplement

Toni