The spring is a powerful time of year. We watch in awe as green sprouts out of the ground and buds burst on spring-blooming trees. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spring is governed by the Liver and Gallbladder. The Liver is our decision maker. If the Liver is not functioning well, we lack the ability to make clear decisions. In TCM, the eyes are the external organ of the Liver, so we might encounter vision problems, if our Liver is out of order. The Liver is not only related to our physical vision, but also our metaphorical vision. When someone has difficulty envisioning the future or has no vision for her life, we look to the Liver to bring about change. Leaders can "lack vision", be "short-sighted" or "turn a blind eye". Our wood energy is healthy if our vision is clear and unobstructed and our perceptions, plans and decisions are balanced and accurate.
There are several herbs as well as yoga practices to soothe an overactive Liver or stimulate a sluggish one. One of my favorite tonics for the Liver is Lemon Water, as sour is the flavor of the season. I am always making vinaigrette with lemons so I put my washed organic lemon halves in a 1/2 gallon ball jar and put in the fridge overnight. It's ready in the morning and you can drink it cold or room temperature. It's delicious! Make it as sour as you like, by adding more lemons.
With Hope and a Clear Vision for the Future,
Sara Agelasto
CIYT, C-IAYT, Clinical Herbalist
Co-Founder of iHanuman
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Forward Extension Sequence for Spring: The spring season invites us to explore our Liver and Gallbladder meridians on the inner and outer thighs. Consider poses which extend and stretch these areas of the body. On this cold and rainy spring day, I chose a restorative practice incorporating Forward Bends and Inversions. Enjoy this Spring Sequence. Did you know that you can create and share your own sequences using our beautifully curated Asana Index of Poses? Create a FREE account as Teacher or a Student Today!
Free Recording: Sequence to Build a Healthy Immune System: Level 2 Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Jen Kagan: Given to us directly from BKS Iyengar, this sequence focuses on inversions. Both Beginner and Intermediate students can benefit from this class as alternatives are given for the long holds of inversions. Enjoy this FREE class with Jen now.
New Research on Yoga for Stress: finds that yoga reduces stress perception and stress reactivity and suggests yoga reduces stress by changing one’s psychosocial resources, such as by increasing interoceptive exposure (i.e. exposure to bodily sensations). The study also finds that receiving conventional treatments for stress, anxiety, or depression may also benefit from doing yoga. Learn More.