Part 1: The Liver Channel – Spring’s Flowing Energy

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is linked to an organ system, and spring belongs to the Liver. But this isn’t just about your physical liver—it’s an entire energy network called the Liver channel, which plays a major role in how we feel physically and emotionally.

🌿 What Does the Liver Channel Do?

The Liver channel is responsible for keeping things moving—energy (Qi), blood, emotions, even digestion. When it’s flowing freely, we feel motivated, clear-headed, flexible, and emotionally steady.

It’s also in charge of:

• Storing blood (important for women’s cycles)
• Supporting tendons and muscles (flexibility and movement)
• Nourishing the eyes and vision
• Regulating emotions

The channel itself runs from the big toe, up the inner leg, through the abdomen and chest, and ends near the eyes.

🌸 Liver and Spring

Spring is a time of growth, expansion, and new beginnings—and that’s exactly what the Liver loves. Just like trees sprouting and flowers blooming, your energy naturally wants to rise and move outward in spring.

But if Liver Qi is stuck? You might notice some of the following:

• Feeling irritable, moody, sluggish, or unmotivated
• Tension in the shoulders, neck, or jaw
• Red, tired eyes
• PMS or other menstrual imbalances

💡 Spring Tips to Support Your Liver

• Move Your Body: Gentle stretching, yoga, walking, or dancing helps Qi flow and eases emotional tension.
• Eat Green: Bitter greens (dandelion, arugula, kale), sprouts, and citrus all support Liver function and help with detox. Try squeezing some fresh lemon juice into your glass of water first thing in the morning!
• Express Emotions: Don’t bottle things up! Journaling, creating, or venting (in a healthy way!) can keep emotional energy from getting stuck.
• Get Outside: Fresh air, sunlight, and connecting with nature are all healing for the Liver in springtime. Taking a few deep breaths while outside can uplift your mood.
• Spring Clean: Declutter your home—and your mind! Clearing physical space helps Qi move more freely in your environment and body.

✨ Acupressure Points to Try

Try gentle pressure or massage on these points for 1–2 minutes each day:

Liver 3 (Tai Chong – “Great Rushing”)

• Location: On the top of the foot, in the webbing between the big toe and second toe.
• Benefits: Moves Liver Qi, calms irritability, relieves stress, and helps with PMS.

Yin Tang (Third Eye Point – “Hall of Impressions”)

• Location: Between the eyebrows.
• Benefits: Calms the mind, soothes emotional stress, helps with headaches and sleep.

🌀 In a Nutshell

In TCM, spring is Liver season—a time of renewal, energy, and fresh beginnings. By supporting your Liver channel through gentle movement, healthy food, and emotional release, you can ride the wave of springtime energy and feel your best.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the Gallbladder channel—Liver’s partner in springtime decision-making and courage.

✨ Are you interested in getting more support for your liver channel with acupuncture? Healing Lotus Acupuncture proudly serves Plymouth, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Golden Valley, and other surrounding areas. Call us at 612-447-4002 to set up a FREE 15 minute consultation to see if acupuncture is right for you! Or contact us here.