Liver Qi – the energy that represents the spring season – likes to move upward and outward with great flexibility, like a tree with outstretched branches. Imagine, if you will, what grows in the spring. There are of course traditional flowers, but nature offers so much more. Wisteria, climbing roses and clematis are just a few examples of liver Qi in bloom!
These flowering vines can move more easily than traditional rooted flowers that can only grow in one direction. As they grow, the vines move not only upward and outward, but also in all directions, giving them the best possible exposure to sun and space. Nature is just brilliant!
Many gardeners plant flowering vines on arbors and trellises and train the flowers to form the shape of the basic object. But have you seen vines climbing up the side of a house, or wrapping themselves tightly around a tall tree? These vines are hard to contain! Unless the vine is cut off at the root, it will continue to grow, up and down – freely – no matter how much it is pruned. Why? Liver Qi loves to move!
Many people with Liver Qi stagnation feel physically and emotionally ‘stuck’. They may have difficulty making decisions and may experience migraines, irregular menstrual cycles, breast tenderness, fibroids and digestive problems, among other problems. Liver Qi helps to energetically process stress. It is also responsible for the smooth flow of blood, Qi and emotions.
Now complete the picture by imagining your life as one of those blooming vines. You are deep in the ground and can stretch out in all directions, but do you do that? Do you seize the opportunity to find the best ‘sun’ and ‘space’ to help you flourish, or do you miss opportunities? Keep this free-flowing image in mind all season long. To allow yourself to flourish freely, you must give yourself space to grow. Be flexible, look for opportunities and shake off the rust so you can spread your branches freely in every possible direction.
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Understand Liver Qi from a Women’s Health Perspective: The Liver and Women’s Health
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