Movement Medicine: Calming the Liver in Spring

Movement is more than just exercise - it can be used as a form of medicine.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), movement has long been used as not just a way to stay strong and fit but about maintaining healthy flow in the body.

When you move your body, you move your Qi (energy), which keeps your physical, emotional, and mental systems running smoothly. This is particularly important for the Liver organ system - the key system that regulates Qi flow and rules the spring season. That's why spring is the perfect time to start using movement as more than just exercise, but as medicine. Here's how…

The Liver in TCM and Why It Needs Movement

The Liver's main job in TCM is to ensure the smooth flow of Qi and blood. When it's doing its job well, you feel flexible, both physically and emotionally. You're energized, clear-headed, and ready to take on life.

But when the Liver gets stuck - something TCM calls Liver Qi stagnation - you'll feel it with:

• Emotional symptoms: Stress, irritability, or feeling “on edge.”

• Physical symptoms: Tension headaches, tight shoulders, or poor digestion.

So, how does your energy get stuck? Stagnation often builds when life itself becomes static - think sitting at a desk all day or holding onto unresolved emotions. That's why movement, in all its forms, is so essential for the Liver. When you move, you encourage flow, releasing blockages and inviting a sense of ease into both body and mind.

Types of Movement That Benefit the Liver in Spring

Spring's energy is all about growth and movement. It's the season to shake off stagnation and embrace forward momentum, whether that's through exercise, breathing practices, or even making strides toward your personal goals. Here are a few ways to incorporate movement as medicine:

• Physical exercise
  Any activity that gets your blood pumping and muscles working will move your Qi. Consider adding stretching exercises like yoga or tai chi to your daily routine. These are especially helpful for easing tightness and increasing your flexibility. Aerobic activities such as walking, cycling, or dancing are also great choices and will support healthy circulation and stress relief.
  

• Breathwork and mindful movement
  Deep breathing has a direct connection to your Liver's ability to move energy smoothly. Practices like Qigong or even a simple morning breathwork routine can calm your mind while encouraging flow throughout your body. Try box breathing or the 4-7-8 breath to calm down, or the lion's breath to feel energized.
  

• "Moving forward" emotionally
  Sometimes, stagnation isn't physical - it's mental or emotional. Setting a goal, no matter how small, and taking the first step toward it can get your Liver Qi moving. Spring cleaning is a simple (and timely!) way to put this into action. Set a goal to declutter or tidy a certain space in your home, then make one small step in that direction. Not only does taking action towards a goal invigorate the Liver, but clearing a space also breathes fresh air into your home and mind.

Nourish the Liver to Move Your Qi

Physical, external practices like exercise, breathing, and working towards a goal are great ways to infuse your days with movement. But diet and herbs can also play an important role internally.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your diet with foods and herbs that support the Liver. In TCM, the Liver thrives on light, fresh, and vibrant flavors that help it do its job of detoxifying and regulating Qi.

Foods to nourish the Liver:

• Embrace sour flavors
  Sour flavors are thought to stimulate the Liver and support digestion. Add lemon, lime, and apple cider vinegar to your meals through marinades and bright dressings.
  

• Go green in spring
  Leafy greens, including spinach, kale, and dandelion greens, help cleanse and rejuvenate.
  

• Seeds for thought
  Incorporating sprouted grains or seeds can add a burst of energy that mirrors spring's growth - and improve heart health and circulation.

TCM herbs to boost Liver health:

• Free and Easy Wanderer (Xiao Yao Tang)
  This well-known formula can help promote emotional balance and alleviate those pesky signs of Liver Qi stagnation (like frustration, irritability, headaches, and PMS).
  

• Milk Thistle Tincture
  Known for its active compound, silymarin, milk thistle helps protect and regenerate liver cells while promoting the smooth flow of Qi and supporting the body's natural detox pathways. Perfect for easing sluggishness and restoring balance to the Liver system.
  

• Real Mushrooms Cordyceps-M
  Cordyceps is the ultimate adaptogenic herb for supporting endurance, stamina, and overall vitality. It works by enhancing oxygen uptake and improving energy production at the cellular level - making it an excellent ally for keeping up with your daily healthy movement and exercise routine.
  

Embrace the Flow with Root + Spring

Movement is medicine, and spring is the perfect time to harness its power to support your Liver system and overall health.

Whether you're stretching, walking, breathing deeply, or working toward a personal goal, every bit of movement contributes to a smoother flow of Qi and a more balanced you.

Want to really feel the impact this spring? Pair your movement with TCM herbs to fully support your Liver with the nourishment it needs. Explore our range of TCM herbs to make the most of this spring's flowing energy!