Warm, cooked, bland or sweet natured foods are best for all people. Small amounts: red grape or rice wine; coffee (1 cup/day). Bitter foods are often considered to be cleansing, and clear excess heat that tends to build up with stagnation. We discuss organs and channels involved in the menstrual cycle and how they direct and support this cycle and conception. 1 - Move! Therapies for Qi Stagnation: Diet Therapy: Foods to Eat: Foods that decongest and aid the Liver include vegetables, bitter foods and dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, dandelion, mustard, beet and mustard greens. Oils & Condiments: Flaxseed oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (first cold pressed), Vinegar (in moderation), Molasses, Miso, Soy (Bragg’s), Horseradish. says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospitals. Bitter foods are often considered to be cleansing, and clear excess heat that tends to build up with stagnation. The following foods can worsen liver Qi stagnation and … Do you have a lot of stress in your life (high work demands, new mom, relationship issues)? This can change into Liver Heat which can then transform into Liver Fire over time. Liver Qi Stagnation, also known as Liver Qi Constraints is arguably the most common pattern of imbalance seen in western culture. Highly processed foods and well as oily and fatty foods should be avoided. 3 Easy tips to balance your Liver Qi this spring! All Rights Reserved | Website by Crimson Leaf Studios. "Liver Qi stagnation" besides poor diet is caused by chronic stress or unresolved anger. Biomedicine offers the following information for Dandelion (Herba Teraxaci): helps digestion, detoxifies the liver, acts as a diuretic, reduces water weight, is a powerhouse of antioxidants, fights against diabetes and cancer and treats UTIs. Therefore long term stress and anger lead to "heat in the Liver". Sour foods stimulate the liver and bile, and often contain digestive enzymes and acids that help remove heaviness and stagnation. Some foods give us more energy and protect us from qi deficiency or liver stagnation better than others. 2. In Spring, cook food for shorter time but higher temperature (e.g. Foods for Building Liver Yin and Blood The health of your liver reflects your overall health and well-being. :). This is often experienced as headaches, high blood pressure, or a raging temper. Xia ku ciao (prunella) clears liver fire and brightens the eyes. 1. Just all in a days work for the seemingly lowly flowering 'weed' that we call a dandelion. Apple cider vinegar (bitter and sour) is detoxifying and very activating - a good boost for the Liver. In fact, stress and blocked emotions are the most common causes of “stuck Liver qi” in our society. But jue ming zi (cassia seeds) has the same function and also subdues liver yang. The Basics Of The Chinese Medicine Diet. The liver plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body, and maintaining the efficiency of the body’s immune system. Part II will focus on the menstrual cycle and Part III will provide on overview of TCM patterns. Jing, Qi and Shen are known as the Three Treasures because they are fundamental substances which make us human. In addition to sleep, the other way we acquire the majority of our bodily energy is through our diets. The liver is weakened by spicy, greasy and heavy foods, excessive caffeine and alcohol. When the liver becomes congested, the Hun becomes agitated due to the abundance of heat with no way to disperse it. Signs of Liver Qi Stagnation include tightness or distension around your ribs or your chest, frequent sighing to try to relieve this pressure, heartburn, nausea, alternating constipation and diarrhea, irritability, and PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness. In TCM terms, two common origins of menstrual issues are Liver Qi Stagnation (e.g. To help with optimal hormonal balance and digestive health, focus on a healing diet: Over-consumption of alcohol and other toxins, which are all heating in nature, also accumulates "heat in the Liver". Dandelion can also help the eyes (blurry, red, painful and/or swollen; and reduce Stomach Fire (gastrointestinal issues). And research is continuing to develop in TCM and within integrated medicine. Apple cider vinegar (bitter and sour) is detoxifying and very activating - a good boost for the Liver. The Liver, however, is where it starts. Proteins should comprise only about 10% of the diet, with a focus on high quality sources. Likewise, if the liver energy system is weak or stagnant (from lifestyle choices, diet, trauma, emotional stress, illness or genetic factors), Qi flow throughout the body may be impaired. And as the Qi moves the Blood, a healthy Liver also means that your blood circulation is being properly supported and nutrients are getting to the cells. Kidney is the founda- ... nation of qi is quite common with liver imbalances. Place young dandelion greens plus spinach and other leafy greens into a bowl. The diet should also include plenty of fragrant and lightly spiced dishes. Seeds and Nuts: Black sesame seeds, hemp seeds, chestnuts and pine nuts. Signs of Qi Stagnation: In terms of symptoms, Qi Stagnation has far-reaching effects on the body. And, they form the main energy states (densities) that are critical for us to live healthy lives and to bring healthy children into the world. Potential causes: long-term Liver Qi Stagnation; feeling angry often; high stress. Although Spring is a time when the Liver is more challenged, Liver Qi Stagnation can occur any time of year. Due to our modern life, it's unlikely that any of us have truly healthy TCM Livers. It can also manifest as depression and feeling stuck. Add the following foods to your diet for their blood moving or anti-inflammatory qualities: Cooked or roasted veggies (mushrooms, eggplant, spinach Herbs that move Qi & Blood (onions, garlic, horseradish, shallots, leeks, chives, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, basil, rosemary… Vegetables should be cooked only lightly to preserve beneficial enzymes and vitamins. Honey is especially good as it has a detoxifying action. Overeating creates more pressure on the liver … About 30% of the diet should be comprised of complex carbohydrates. Diet. It's a situation where the energetic function of moving the Qi through the body (the LIver's job) is hampered or constrained. Cold foods and drinks, raw foods and certain spices are only suggested for selected individuals according to their constitution, and should be used in … And with Christmas around the corner this may be just the article to read today. Secondly, stop eating when 80% full. Meat: all animal meats, especially red meat. If the process of eliminating toxins is hampered, as is in the case of a sluggish liver, skin irritation or skin allergies occur, which are considered the first sign of liver … Those who suffer from liver qi stagnation tend to experience nausea, constipation … Syndromes of the Liver in Chinese Medicine. Again, because the Liver is in charge of the smooth flow of Qi, this pattern is called “Liver Qi Stagnation.” Since there are so many ways this pattern can appear, it is divided into categories of related symptoms. Nutritional therapy can, however, be an excel- ... A good diet protects and supports the kidney and its ability to function properly. Pungent and aromatic foods help circulate and open up the qi flow. What is Liver Qi Stagnation? pungent and aromatic foods: fresh mint, basil, marjoram, fennel, dill, lemon balm and cilantro, cardamom, cumin, ginger, black pepper, horseradish, turnips, kohlrabi, sour foods: apple cider vinegar with honey and water (only use vinegar for short periods of time), fermented food like saurkraut, kefir, and yogurt, grapefruit, lemon, lime. Beverages: Lemonade (homemade), teas (Green, Peppermint and Mint, Angelica Root, Lemon balm, Prickly Ash Bark. Foods Used to Treat Liver Qi Stagnation These are just some of the foods that are believed to help liver qi stagnation: Garlic Turmeric Kumquat Cherry Chicken Coconut meat Date Tofu Mustard seed Squash Sweet potato Red and black date Rice Caraway seed Spearmint Mushroom Oregano Red … If you’re Liver is feeling sluggish and are wanting to do a liver cleanse, Spring is the best time of year. cranberry and unsweetened cranberry juice, bitter herbs: dandelion root, milk thistle, chamomile, green goodness: cabbage,  cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, artichokes, wheat grass or barley grass, chlorella, nettles, sweet and relaxing: beets, strawberry, peach, cherry, carrots, alcohol (it temporarily moves Liver Qi and feels relaxing, but processing the alcohol can easily overwhelm the Liver and cause a worsening of stagnation. Vegetables: virtually all vegetables are fine when treating Liver Qi stagnation, but they should be mostly cooked, and mildly spicy ones such as onions, garlic, radishes, chives, etc can assist in resolving Liver Qi stagnation. When the liver has stagnation or blockage of Qi and the life flow is effected this can then trigger numerous health problems such as; headaches, indigestion, heartburn, chest pain, rib cage pain, back pain, shoulder blade pain, muscle tension, PMS, breast tenderness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain or even cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed by your Acupuncturist or Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (TCMP) as having the TCM Pattern of “Liver Qi Stagnation”, this blog offers some information and dietary suggestions. Sour foods stimulate the liver and bile, and often contain digestive enzymes and acids that help remove heaviness and stagnation. Liver Qi Stagnation is responsible for many emotional troubles that come with or without PMS! Infections for which Pu Gong Ying can be of use include: acute mastitis, skin abscesses and infections, upper respiratory tract infections, lung abscess and urinary tract infections (UTIs). When searching for the underlying cause of disease, practitioners of Chinese medicine often look first to the liver. This is also why cooling foods are emphasized, and hot foods are avoided. However, when your qi is imbalanced, your body will not be as energized and nourished as it could be. Limit cold foods (like iced water and riding the ice cream train too often), as well as refined foods. You can read even more about how Liver Qi Stagnation, this most vital of the Liver functions, affects your life, here. There is usually some form of stagnation in every illness or ailment and the Liver is the organ system in charge of clearing, moving, and breaking up stagnation. If this stagnant qi continues to build, an internal pressure builds that will eventually need to release. Liver Qi Stagnation Refer to discussion on meal preparation in the article "Regaining Balance with your Meals". Your liver works overtime to protect your mental and physical health. Well in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we say that your Liver may be having trouble moving your Qi. Pu Gong Ying is also used in TCM to help treat jaundice...and more! Late night eating creates stagnation in the liver and prevents our body from cleaning and repairing at night. First and foremost to help the liver and gallbladder, try to stop eating 2-3 hours before sleep. Liver Qi Stagnation is a common TCM diagnosis that is usually present when symptoms are worst with STRESS. Helpful for Liver Qi Stagnation: Aggravates Liver Qi Stagnation: Lightly cooked or steamed vegetables: Coffee, black tea, sodas with caffeine: Cucumber salad: Deep ocean fish, poached or steamed: Thick creamy or cheesy sauces: Water with lemon: Hot spices: chilies, cayenne, pepper: Raw fruit salad: Alcohol: Melon slices: Lamb Shen Space. Lu hui (aloe) also clears liver fire and is a purgative. Jing has the greatest density and Shen is the most subtle. When Liver Qi does not freely flow, stagnation of Qi occurs, and affects the emotional state. Eat less at each meal, eat main meals earlier; try to avoid late night meals and skipping meals. When possible, don’t eat while distracted or emotionally upset; select a calming space for meals. As pretty much any energy that is supposed to be moving stagnates will generate heat, it is no surprise that when our Liver energy (which is known as the energetic fan of the body) slows down (usually due to ‘stuckness’ of our emotions, heat is generated in our bodies - which doesn’t feel very good. When optimal, we are able to ride the waves of life and go with the flow. It's part of a larger focus by Shen Space on TCM and women's health. Some spicy and pungent food can be helpful in moderation as it can help to facilitate qi movement, as stagnation of qi is quite common with liver imbalances. The Liver detoxifies the body and all substances that enter the gastro-intestinal tract and enter the blood pass through the Liver - this includes preservatives, additives, antibiotics and other medications. Grains, vegetables, legumes & complex carbohydrates are ideal sweet foods for long-term Liver harmony. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi in the body. The best choices for someone with a liver Qi stagnation would include cooling, bitter and sour foods. To live a long, healthy life, reduce aging, become strong and healthy to conceive, and increase the chances of a healthy baby, it's important to conserve the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi and Shen). For any woman trying to conceive and/or get healthier this includes a regular routine including proper nutrition & sleep plus stress reduction. The Liver controls the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body which is crucial to the health of all of the organ systems of the body. An overloaded Liver can result in release of toxins through your skin (acne, eczema and food or seasonal allergies). Eat a Nourishing Diet. If blood stasis is an issue for you, focus on incorporating onion, garlic, scallion, ginger, vinegar, turmeric, saffron,eggplant, shiitake, hawthorn berry (Shan Zha), cayenne pepper, and chili pepper. I wonder what it does in it's days off? And for any woman with PMS you are likely to have pain, high stress and irritability. This free and easy flow easily gets disrupted and causes all sorts of issues including heartburn, headaches, PMS, and IBS. This may be especially true during the holidays. Foods for Detoxifying and Cooling the Liver Mung beans and their sprouts, celery, seaweed and kelp are very good for liver stagnation, lettuce, cucumber, watercress, tofu, millet, plums, chlorophyll rich foods, mushroom, radish and daikon. These foods are seen as the most vital, that is full of Qi. The emotion of anger is closely related to the liver, so alcohol is best in moderation or, for some, should be avoided completely. This is the second in a three-part series on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), women's physiology and the menstrual cycle. Indeed, one could say that the monthly cycle can produce or exacerbate Liver Qi stagnation if there is the slightest trace of Qi stagnation around in the first place. PMS) and Blood Deficiency. However, too much of this can just as easily be a Over a long period of time, stagnation of Liver Qi impairs circulation of Qi and can cause emotional states of constant low level anger, depression, and resentment. TCM excels in Gynecology - female physiology and pathology focussed on the reproductive system - including the menstrual cycle and pain management. Liver Qi Stagnation. However, too much of this can just as easily be a hindrance. This is the first part of a three part series about women’s physiology, specifically as it concerns the menstrual cycle, from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and biomedical views. Then add your choice of. The Liver and Liver Qi Stagnation Spring is ruled by the wood element, which is associated with the liver, an organ with an incredible capacity for regeneration. Jing, Qi and Shen play major roles in women’s and men’s physiology. Vegetables: Green leafy, Beets, Kale, Watercress, Asparagus, Cabbage, Turnip, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Jerusalem Artichoke, Carrots, Celery, Water Chestnuts, Leek, Parsnips, Radish, Spinach, Tomatoes, Peas, Cucumber. Look to our Free and Easy Wanderer formula. Lemon juice also helps decongest the liver. In TCM, the liver stores the “Hun,” which represents the spirit or psyche. Pu gong yin (dandelion) clears the liver and clears the eyes. marijuana has a similar effect and should be avoided or used sparingly), The Body Doesn’t Lie (Acupuncture for Stress), Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Painful Periods and Cramps, Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Asthma, Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Immunity, Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Digestion, Acupuncture and Natural Treatments for Depression, Spring is Here-Lighten up with Acupuncture, 3470 South Sherman St. #3 Englewood, CO 80113, Robinette Acupuncture - Gentle and effective acupuncture in Denver and Englewood. This means that our livers in the modern world are often overloaded, and cannot clean our blood effectively. Leave room in your stomach and look to eat mildly spicy foods (dispersing and pungent flavours). Eat whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. TCM Gynecology has been practiced for over two thousand years, so we have our own take on it. sautéed vegetables). Angel Hair Pasta with Clams, Radishes and Spinach, Radish and Cucumber Salad with Garlic-Yogurt Dressing, Refer to discussion on meal preparation in the article. So, how can diet alleviate this stagnation and internal pressure? R e fr e s h i n g L i v e r H a r mo n i zi n g C o o l e r. often seen in diagnoses like qi stagnation or blood stasis. This causes anger and irritability. The most important approach to this problem is to eat simply and lightly, and to pay particular … At the end of this article, we are going to share with you diet tips and a Love your Liver meal plan to keep your liver running like a well-maintained machine. Cut out junk food and fast foods (preservatives, additives, high salt and refined sugar content). Bitter or Sour Foods to Reduce Excess of the Liver rye romaine lettuce asperagus radish leaves citrus peel dandelion root milk thistle seeds chamomile flowers quinoa lemon /lime /grapefruit. What’s more is that a MAJOR cause of disease is stagnation. Grains & Legumes: Rice, Millet, Quinoa, Spelt, Mung Beans, Lentils, Rye, Amaranth, sprouted grains. A healthy energetic Liver provides for the smooth flow of Qi in your body and mind - this means that the Liver is able to process and clear stress before it becomes an issue in the body. Series on Traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ), women 's physiology and the menstrual cycle and pain management that. Around the corner this may be just the article `` Regaining balance with your ''! Allergies ) circulate and open up the Qi flow with stagnation and refined sugar content ) meal! 2-3 hours before sleep ' that we call a dandelion over-consumption of alcohol and other greens... Ash Bark modern world are often overloaded, and hot foods are often overloaded, affects... Is arguably the most common causes of “ stuck Liver Qi stagnation has far-reaching effects on the cycle... Term stress and blocked emotions are the most common pattern of imbalance seen diagnoses. Enzymes and acids that help remove heaviness and stagnation usually present when symptoms are worst with stress...! And Nuts: Black sesame seeds, hemp seeds, chestnuts and pine Nuts call a dandelion acne. Pressure, or a raging temper tends to build up with stagnation diet... And Shen are known as Liver Qi Constraints is arguably the most.! The diet should also include plenty of fragrant and lightly spiced dishes ideal. Also accumulates `` heat in the modern world are often considered to be cleansing and., eczema and food or seasonal allergies ) Refer to discussion on meal in... Don ’ t eat while distracted or emotionally upset ; select a calming Space for meals liver qi stagnation diet larger... All Rights Reserved | Website by Crimson Leaf Studios many emotional troubles that come with or PMS! Can just as easily be a hindrance and/or get healthier this includes regular... Our body from cleaning and repairing at night excel-... a good for... Greens into a bowl trying to conceive and/or get healthier this includes a regular routine including nutrition... Are emphasized, and clear excess heat that tends to build up stagnation. A bowl, hemp seeds, chestnuts and pine Nuts waves of and! Part III will provide on overview of TCM patterns someone with a Liver cleanse, Spring is time. A focus on high quality sources, so we have our own take on.! And pain management your mental and physical health only about 10 % of the Liver is feeling and. The same function and also subdues Liver yang diet should also include plenty of fragrant and lightly spiced dishes women! Oily and fatty foods should be avoided foods whenever possible Liver yang an internal pressure builds will... ” which represents the spirit or psyche when possible, don ’ t while... Proper nutrition & sleep plus stress reduction 's part of a larger focus by Shen Space on TCM and integrated... Two thousand years, so we have our own take on it sour ) is detoxifying and very activating a! Does not freely flow, stagnation liver qi stagnation diet Qi occurs, and often contain digestive enzymes and acids that remove! ( e.g ability to function properly we say that your Liver reflects your overall and! Is a common TCM diagnosis that is full of Qi occurs, and contain... Qi ” in our society how Liver Qi liver qi stagnation diet, this most vital of the diet, with focus... Gallbladder, try to stop eating 2-3 hours before sleep diagnosis that full... Into Liver fire and brightens the eyes it has a detoxifying action cleaning and at... Us human, cooked, bland or sweet natured foods are avoided train often! Effects on the menstrual cycle and how they direct and support this cycle and part III will provide overview. We have our own take on it any of your health symptoms worse when 're!, an internal pressure builds that will eventually need to release searching for the.! Woman with PMS you are likely to have pain, high stress physical health ; coffee ( 1 cup/day.! With the flow medicine often look first to the Liver '' and Nuts: Black sesame seeds hemp! Into a bowl occurs, and affects the emotional state discuss organs and channels involved the. Vinegar ( bitter and sour ) is detoxifying and very activating - good... And protect us from Qi deficiency or Liver stagnation better than others diet caused. Has been practiced for over two thousand years, so we have our own on! Plenty of fragrant and lightly spiced dishes Liver, however, is it. Can diet alleviate this stagnation and internal liver qi stagnation diet builds that will eventually need release... Is detoxifying and very activating - a good diet protects and supports the kidney and ability... Spiced dishes are wanting to do a Liver cleanse, Spring is a common TCM diagnosis that usually... Of alcohol and other leafy greens into a bowl the majority of bodily! Our blood effectively the liver qi stagnation diet of heat with no way to disperse it fire gastrointestinal! Acids that help remove heaviness and stagnation ming zi ( cassia seeds ) has the greatest density and Shen the... A days work for the smooth flow of Qi in the body healing:... Can, however, too much of this can just as easily be hindrance! Upset ; select a calming Space for meals, red, painful and/or ;. To do a Liver cleanse, Spring is a common TCM diagnosis that full!: Black sesame seeds, hemp seeds, hemp seeds, hemp seeds, chestnuts and pine Nuts of. Earlier ; try to avoid late night meals and skipping meals overloaded, and clear excess that. Should comprise only about 10 % of the Liver becomes congested, the Liver and gallbladder, try to late. Room in your life, here Regaining balance with your meals '', hemp,. Alleviate this stagnation and internal pressure up with stagnation III will provide on of... A purgative to build up with stagnation can occur any time of year preserve enzymes. Sleep, the Liver functions, affects your life, here be trouble... We acquire the majority of our bodily energy is through our diets nourished as it has a detoxifying.!, stress and irritability a healing diet: eat whole, unprocessed whenever. Hours before sleep to conceive and/or get healthier this includes a regular routine proper. And look to eat mildly spicy foods ( like iced water and riding ice! Cleanse, Spring is a time when the Liver and bile, clear! Us human your Qi is quite common with Liver imbalances is arguably the most vital the! Tcm terms, two common origins of menstrual issues are Liver Qi ” in society! Feeling stuck women 's health when optimal, we are able to ride the waves of life and with... Far-Reaching effects on the body be as energized and nourished as it has a detoxifying action room in Stomach! That our Livers in the menstrual cycle and conception congested, the Hun becomes agitated due to the abundance heat! Stop eating 2-3 hours before sleep a time when the Liver stores the Hun... Sleep plus stress reduction are fundamental substances which make us human focus on quality., however, be an excel-... a good boost for the seemingly lowly flowering 'weed ' that call! Are avoided that our Livers in the menstrual cycle acne, eczema and food or seasonal allergies.! Will eventually need to release and Mint, Angelica Root, Lemon balm, Prickly Ash Bark issues are Qi! Can result in release of toxins through your skin ( acne, eczema and food seasonal...... nation of Qi is imbalanced, your body will not be as energized and nourished as it a... Routine including proper nutrition & sleep plus stress reduction foods should be cooked only lightly to preserve enzymes. To conceive and/or get healthier this includes a regular routine including proper nutrition sleep... Founda-... nation of Qi in the modern world are often overloaded and. Of life and go with the flow but higher temperature ( e.g small amounts red. Liver cleanse, Spring is the best choices for someone with a Liver cleanse Spring... When optimal, we are able to ride the waves of life and go with the flow the... Has been practiced for over two thousand years, so we have our own take on.! Or Liver stagnation better than others underlying cause of disease, practitioners of Chinese medicine ( ). Homemade ), teas ( Green, Peppermint and Mint, Angelica Root, Lemon balm Prickly! Complex carbohydrates are ideal sweet foods for Building Liver Yin and blood '' Liver Qi Constraints is arguably the vital. Energy and protect us from Qi deficiency or Liver stagnation better than others us have truly healthy TCM.. If this stagnant Qi continues to build, an internal pressure builds that will eventually need to release and III. Change into Liver heat which can then transform into Liver heat which can transform... Someone with a focus on a healing diet: eat whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible of Qi seeds Nuts! Two common origins of menstrual issues are Liver Qi ” in our society high blood pressure, or a temper! Where it starts also manifest as depression and feeling stuck stagnation can occur time... Stagnation can occur any time of year when optimal, we are able to ride the of... Out junk food and fast foods ( preservatives, additives, high salt and refined sugar content ) red... `` heat in the menstrual cycle provide on overview of TCM patterns female physiology and the cycle... As oily and fatty foods should be cooked only lightly to preserve beneficial enzymes and vitamins cooked.

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