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Move that Qi!

As Lao Tze eloquently said over 2500 years ago in the Tao Te Ching;

'Change is the only constant". So why is it, so many are saying we are over change?

Perhaps a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) point of view, might help. Nature is always in flux and change. As we move through the seasons, cycles of night and day, birth and death, nothing stays the same.


The world has changed quickly over the last few years. We have all been adapting to 'new norms'. However, we are deluding ourselves to think, we are done with change. As we move through Spring the biggest time of growth, energy of the season us is creating a push for movement more than any other season.


As humans our very survival requires us to be able to adapt and move with the environment around us. When we can't or won't move with change, we stagnate.


In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture, change, movement and flow are connected with the Liver & Gallbladder meridians. Liver energy is most active in spring, pushing us to move into new projects and get outdoors. When qi is not moving stagnation forms. This inertia can be expressed all over the body with pain and stiffness particularly in the neck or emotionally through low mood, resistance & negativity.


Lack of movement is often seen as a build-up of irritability and/or sense of burden. We need motivation if we are going to make change. Resistance can block this flow leading to an excess of anger.


Ideally change is empowering, we are pleased to take steps to create movement knowing the adjustments create a renewed sense purpose that align with our values and goals. Change in this manor, helps us to adjust to maintain harmony within ourselves and our surroundings.


When imbalanced, strong Liver energy is a force, a lot of intensity is needed to shape the world against the flow. Moving in opposition to flow comes at a cost. Humans are strong survivors but sometimes we need to 'pick our battles' and remove the intensity to ensure a healthy balance can be maintained. Many of us use this force to maintain momentum to keep going, fight for change, and/or work within environments and expectations that don't meet our values, then wonder why we get stressed and isolated. Strong Liver energy is very disconnecting for other systems in the body as well as to our connections to others.. Weak liver energies create the opposite with timidity, and apathy meaning nothing gets done as non sense of purpose is felt.


No matter our influence nature will always find an equilibrium regardless of what we do. Balanced liver energy is flexible with strong connections to values and identity. This softness supports us to be at peace with the world knowing that what is important will resonate, but does not need to dominate all that we are. Transformation will happen simply from being ourselves and moving with grace towards or away from challenges as needed.


Here are my suggestions based on TCM practice to help you move your liver energy and regain calm & flow:


1. To balance stagnated liver energy, exercise and movement is a must. If adrenals are an issue keep it gentle with movement meditations such as tai qi & qi gong and/or gentle walks in nature.


2. If you have been sitting for long periods of time, likely you need something more vigorous so get active! I know, you all know the benefits a good workout can make.


3. For the Liver meridian twisting exercises for flexibility through the spine and the core will help move the qi through the side of the body so you can clear the way for decision making and change.


5. A diet of leafy greens for a few days of detox will also get your liver energy moving again. Don't be surprised if it makes you irritable that is part of the the qi releasing and moving through.



As part of my personal Spring changes I have moved my practice into Sports clinic, 156 Bealey Ave. If you would like some treatment for pain relief, neck issues and some seasonal liver balancing to support your changes, come in and see me soon.




Nicci








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