Nourishing the Liver
Practices for Liver health from the Taoist Perspective
Over the weekend, I (re)shared on my Instagram some profound words from Dr Lily Cho on the Liver and its importance for women’s health, which struck some resonance with you folks! The Liver, capital L when referencing the energetic organ (that we work with in Taoism) is the “general” of the body, overseeing its function of modulating the smooth flow of Qi, Blood and emotions… thus making it one of the more crucial organs to nourish for female vitality and wellbeing.
So, to take it into practicality, here are some theory tidbits and workable tools you can apply to your life or yoga practice. I’d love to connect, discuss and know how this lands for you, so please reach out 🌀
The Liver is an organ of movement, the Yin organ of the Qi phase Wood, the season of Spring. The energy of Wood is what allows an acorn to grow into an Oak tree, for seeds buried dormant to sprout through the soil. The Liver allows tension and pressure to burgeon and expand, lifting Blood and Qi and MOVING it throughout the body. The Liver also gathers and releases Blood smoothly, deeming it of utmost value for women’s health and vitality— see my recent Substack ‘Blood Stories’ on why blood matters!
The Liver channel, or meridian, runs from the top of the foot and up the inner seams of the legs, diving into the torso and up to the eyes and forehead (with branches extending to join with Lung channels and to innervate the liver organ itself).
In the Yin yoga world, upheld by Daoism and henceforth the Wu Xing (5 phases or processes of Qi), we can nourish the Liver channels through the compression and lengthening of the fascial train in which they lie. For the liver, this is the Deep Front Line fascia train, which we can generalise, in movement, to the inner thighs… specifically the adductors.
Poses to Nourish the Liver:
Extension of the Deep Front Line Fascia can be targeted in poses such as Dragonfly, Frog and Butterfly, with many options for modification and prop support.
Using the wall for Dragonfly and Frog can help alleviate excess heat in the body as the legs are elevated. I use this shape to assist in the end days of my luteal phase, when my body is warmer in the lead-up to my bleed.
When the legs are separated, take your time journeying in and out of the poses to take care of your pelvic ligaments, and find a rebound shape (e.g. Pentacle/Savasana) to let the Qi do its beautiful thing!
Compression of the Deep Front Line Fascia can be targeted with poses such as Shoelace and Square (or even a cross-leg position and folding forwards). Take your time transitioning between each side, maybe a windscreen wipe side to side to mobilise the hip joint. Be sure to find your rebound afterwards too!
Points to Nourish the Liver:
Acupressure is a more generalised version of palpating specific points along the channels, as we use touch to help move Qi along and instigate certain physiological changes. Use your finger/s to gently rub the points, or if you find a sticky spot, remain still and apply pressure. Notice how your shoulders and neck are, and try to relax, breathe deeply and connect to the points. Stay a few minutes, a few breaths, or however long feels right.
Liver 3, Tai Chong or ‘Great Rushing’ to help move Qi along the channel and reduce stagnation.
Spleen 6, Sanyinjiao or ‘Yin meeting’ is the junction of the Spleen, Kidney and Liver channels— a super point! Helps tonify these three organs, calm the spirit, and smoothes the flow of Qi.
These suggestions are within the yoga practice and have found to be quite remarkable in altering my system and connecting with the themes of Wood/Liver. Below, I have outlined some lifestyle practices to consider and experiment with (safely) should you wish to take Liver nourishment off the mat. These are suggestions I’ve collected from my studies in Taoism, but need to be considered in a holistic lens in relation to your individual life.
Off the Mat:
Movement: In terms of lifestyle, any practices that help the movement of Qi will support the Liver. Examples include yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Meditation, Pranayama. Of course, the type, intention, and intensity of these practices can alter their efficacy in liver support, so keep this in mind. The key is that we must enjoy this movement, and not force or exert ourselves too much or too regularly. I think this is different for everyone
Food: Eating more warm, well-cooked food (rather than cold/iced food and drink) is fundamental in ancient Chinese lore, as cool foods overwhelm the Spleen and Stomach and drain our metabolic fire. The Liver and Spleen have this energetic connection, as they both correlate to this sense of empowerment that embodies the Manipura Chakra.
Emotional Regulation: Imbalanced Liver Qi can manifest emotionally as excessive anger. Finding practices unique to you that help to both express and quell frustrations healthily can help support the Liver! This can look like resolving old resentments, expressing consciously (while feeling regulated), and upholding a sense of flexibility in plans and schedules. Anger is a powerful energy we can use to our advantage to help create change and momentum. When not expressed or leaned into, anger can stop us in our tracks, so allow yourself to be malleable in the face of disruption and continue on your path of expansion.
Momentum in Life: The Liver helps to lift us up out of our hibernation of Winter and bring us into the expansion of Spring, so supporting our Liver in our lives can look like setting manageable goals to foster a feeling of accomplishment. It’s important to let yourself win!
Look to the Yin: When we motor through life, move too quickly or intensely, we can overwhelm the Liver. If we lean into our Yin essence more, especially when our menstrual cycles are begging us to, we can temper an overactive Liver. And I’m talking about rejuvenating, truly restorative rest. We can nourish the Liver by heeding our natural urges to slow down when we need it, which becomes increasingly difficult in the hubbub of the modern world. For me, this is reading a book for pleasure, taking a nap, practising Yin yoga and leaving a portion of the day unplanned and wide open.
Something I found to be monumental for my health is regular Acupuncture appointments to regulate my Liver Qi (which I struggle with the most!). If you are Sunshine Coast-based, I can highly recommend Ross from Enki Acupuncture operating out of the Chi Hub in Nambour, who practices Classical Japanese Acupuncture ever so skillfully. Individualised care can address more specific issues and symptoms, especially when layered with intentional lifestyle practices and choices.
I hope this little spiel on Liver love serves you well– my doors are always open to further discussion and answer any questions
Abigail x