Tag Archives: digestion

Is Life Worth Living? It all depends on the liver

Acupressure Points, Anger, Detoxification, Digestion, Point Location, Psycho-emotional, Urination, Vitality, , , , , , , , ,

KaleThis witty word play by 19th century American philosopher William James serves as a reminder that the health of the liver organ is of utmost importance in living a healthy life. If you want to live, you have to have a liver.

Of the approximately 500 functions of the liver, the most important include synthesis of amino acids and cholesterol; metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats; and the production of bile which assists digestion in the small intestine. The liver plays several roles in the regulation of the blood, breaks down insulin, breaks down toxic substances and allows them to be excreted. In short, the liver supports almost every other organ in the body.

In Chinese medicine, the Liver is the yin organ of the Wood Element. Since spring is the season of the year in which Wood energy is at its peak, spring is the best time to support this organ. Eat plenty of fresh dark green vegetables. Kale (like that pictured in my garden this morning) is one of the best foods to cleanse the liver. Sour foods such as lemons and limes, and fermented foods such as sauerkraut are also terrific. If you’ve been thinking of doing a liver cleanse, then start right now. If you live in the southern hemisphere, the ambient Wood energy will support you greatly.

Perhaps the best acupoint to aid your dietary efforts is Liver 3, Supreme Rushing. This is one of the great tonic points of the body. As the source point of the Liver meridian, it directly treats the organ itself. It also influences many conditions associated with the Liver and the Wood Element. For example, it treats conditions of the eyes which are the sense organs of Wood. It helps with abdominal distension and pain, menstrual irregularities, urinary and genital conditions, all of which occur in areas of the body through which the Liver meridian passes.

Supreme Rushing helps ease insomnia and disrupted sleep as well as headaches that are the result of Liver Qi stagnation. If you’ve eaten too much fatty food, drunk too much alcohol or taken a lot of medications, this point will support their metabolism by the Liver.

At the psycho-emotional level, anger is the emotion of the Wood Element. Anger that does not flow freely tends to lodge in the Liver. Therefore the point can soothe agitation, irritation, frustration and anger. It calms the mind and imparts courage and clarity. Where there is depression caused by suppressed anger and frustration, it can liberate a person’s aliveness and fuel the upward rising energy necessary to allow active engagement with the world.

So if you want to give your Liver a jump start this spring, Supreme Rushing can rush to your aid.

LV 3Location of Liver 3

The Liver source point lies on the top of the foot in a large hollow between the first and second toes, halfway along metatarsal bones. There will probably be a sensitive spot. If the liver is very congested, the point itself may feel thick and swollen.

Anyone for Tennis Elbow?

Acupressure Points, Constipation, Digestion, Pain Relief, Point Location, Tennis Elbow, , , ,

1598R-10012948After the ethereal musings of the last posting where we opened to the Breath of Heaven, this time we come down to earth with an examination of a painful physical condition. Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a condition that causes soreness and pain in the outer part of the elbow. The term tennis elbow is actually a misnomer; while some cases do derive from playing the sport improperly, a more likely cause these days is from the repetitive stress of computer use, especially mousing. The condition could equally be called Mouser’s Elbow! Half of cases are not even caused by overexertion but by blows or injuries to the area.

The acupoint that most effectively addresses this condition is Large Intestine 11, Pool at the Crook. Sustained pressure on this point, located in the large hollow at the outer end of the elbow crease, will help to free congested Qi in this area.

Pool at the Crook has many other uses for a wide range of conditions. Because it is the tonification point of the Large Intestine meridian, it stimulates the organ and is therefore a powerful point for constipation and abdominal congestion. It clears heat from the body and so is useful in cases of fever and inflammation. It helps with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and shingles. It can lower blood pressure, relieve toothache and treat pain in the shoulder, upper arm and forearm.

L.I. 11 strengthens the Metal Element and can be very grounding for a person who has his head in the clouds. It balances the Qi between Large Intestine and its partner meridian Lung.

So if someone you know has elbow pain from a tennis racquet or a mouse, or if they suffer from any of the above ailments, try dipping your finger into the pool at the crook of their elbow.

Location of Large Intestine 11

SAMSUNGPlace your left forearm so that it makes a right angle with your upper arm. This reveals a crease at the outer edge of the elbow. Place your right thumb into the large hollow at the end of this crease and apply sustained pressure for 2-3 minutes. Don’t use so much pressure that it hurts; you should remain relaxed. If the point is very blocked, it may take some time before you feel a sensation. Feel for an opening of the Qi which may be felt as a pulsing, a gentle throbbing, tingling, warmth or some other sensation. When you feel done, treat the right elbow. Even if a condition is only on one side of the body, it is good to treat the points on  both sides.