TCM Insights for Liver and Gallbladder Health in 2024: Year of the Green Wood Dragon
Welcome friends, to the Year of the Green Wood Dragon! As we delve deeper into 2024, let's cut through the cosmic clutter and dive into the essentials. In this blog, we'll explore the meaning of a Yang year, the significance of the wood element and color green, the mythical charm of the Dragon, and how these symbols relate to the liver and gallbladder.
Whether you're seeking a fresh start, looking to understand the year's energy, or just curious about the practical aspects this blog provides an energetic roadmap to embracing the year ahead with insight and understanding from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective.
What is a Yang Year in TCM?
In Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang energies are opposing forces that represent the dual nature of existence. In the Chinese zodiac, each animal year is characterized as either Yin or Yang. Last year was a Yin Year of the Rabbit. This year is a Yang Year of the Dragon. Understanding which energetic force dominates can help you set realistic goals and expectations for the year.
Yin Energy Versus Yang Energy
Yin is characterized by a more subdued, receptive, and introspective energy. It's a time for reflection and a focus on internal aspects. Growth is more gentle and gradual where quiet, nurturing approaches may be more beneficial. It’s a time to move inward, more conducive to introspection, and focus on emotional well-being. To help nourish Yin energy, focus on restorative practices like meditation and gentle exercises to support internal balance. Something to keep in mind for next year, which is the Wood Snake.
Yang, on the other hand, is associated with qualities such as activity, assertiveness, and expansion. The yang aspect in the Year of the Dragon signifies dynamic growth and positive transformation. The dragon symbolizes strength, power, and success. Put your best forward-moving approaches into action and get ready for progress and good fortune. It’s a time when life flourishes and opportunities for expansion are found. Energy in a Yang year is assertive (and dragons are courageous), which means individuals are encouraged to take initiative, be confident, and dive in!
Activities and practices to enhance and balance yang energy include dynamic exercise, warm/cooked foods, acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal remedies that invigorate the body. So, get those box jumps and burpees going, embrace the Yang energy, and prepare to jump higher this year than ever before.
Whole Body Health: Connecting With Nature
The connection between the wood element, the color green, and the Year of the Green Wood Dragon in the context of TCM involves a harmonious alignment of natural energies that can influence health and well-being. In Chinese medicine, health is based, at least in part, on the belief that we live in a universe in which everything is interconnected. I’m sure you’re wondering what the color green or the wood element has to do with our health. Your answer lies in the fact that we are meant to live in harmony with nature and the world around us.
Here's how these elements interconnect.
Exploring the Dynamic Connection of Wood, Green, and Dragons in TCM
There are five elements associated with TCM. They include metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. The wood element in TCM aligns with specific aspects of the body including the liver and gallbladder organs, the eyes, tendons, and emotions of anger or irritability. If the liver and gallbladder organs or acupuncture meridians are out of balance, you will see certain symptoms manifest in those areas such as headaches, anger, PMS, changes in vision, high blood pressure, red eyes, feeling irritable, short-tempered and so on.
The wood element, color green, and dragon connect because wood is associated with the color green and the liver and gallbladder organs are associated with the dragon. Keeping these connections in mind and placing emphasis on these systems can help you achieve optimal health this year.
The Liver-Gallbladder System in TCM
In TCM, the liver is recognized for its pivotal role in detoxification, emotional balance, and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy). Complementarily, the gallbladder is linked to decision-making and the courage to take action. Enhancing the health of both the liver and gallbladder can yield a myriad of key benefits for overall well-being, including:
Balanced Emotions & Reduced Stress:
A healthy liver, associated with smooth Qi flow, promotes emotional balance, reducing frustration, irritability, anger, and overall stress and tension.
Improved Digestion:
The gallbladder, responsible for storing and releasing bile, plays a crucial role in digestion. Enhancing gallbladder function supports better digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gastrointestinal health.
Enhanced Detoxification:
The liver, a vital organ for detoxification, efficiently filters toxins from the blood, contributing to overall cleansing and improved physical vitality.
Clearer Thinking:
TCM links the liver with the eyes, suggesting an influence on clear vision (physically and metaphorically!) and judgment. Supporting liver health may result in clearer thinking and improved cognitive function.
Healthy Blood Circulation:
The liver's role in storing and regulating blood supports proper circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen to various tissues and organs, thereby contributing to better physical health.
Optimized Sleep Patterns:
An imbalanced liver can impact sleep patterns, especially between 1-3am. Focusing on liver health may regulate sleep and promote better sleep quality.
Support for Hormonal Balance:
The liver's involvement in metabolizing hormones play a crucial role in the body’s hormonal balance.
Increased Energy Levels:
Improved gallbladder function aids in the digestion and absorption of fats, providing a more stable source of energy. Additionally, a healthy liver contributes to better overall energy levels.
Healthy Skin:
TCM associates the liver with the skin, emphasizing its impact on skin health. A well-functioning liver efficiently processes and eliminates toxins, promoting clear and healthy skin.
As you can see from this extensive list, the health of the liver and gallbladder plays a pivotal role in establishing the mental and physical equilibrium necessary for a healthier and happier life. Here are ways you can support your liver and gallbladder.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and moxibustion, offers holistic approaches to improve liver and gallbladder health. Here are ways in which TCM practices can be beneficial:
Acupuncture for Liver-Gallbladder Health
Regular acupuncture sessions can help maintain the balance of Qi in the liver and gallbladder meridians, addressing specific health concerns and supporting overall organ function. Stimulation of acupoints such as Liver 3 (LV3), Gallbladder 34 (GB34), and Spleen 6 (SP6) can help regulate energy in the liver and gallbladder systems, support the organs, ease emotional strain, and regulate digestion. Schedule with one of our doctors and ask how to do acupressure on these points at home!
Herbal Medicine
TCM often utilizes herbal remedies to enhance liver and gallbladder health. Herbs such as Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome), Fo Shou (Finger Citron Fruit, “Buddha’s Hand”), Bo He (Field Mint), and Yu Jin (Turmeric Tuber) can move liver energy when it gets stuck or doesn’t flow smoothly. After your acupuncture session, ask your TCM doctor for a customized Chinese herbal formula.
Dietary Recommendations
TCM emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet in promoting organ health. Foods that support liver and gallbladder function include liver, mustard greens, goji berries, beets, broccoli and sprouts. Because the gallbladder is closely tied to digestive function through bile production, it’s important to limit fried and greasy foods, as well as dairy, sugar, caffeine or highly acidic foods.
Seasonal Adjustments
Lastly, it will be no surprise that TCM aligns health practices with seasonal changes. The wood element is associated with spring, a time of renewal and growth. As the Year of the Green Wood Dragon unfolds, individuals should be mindful of seasonal changes and adjust their lifestyle, diet, and activities to align with the flourishing energy of spring. Prepare for spring and find more information in our blog on 5 pro-tips to support your liver & your health this spring.
In summary, the Year of the Green Wood Dragon brings together the dynamic and transformative qualities of the Wood element, the symbolism of the Dragon, and the lush, rejuvenating energy of the color green. Embracing these elements holistically can provide a framework for supporting health, growth, and adaptability throughout the year. Take the first steps in this transformative year for a healthier and more harmonious you – book your appointment with one of our experienced TCM doctors today!
