Did the holidays do a number on your diet and nutrition? Bounce back and get liver support through acupuncture and Chinese Medicine!
From October to the beginning of January our liver is taken on a wild ride of being inundated with sugar, alcohol, and every imaginable backed good and treat around. So, where does this leave our liver?
At Lee Acupuncture, we love addressing liver health with our patients! It’s amazing how a healthy and functioning liver can impact your health so greatly! Learn more about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can better support your liver and guide you towards optimal health and wellness in today’s post!
Liver Health
When it comes to detoxification, your liver is the powerhouse that does it for us! It was designed and is fully capable to remove waste such as toxins, metals, medications, and pollutants to better balance your body and keep it functioning properly! The liver can take a brunt of what we throw at it, but over time, the more we use and abuse our liver through a poor diet and lifestyle habits, it may reach a tipping point where toxins build to an unhealthy level and begin to cause health issues in the body.
This point is where you might benefit from outside liver support.
There are some tell-tale signs that your liver is on overload, so get in touch with your body and watch for the following:
- Abdominal bloating
- Difficulty losing weight
- Weight gain
- Skin concerns (acne)
- Overheating
- Digestion issues (specifically fat)
How Chinese Medicine Can Support Your Liver
The liver is the beautiful multitasker of our bodies and Chinese medicine can address the liver issues listed above through balancing and unblocking what is known as liver stagnation. Commonly used acupuncture points that support your liver include:
Hegu (point: LI4) – This point is the fleshy space between your thumb and index finger. An acupuncturist can place a needle in this space and you can also implement acupressure at home to aid in liver stagnation. Feel around for the most tender spot and knead and hold for at least 30 seconds. Repeat on both sides.
- Taichong (point: L3) – This point is between your big toe and your first toe on your feet. Similar to the above, place pressure (or see your acupuncturist) on the tender most spot and hold for 30 seconds.
Liver stagnation is also a result of the food choices we make, so steer clear of heat causing, thus liver stagnating foods such as:
- Salt
- Spicy foods
- Oil
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Red meat
- Coffee
- Refined foods
To address liver stagnation concerns through food, focus on the following:
- Greens (especially cruciferous veggies such as kale and broccoli)
- Lemons
- Beets
- High fiber whole-foods (beans and whole grains)
Consult with your acupuncturist and consider supplementing with supportive herbs such as:
- Dandelion
- Parsley
- Milk thistle
- Artichoke
Your liver is an amazing organ that can handle the demands of what is thrown at it, but sometimes — especially after the holidays — it can use some added support!