Understanding Liver Energy and Anger

In spring the Universal energy is rising. Imagine the entire process that is happening just below the ground. Do you know that this dynamic is also reflected within your body by the rising of Liver energy, or Qi? One of the Liver's primary functions is to promote the smooth flow of both your Qi and emotions. TCM's Five Element Theory associates the Liver with the emotion anger, and at this time of year we may find ourselves experiencing excessive emotion: feeling frustrated or very angry, in particular. Our emotions can mirror the seasonal rise in Liver Qi.

TCM recognizes the reflexive relationship between emotions and health. Rising Liver Qi can create an angry feeling, yet conversely, anger and high levels of stress and frustration held over time can unbalance Liver Qi.

Managing your emotions plays an important role in achieving and maintaining wellness. This does not mean suppressing your emotions! The true goal is to let your emotions flow. It is much better to release anger and frustration rather than internalize their injurious effects and harm your Liver.

Use these traditional "exercises" to help manage anger and stress:

1. Break something! The "breaking dynamic" goes a long way toward releasing these emotions. Buy a dozen eggs (or two!) and smash them. If you don't want to make too much of a mess, throw them at the tiles in the bathroom or smash them in the tub. The point is, let your anger go!

2. Try screaming! Rather than screaming at someone, let it fly when you're alone in your car or in the shower. The release of pent-up emotion is a relief to your Liver.