There’s a lot of talk about detoxification these days. People are looking for an effective way to rebalance their bodies and release toxic substances that have built up within. Traditional Chinese medicine has a unique perspective: Use Nature’s unlimited power to achieve and maintain a healthy, balanced body.

TCM is one of the oldest, continuously practiced medicines in the world. It’s based on a profound observation of Nature and a deep understanding of Qi, or energy. Modern physics has shown that when you break matter down, it is simply invisible energy. TCM is a medicine of energy. Every one of its theories, principles and practices applies this knowledge of energy. TCM understands how energy moves and changes in the environment and within the body. It also knows how to get it moving once it becomes stuck, a cause of pain and illness.

Human beings are connected to Nature and its changes are reflected in our bodies. When the seasons change, our bodies mirror these changes. If we are not in harmony with Nature, health issues begin to arise. The Spring season is a time of rebirth and regrowth. When you energetically harmonize with Nature’s energy, the opportunities for your own rebirth are endless!

The Spring season is related energetically to the Liver/Gallbladder system. Therefore, Spring is the best time to enhance Liver function. Without strong Liver function, detoxification cannot accomplish any deep or lasting healing.

So how does TCM rebalance the Liver? The essence of certain foods resonate with the Liver’s energy. TCM prescribes bamboo, broccoli rabe, dandelion, eggplant, fennel, and scallions to help stimulate the Liver. The warm essence of garlic, ginger and lemon and the sour tastes of vinegar-based or pickled foods are also used to support Liver function.

With the understanding that the body has the ability to correct any imbalance, TCM treatments focus on prevention and creating wellness. Acupressure is one thing you can do to help heal yourself. Stimulating specific energy points can improve your energy flow and impact the health of the organs. There are several acupressure points that benefit the Liver. But the Liver is part of an interdependent system with four other organ networks. When the health of one organ suffers, over time they are all affected. The Four Energy Gates helps the whole body achieve balance, therefore creating overall health.

The deepest application of detoxification is about bringing Liver function to its highest level. This can be accomplished by going with the flow of Nature using natural TCM methods. Then you get the deepest and purest result—a truly healthy body and being.

Learn more about Dragon’s Way Qigong®, our approach to whole mind-body-spirit wellness.