Happy first day of spring!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring symbolizes a season of renewal, growth, and vitality. It is closely associated with the liver, which has the important job of detoxifying and clearing the stagnation of energy that accumulated during the winter months. Think of it as opening your windows and doors to welcome the sunshine and fresh air, while sweeping away the cobwebs that have gathered over the colder season. This cleansing process restores balance and prepares the body for the vibrant energy of Spring.
Supporting your liver with extra care during Spring is an excellent way to enhance its natural detoxification process.
Give your liver and lymphatic system some love with these self-care techniques:
Eat spring foods:
- focus on light & hydrating foods while avoiding greasy or rich foods that can clog up the liver
- radishes & bitter greens like dandelion greens and chicories are known to promote liver detoxification
Drink herbal teas:
- some liver-loving herbs include in your springtime tea parties are dandelion root, burdock root, & milk thistle
- Plants that show up in nature this time of year are known to promote detoxification, how cool is that? Look for cleavers, chickweed, nettles, and violets in your garden or out in the wild. Make nature's green juice by placing the plant matter into filtered water and steep in the fridge overnight
Dry brushing and/or gua sha
- amazing ways to get your lymph moving and help clear out toxins, plus they both feel amazing and are great ways to connect with yourself for 5-10 minutes in your day
- my favorite dry brush tutorial and gua sha tutorial (both by Margaret Barry, who I love following!)
Castor Oil packs
- castor oil has been used medicinally for centuries. When applied topically, it promotes circulation, lymphatic drainage, and toxin elimination
- not only does it support your liver, but it also supports T4 to T3 conversion, reduces inflammation, and enhances nutrient absorption
- drop 1-2 tbsp of castor oil on a rag and place it over your liver (under the ribs on your right side) for 30-60 minutes.
- shop the best third-party tested organic castor oil here !
Rebounding
- aka jumping on a trampoline! Jumping up and down forces lymphatic fluid to flow & flush out toxins
- If you don't have a trampoline, gentle movement like jumping jacks or jogging should do the trick
As always my inbox is open, feel free to reply with questions, concerns, or input of any kind!
With gratitude,
Blair, NTP
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