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Part 2 of 2
At some point in life, everyone deals with major upheavals or emotional distress. These events can trigger a host of unexpected feelings and behaviors, from depression and panic attacks to major disruptions in sleep and eating. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues in treating the root cause of the problem by helping to rebalance the body's internal environment.
Liver qi stagnation and emotions
Emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony within Oriental medicine. However, anger, irritability and frustration are all signs that our qi (life force) is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of qi throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.
Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations.
If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your health and wellness, please call today to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you!
Stretch: According to Oriental medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest, and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine.
Eye exercises: Although all organs have some connection to eye health, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Take breaks when looking at a monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat green: Eating young plants—fresh, leafy greens, sprouts and immature cereal grasses—can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Do more outdoor activities: Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation.
Acupressure points for moving qi
Four gates: A popular treatment for stress, anger, sadness, and frustration, these four acupuncture points are thought to enhance the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body and have a calming and analgesic effect.
LI 4 is located on the padded area of your hand, between the thumb and index finger, between the first and second metacarpal bones. Massage this point with your thumb on both hands for approximately 30 seconds.
LV 3 is located in a hollow on the top of your foot, below the gap between your big toe and the next toe, between the first and second metatarsal bones. To stimulate this point, place your right heel in the juncture between the bones that attach to the large and second toes and gently knead the point for approximately 30 seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate the point on your other foot.
Baihui for clarity: Massage acupuncture point Baihui for mental clarity. Located on the top of the head, midway between the ears Baihui is used to clear the mind, calm the spirit and improve focus. Stimulate the point with your index finger for 30 to 45 seconds for a quick "brain boost."
Yintang for calmness: Yintang, a point located midway between the eyebrows, is sometimes referred to as "the third eye." Stimulation of Yintang is known to calm the mind, enhance one’s ability to focus, soothe emotions, promote sleep and relieve depression.
November special offer
Learn how to stay healthy through the upcoming cold and flu season: Call for your free 30-minute consultation. When your qi (life force) functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your qi.
Location: 2427 University Blvd. W., Jacksonville. Contact Mariellen Kristol, A.P. to set up a personal appointment at 904-739-5808.
