If you are low on energy or feeling pain anywhere in your body moving could be the panacea you need. Movement is Medicine and in Oriental Medicine this can be explained through the association of Spring and the organ of the Liver.
In previous articles I have highlighted the connection between Spring and Ki Stagnation. Winter tends to be the season that perpetuates feelings of turning inwards, rest and subsequently lack of movement. I mean who really wants to outside exercising in the cold air when the days are shorter. And in fact I encourage feelings of introspection during the cooler months – it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with that energy. But now it is warming up it is time to remind you of the benefits of getting moving for the health of your body.
Spring is the time to create new habits and to start getting outside more. Beside the fact the days are glorious, the flowers are in bloom and beauty of nature is in your face, the association of Spring with the Liver Organ gives us a new perspective of moving the body.
From an Oriental perspective it is viewed that an organ system has connection to our emotions. When these emotions are suppressed, in excess or even lacking disease may form. Liver Stagnation means the flow of energy (Ki) is not moving freely. Symptoms include headaches, menstrual dysfunction, muscular pain and eye disorders to name a few. Emotions can contribute to and / or exacerbate these symptoms.
Oriental Medicine has a way of treating the symptoms through the mind-body connection and while working with the emotions alone can support healing, it appears to be a little more complicated for symptoms connected with the Liver. Addressing dietary, environmental and lifestyle factors are also considered with Liver Ki Stagnation.
Our body is designed to move. Moving can help address some of the lifestyle factors contributing to Liver Ki Stagnation. As can getting outside more. Introducing activities like going for walks in the park or strolls on the beach can lower stress levels by not only boosting stress-reducing hormones but by also removing you from high-stress environments.
Perhaps if you find yourself experiencing pain in your body while you are working its time to take a much-needed break and enjoy a quick walk outside. Otherwise schedule physical activities for during your downtime to get moving. Ideally outside. Although just moving your body may well be enough for you.
Dancing in the living room, spending time at the gym or increasing your heart rate on a treadmill are ways you can get yourself moving this Spring if you cannot find time moving outside. Otherwise jump on your bike and cycle on some of the pathways provided in your local area, head to a state forest or National Park for a walk-in nature or sign up with your local park run group and get moving outside. Its Spring - the perfect time to start moving. You won’t regret it.
It might be difficult some days if your pain is excess or your energy is low. But moving really will help improve your energy and support decreasing pain particularly if it has its roots in Liver Ki Stagnation. Even Western Medicine is supporting moving more.
When you move your body undergoes many physiological processes including:
Even if you do have challenges or limitations mindful movement is highly beneficial from both a Western and Eastern health perspective. So maybe its time for you to consider one or both of these perspectives and start moving your body this Spring.
Spring is the time to create new habits and to start getting outside more. Beside the fact the days are glorious, the flowers are in bloom and beauty of nature is in your face, the association of Spring with the Liver Organ gives us a new perspective of moving the body.
From an Oriental perspective it is viewed that an organ system has connection to our emotions. When these emotions are suppressed, in excess or even lacking disease may form. Liver Stagnation means the flow of energy (Ki) is not moving freely. Symptoms include headaches, menstrual dysfunction, muscular pain and eye disorders to name a few. Emotions can contribute to and / or exacerbate these symptoms.
Oriental Medicine has a way of treating the symptoms through the mind-body connection and while working with the emotions alone can support healing, it appears to be a little more complicated for symptoms connected with the Liver. Addressing dietary, environmental and lifestyle factors are also considered with Liver Ki Stagnation.
Our body is designed to move. Moving can help address some of the lifestyle factors contributing to Liver Ki Stagnation. As can getting outside more. Introducing activities like going for walks in the park or strolls on the beach can lower stress levels by not only boosting stress-reducing hormones but by also removing you from high-stress environments.
Perhaps if you find yourself experiencing pain in your body while you are working its time to take a much-needed break and enjoy a quick walk outside. Otherwise schedule physical activities for during your downtime to get moving. Ideally outside. Although just moving your body may well be enough for you.
Dancing in the living room, spending time at the gym or increasing your heart rate on a treadmill are ways you can get yourself moving this Spring if you cannot find time moving outside. Otherwise jump on your bike and cycle on some of the pathways provided in your local area, head to a state forest or National Park for a walk-in nature or sign up with your local park run group and get moving outside. Its Spring - the perfect time to start moving. You won’t regret it.
It might be difficult some days if your pain is excess or your energy is low. But moving really will help improve your energy and support decreasing pain particularly if it has its roots in Liver Ki Stagnation. Even Western Medicine is supporting moving more.
When you move your body undergoes many physiological processes including:
- Moves Fluid and Blood around the body
- Strengthens your muscles, connective tissue and cardio vascular function
- Improves balance, stability and coordination
- Improve lung function and endurance
- Promotes brain plasticity, improve your mind capacity and memory function
- Boosts mood and decreases stress through hormonal production
- Helps clear out accumulated waste products in the body
- Retrieves stored energy (from fat cells) and uses it up
Even if you do have challenges or limitations mindful movement is highly beneficial from both a Western and Eastern health perspective. So maybe its time for you to consider one or both of these perspectives and start moving your body this Spring.
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