Connecting to your vision
Find balance to tune into the energetic wisdom of your body
Have you ever noticed that your body feels seasonal shifts? Starting to crave different foods or experiencing changes in your energy levels are just a couple of ways this might show up. The more I allow space to slow down and pause, the more I’m able to be aware of these signals from my body, and respond to them accordingly.
In Chinese Medicine there are five elements that are central to nature’s cycles and are reflected in the cycles of our bodies. Each element relates to a season and each season is associated with a particular organ system.
In the northern hemisphere we’re just a few days away from the Spring Equinox as I write this. Spring is the season of the Wood element and the associated organs are the Liver (yin organ) and Gallbladder (yang organ). On a physical level both the liver and gallbladder play important roles in the body’s digestion process, with the liver being the body’s main organ of detoxification, while the gallbladder, located just under the liver, stores bile which helps to break down fats. However, on an energetic level, the Liver, described as ‘the General of the army’, is particularly important because it is responsible for smooth flow of Qi, blood and emotions through the body, and the Gallbladder is linked to our ability to confidently follow our own life path.
What does all this have to do with our vision?
Linked to the Wood element is the Hun: the spiritual aspect of the soul that resides in the Liver. The Hun, along with the Liver, Gallbladder and Wood element are connected our vision and imagination, as well as our clarity and confidence in moving towards our goals and dreams, and the strength to stand up for what we believe in.
When out of balance, some of the ways this may manifest are anger (the key emotion linked to the Liver and Wood element), indecision, frustration, irritation, depression, and finding planning and change difficult to cope with. Related to this, the Liver is also the organ most adversely affected by excess stress.
When in balance, it can show up as courage, positive hopes for the future, and determination. We can feel more able to create and execute change, a greater sense of discernment and capacity for empathy, as well as experiencing more emotional calm.
From this energetic perspective, supporting Liver energy, and therefore the smooth flow of Qi, is of particular importance in encouraging balance.
Supporting the flow of Qi
Qi (energy or life force) travels through our bodies via the meridians (energy channels). The *organs and their health are linked to the meridians flowing through them. (*If you do not have a gallbladder, it’s worth noting, that even if a particular organ has been removed, the meridians and the energetic qualities of the organ remain.)
We can affect our Qi via our movements or exercise, our diet, our surroundings and lifestyle in general. The food we eat is one of the ways Qi comes into the body (known as grain Qi).
We also receive Qi via our parents (prenatal Qi) and our breath (natural air Qi). You’re most likely aware of acupuncture as a way to encourage the healthy flow of Qi through the meridians. When it comes to enhancing natural air Qi, this is where practices such as Qigong, Tai Chi and yoga can help. Yin yoga in with its particular focus on the organs, fascia and the meridians is one way to help influence the flow of Qi and is a favourite of mine as I’ve taught it for the past decade, though it’s been a part of my life for longer. This slow, quiet, predominantly floor-based practice that has its roots in Daoism also soothes the nervous system, encouraging a calm state.
A few tips for supporting Liver Qi in Spring:
REST: Liver energy is at its lowest between the hours of 1 and 3pm so taking twenty to thirty minutes to rest during this time if you can is ideal. If you’re fortunate enough to work from home or have a flexible schedule then lying down to rest for twenty minutes in savasana can be particularly beneficial. Find out more about savasana, its benefits plus some tips for practice in this edited extract from by book Rest + Calm: read The Power of Savasana here.
DRAGONFLY POSE: This is one of my favourite yin yoga poses for Liver Qi stagnation. This position targets the parts of the Liver meridians running along the insides of the legs. Here’s how to get there:
Sit on the ground with your back straight and your legs extended. You can sit on a cushion or folded blanket here if this feels more comfortable for your lower back. Take your legs apart, as wide as feels comfortable for your hips. Start to bring your upper body into a forward fold. Come as far forward as your body will comfortably allow without forcing or straining.
You can also practice Dragonfly Pose lying down on your back with your legs up the wall.
Aim to be in your Dragonfly for three to five minutes.
ACUPRESSURE: Taichong, or Liver 3 (also known ‘Supreme Rushing’ or ‘Great Surge’), is the third point along the Liver meridian. As well as supporting the flow of Liver Qi, a few other reported benefits of stimulating this point include easing digestion, insomnia, headaches, PMS symptoms and irritability, and regulating menstruation.
To locate Liver 3, place a finger on the spot where your big toe and second toe meet. From here, slide your finger back about an inch or so until you find the depression just before the point where the two bones meet. (If it feels slightly tender when you press into this point then you’ve found the right spot.) Press the tip of your finger or thumb into this depression on each foot using light to moderate pressure for between thirty seconds and two minutes. You can also massage in a gentle circling motion here. Allow your breath to be slow and steady while you do this.
**UPDATE** - if you are reading this in April 2024:
Interested in yin yoga or restorative yoga?
Join me for a live online Yin Yoga class with Mindwalk Yoga on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 8.00-9.00pm BST. Drop-in tickets are available. (Existing Mindwalk Yoga members can join as part of their membership.) Sign-up here.
And if you’re in London, join me in-person for contemplative practices to regulate your nervous system and restore your equilibrium. Some of the practices you will experience can be found in my book Rest + Calm:
Rest + Restore - the April edition takes place on Friday 12th April 2024 7-8.30pm at Embody Wellness. Find full details and sign-up via Embody Wellness here - **just 3 places remaining**
Not able to practice with me live or in-person? Check out my Find Your Inner Fire Yin and Restorative Unwind classes on-demand class at EkhartYoga.
AND don’t forget you can find The Reset - my monthly yin and restorative classes - here on Substack.
Over to you:
In the spirit of connecting to your vision and tapping into Spring’s themes of growth and expansion, what do you want to grow (more of) in this season?
I discovered you in the March 11 Substack Reads. Thank you for your message! I especially enjoyed your 1st writing where you talked about your life before and after slow living. I relate to everything you said and I am also in midlife, adjusting to a new way of living. I would love to hear more of your story, process, struggles and victories! Looking forward to whatever you share. 💜