Often times, western holistic liver purges emphasize the use of herbs and foods that deplete energy while cleansing toxins from the body.

The Chinese approach to balancing the liver is much more gentle and less depleting.  It also does not involve fasting or extreme dietary shifts.

One way to begin cleansing the liver is to consult with a trained herbalist for a custom herbal formulation that emphasizes gentle detoxifying herbs such as: 

• chai hu
• chrysanthemum
• mai men dong
• bai shao
• huang qin

and gentle tonic herbs such as

• di huang
• dang gui

An excellent pre-made formula is Free Easy Wanderer which contains a nice blend of herbs to detoxify and strengthen the liver and other internal organs. 

Plum Flower (Mayway) and Guang Ci Tang are the two brands that I trust in my practice, as they are produced in GMP certified labs that FDA standards for purity control.

On the western herbal side, nettle leaf is also a very gentle liver cleanser and can be combined with milk thistle. 

Nettle leaf is also a natural antihistamine thatcan help your body cope better with spring allergens to reduce sneezing, congestion and other allergic manifestations.

Millk thistle weed contains silymarin, which is protects the liver against toxins. If you smoke, drink or are exposed to toxic fumes such as paint regularly,  consider adding milk thistle to your regimen of supplements.  As always consult with your medical physician if you are taking other supplements or pharmecutical medications. 

I use Gaia brand of phyto-extracts of nettle leaf and milk thistle as this brand contains a highly potent yet gentle formulation that is standardized in terms of strength.

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Lower Blood Pressure Naturally with Liver Balancing Foods

Spring time is often referred to as "liver time" in Chinese medicine. Thus, we may see an increase in spring time with conditions that have an energetic root with the liver.

The most common liver imbalance that I see in my practice is the energy pattern of liver yang (fire) rising, which may manifest as:

*High blood pressure.
*Headaches at the top of the head or migraines.
*Red eyes.
*Irritability.
*Insomnia.
*Digestive upset.
*Joint, ligament or tendon issues.

To balance liver yang rising and its manifestations, try adding foods to the diet with a cool energy property such as:

*Peppermint tea.
*Chamomile tea.
*Cucumbers.
*Dandelion greens (add just a touch to your usual salad greens or cooked green dishes).

Other liver friendly foods include the root called burdock, often available in health food stores.

This long brown root has powerful blood detoxifying effects and also can help to clear stagnation of the joints.

To prepare burdock, peel the brown layer and wash well. Slice the root into julienne strips and include in soups or stews.

Like anything natural, shifting liver imbalances takes time but it can be done with diligent attention placed on diet and on reducing stress.

Qi emission healing sessions with a liver focus can also help significantly. This type of qi gong session helps to reduce stress and calm the flow of energy within the liver and other internal organs.

Information in Health Prosperity is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Check with your medical physician before implementing any herbal or dietary strategies.

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Qi Gong: Tree Meditation

This tree meditation can help calm the energy of the liver, lower blood pressure and promote restful sleep.

The next time you are visiting a park or out in nature, you can perform this simple tree meditation.

Breathe in deeply for a count of five. Exhale deeply for a count of five.

Stand in front of a tree (or imagine a tree in your mind). Stand with your back relaxed, knees slightly bent, and arms to your sides.

Imagine roots extending from your feet deep into the ground to connect with the roots of the tree.

Breathe in and feel the cool green energy of the tree permeate your lungs and fill your body.

Exhale and release any toxins or stress down through your roots into the ground.

Repeat several times.

Inhale as you reach arms above your head as if stretching branches to the skies.

Exhale as you lower the arms.

Place your hands, palm over palm, facing inward, on the lower stomach.

Imagine green tree energy flowing in from your hands into the lower abdomen and traveling up to the liver and gallbladder (under the right rib cage).

Breathe deeply and slowly. Feel relaxed, peaceful, and flexible like a powerful tree.

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All articles are copyright protected 2008 Aiki Healing and cannot be reproduced in any format without written permission from Aiki Healing.

The information in Health Prosperity is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any ailment or condition. Health Prosperity recommends that readers consult with their medical physicians before implementing any of the strategies or guidance regarding herbs, diet or qi gong movement.

Call 512.468.6588 to schedule your session or consultation. Long distance clients feel free to email Kay.