By Monk Tom 

Spring: The Ideal Time to Detoxify the Liver 

Season Spring and its Correspondences According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Element: Wood
- Climate: Wind
- Color: Green
- Yin Organ: Liver
- Yang Organ: Gallbladder
- Sense: Sight
- Taste: Sour
- Tissue: Tendons
- Emotion: Anger
and Wrath In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is emphasized that emotions such as fear, anger, worry, or sorrow have a direct impact on human health – particularly on specific organs. Anger and wrath are closely connected to the Yin-Liver and Yang-Gallbladder. 

In this article, I would like to explore the relationship between the emotion of anger and the liver in more detail. 

 The Theory of Yin and Yang 

The foundation of TCM is the theory of Yin and Yang. These two forces symbolize opposites that complement and condition each other. Examples of such pairs include female and male, heaven and earth, or rest and movement.
The well-known symbol for Yin and Yang (the Taijitu) represents the interaction of these polar forces. It shows that heat and cold, day and night, or other opposites are inseparably connected.
A good example of this dynamic is a burning candle: The candle itself represents the Yin aspect, while the flame embodies Yang. When the flame becomes stronger, it consumes the candle faster. However, when both are in balance, the candle burns calmly and steadily. Similarly, a balanced relationship between Yin and Yang is crucial in the human body. If this balance is disturbed, it can lead to diseases. In TCM, every illness is considered a result of an imbalance between these two forces. 

 The 5 Elements Theory
TCM is based on natural laws that are applied to humans. A central role is played by the theory of the 5 Elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal). These elements represent fundamental forces of nature that are also reflected in the human body. They are dynamic and influence each other. Spring is associated with the element Wood. It symbolizes growth, development, and childhood. The organs associated with Wood are the liver and gallbladder. The liver is responsible for ensuring that energy flows freely in the body and that blood is stored. A lack of liver energy can lead to problems such as muscle cramps or dry eyes. Menstruation is also closely linked to liver function in TCM.
Additionally, each element is assigned a taste. For Wood, this is the sour taste, which is utilized in herbal medicine to direct medicinal herbs to specific organs. Emotions such as anger and wrath are also associated with the Wood element. According to TCM, unexpressed or suppressed feelings like anger can lead to a blockage in Liver-Qi, manifesting in symptoms such as headaches, tension, or high blood pressure. Conversely, movement and creativity promote the flow of liver energy. 

 Basics of TCM:
Liver and Anger In TCM, the liver is considered the central organ for the flow of Qi (life energy). Its main functions are:
- Blood storage: The liver regulates blood flow, especially during rest phases.
- Qi regulation: It ensures that energy flows unhindered in the body. If the Qi flow is disrupted – for example, due to stress or negative emotions – it can lead to "Liver-Qi stagnation." This condition is often associated with anger, frustration, or irritability. A classic quote from the Huangdi Neijing, a fundamental TCM text, states: "The liver is the place where anger resides." This means that the liver plays an important role not only physically but also emotionally. If liver energy is blocked, it can lead to emotional outbursts such as anger or aggression. In the past, people believed that the liver was the seat of emotions. That's why they said "Something has run over his liver" when someone was in a bad mood. Later, "something" became "a louse" running over the liver. 

 Western Perspectives
From a scientific perspective, there are interesting parallels between TCM and Western medical findings:
- Hormonal Regulation: The liver is involved in the control of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which are related to stress and emotions.
- Detoxification: As the main organ for detoxifying the body, an overloaded liver (due to alcohol, medications, or environmental toxins) can lead to an accumulation of toxins, negatively affecting the brain and emotions.
- Neurological Connections: The liver communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve. This "gut-brain axis" could explain why impaired liver function might intensify emotional symptoms such as anger or anxiety. 

 Practical Applications in TCM
In TCM, there are various methods to treat "Liver-Qi stagnation" and alleviate associated anger symptoms:
- In herbal medicine:
• Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root Tea): Regulates the Qi flow in the liver.
• Long Dan Cao (Gentiana Root Tea): Helps clear heat and fire in the liver.
• Acupuncture: Points like Liv 3 (Taichong) harmonize the Qi flow and relieve emotional tension. Lifestyle changes: - A balanced diet with cooling foods like fish, rice, and green vegetables supports the liver. Sour foods like rhubarb or citrus fruits also have positive effects.
- One should avoid fried, fatty foods, spicy seasonings, and heating drinks like coffee or alcohol.
- Meditation, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong help calm the mind and improve the Qi flow. 

 Liver Time on the Organ Clock 
According to TCM, our internal clock is reflected in our organs. Liver time occurs between 1 and 3 a.m. During this phase, the liver is particularly strongly supplied with blood and is at its peak detoxification phase. If liver-damaging products are consumed during this time, they harm the liver twice as much. Conversely, drinking liver-healing teas during this time can be particularly beneficial for the liver.
(see PDF Organ Clock) 

 Symptoms of Liver-Qi Stagnation
Blocked liver energy can lead to the following symptoms:
- Depression
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Headaches and dizziness
- Muscle twitching and tingling
- Menstrual disorders
- Vision problems and dry eyes
- Fatigue 

 What to Do About Liver-Qi Stagnation?
Regular exercise is essential to resolve Liver-Qi stagnation. Gentle endurance sports like gymnastics, Yoga, Qigong, walking in fresh air, or swimming, as well as Meditation, help remove blockages. Acupressure, Foot Reflexology, medical Chakra Massage, Reiki, or applying moist-warm green tea wraps on the liver zone can also help dissolve Liver-Qi stagnation and have healing effects on the liver, strengthening overall health and promoting well-being. 

 Closing Words:
Harmony as the Key to Health
An ancient Taoist saying goes: "A calm mind is the root of a healthy body, and a harmonious liver is the beginning of a calm mind." This wisdom reminds us that health must be understood not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. The liver, as the central organ for the flow of Qi, symbolizes our ability to overcome obstacles, be flexible, and live in harmony with nature and life.

When we learn to calm our negative emotions, such as fear, anger, worries, sorrow, and grief, and strengthen our positive emotions like joy, happiness, and love, and express them, we are on the path to health according to My Way of Longevity with Monk Tom. You will learn to love and care for your body, creating the foundation for a fulfilled, long, and healthy life. You will learn that healing is always a dynamic process – a dance between Yin and Yang, between rest and movement, between giving and receiving. By being mindful of yourself and your environment, you can establish the inner and outer balance that is so essential for well-being. May your spring be full of growth, clarity, and inner harmony – and may your liver, this powerful engine of the body, support you in walking your path with joy and ease.