The liver is responsible for the movement of qi in the body. It is a very large and busy organ and anything that demands its time will divert resources from this movement, potentially leading to the emotions associated in Chinese medicine with liver imbalance: frustration, anger, or depression. The liver has an effect on a large number of physical processes and as a result you can affect the liver’s ability to move qi and store the blood in a number of ways, but the two most obvious are excessive alcohol or intoxicants and immoderation in eating.

The liver is said to store the blood, and to be responsible for keeping the tendons and sinews soft and pliant. If you suffer from tightness you might therefore consider being kind to your liver and being moderate in eating and drinking, minimising alcohol and stimulants and not eating too late. Eating earlier will allow you to sleep more deeply and also permit the liver to function optimally at its most active time, 1-3am.

Spring is a time of year to imagine what may come, and plan as best we can. In ancient Daoist thought it is the spirits that relate to the liver which are active when we dream. In the waking world, dreams and imagination are a precursor to planning, organising and setting your direction for the year. Without consciously planning and imagining, we can find ourselves being dragged along; frustration and anger can result. Take some time this spring to consider what’s to come, what your goals are, and how you can best move towards them, making each step conscious. Flexibility is always required, and you can review and change as the year goes on; but this initial step will help to point you in your desired direction.