5 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Liver
Spring is the optimal time to rejuvenate your liver, which, with more than 600 functions, is considered the “CEO of our bodies". One of Ayurveda’s (healing system from India) wellness secrets is called “Pancha Karma” which is usually translated to mean “five actions, measures or therapies.” These five therapies are specific categories of healing strategies that gently support our healing process and cleanses/balances your body using intensive, yet mild healing methods.
I have used pancha karma to help me recover from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), to help my clients overcome addictions and reverse dis-ease. The all-inclusive five therapies could include lifestyle strategies, therapeutic movement/food and occur for a specified period of time (i.e. three, five, and seven-day pancha karmas are commonly practiced, though intensive programs can last for a month or more.) While most people may not have the knowledge base of an experienced Ayurvedic Practitioner to professionally utilize pancha karma, everyone can still think of five ways that they can improve their health this spring.
Our liver “reacts to the intense anguish, cyclic rage, strong fears and unbearable difficulties.” (Barral Institute). According to Chinese Medicine, continually waking up between 1am and 3am is an indication that the liver or gallbladder is out of balance. From a broader perspective, our liver rules our ability to plan our lives. Listed below are 5 ways that we can rejuvenate our liver.
1. FOOD
Season food with healing herbs such as turmeric, parsley, ginger, coriander and ginger.
Herbs such as aloe vera, milk thistle, marshmallow root, bupleurum (great for immune system and liver support) and kutki support the liver (supports and strengthens the liver, supports healthy bile flow, decongests the liver, detoxes the liver and gallbladder, promotes healthy skin, immune and respiratory function)
Note: remember that not all herbs work for all people. Always experiment with small doses and slowly increase over time. Take a break and rotate herbs (try not to get stuck on any one herb), and remember that we need to improve all aspects of our health and utilize herbs to support the process.
2. HYDRATION
Remember that hydration = water + essential fatty acids (EFAs) + electrolytes. Drink reverse osmosis, purified or distilled water and place a pinch of sea salt in the water (you will not taste the salt, but your body will get the electrolytes).
Essential fatty acids are not produced by your body so you need to get them from food. Best sources of Omega 3 EFAs are chia, flax and hemp seed oil.
Sources of electrolytes include raw coconut water and fruits/veggies such as celery, apples, watermelon, celery seed and jicama.
3. EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Try this exercise to help you release negative emotions
Practice this breathing exercise to help you stay calm and centered
4. MENTAL HEALTH
Your brain needs 20 percent of your body’s oxygen and glucose. Healthy forms of glucose include dates and fresh fruits.
Breathe then pause before speaking. Breathe slowly and deeply in and out. Pause after inhaling/exhaling to give your body time to utilize the oxygen.
5. MOVEMENT
Practice this exercise to improve circulation