Spring detox tips from a TCM perspective

5 tips for your detox – how to strengthen and support your liver

In Chinese medicine, the liver and gallbladder are responsible for “cleansing” the body. Besides detoxification, these two organs have many other tasks: digestion, hormone regulation, skin health and much more.

The liver regulates detoxification: medicines, alcoholic drinks, chemicals, pesticides, beauty products. As we are constantly exposed to toxins in everyday life, it is necessary to support the liver in its work to protect it from “overload”.

Symptoms that can occur when the liver is overloaded include:

• Heavy or light periods

• Anger

• dry skin, hair or nails

• Blurred vision

• Digestive problems

• Heartburn

• Loose stools

These 5 tips can help you support your liver as it detoxifies:

1. Liver-detoxifying vegetables

There are countless fruits and vegetables your liver loves: cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, onions, beetroot, dandelion, grapefruit, parsley, lemon. All these foods contain antioxidant nutrients that the liver needs to neutralise toxins. It is advisable to cook the vegetables gently, which also supports the stomach and spleen.

Another support during a detox, to additionally cleanse the gut, is the “Darmbesen„ developed by Dr. Rakus, a blend of selected seeds that helps us “let go” of things in our gut.

2. Drink plenty of water

Water is part of your life force, as a large part of the body consists of water, which makes it incredibly important when it comes to detoxification. The toxins released by the liver are then excreted via the large intestine, which in turn is supported by water. Water also supports the urinary system (kidneys and bladder) in excreting waste products.

We should drink about 2 litres a day, ideally warm, boiled water (preferably not with meals), plus 3-5 cups of herbal tea to support the cleansing process. Good choices include nettle leaves, dandelion leaves, birch leaves, corn silk tea or bamboo tea. Avoid cooling or highly irritating drinks such as fruit juices, coffee, black tea or energy drinks.

3. Detox the soul: keep a journal

Write down everything that is on your mind and get it off your chest. Symptoms of a stagnant liver include irritability and anger. It can often be difficult to let go of these emotional tensions. A journal can be a safe way to release tension without hurting other people. Make it a habit: write a little every day until you feel that everything on your mind is “out”.

4. Acupressure point

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but unlike acupuncture it uses finger pressure instead of needles. The point LV 3 (Tai Chong) promotes detoxification by encouraging the flow of Qi (life energy). The acupressure point helps our inner energy move the way it should and gets the stagnant liver flowing. This point can also be very helpful for migraine, menstrual complaints, irritability or digestive complaints.

LV3 is located between the first and second toe, about 5 cm up.

5. Get some fresh air

Recharge in the fresh air. Seeing “green” is not only good for the eyes (which are governed by the liver) but also increases our sense of calm and emotional well-being. Touching the ground with bare feet is a method known as grounding and has been shown to support the detoxification process.