Qigong for Liver Detox

Why is using qigong for liver detox an effective practice to maintain healthy liver function and vitality? Try this qigong for liver detox vlog by White Tiger Qigong Instructor, Effie Tsaggarides.

How does Qigong work?

Qigong works by using movement, breath, and intention better known as the 3 Harmonies- Body, Breath, Spirit. These aspects must be present in order for it to be. considered as Qigong.

Body

Through the body mechanics of qigong we use movement to wring out excess energy and emotions in the body. We incorporate the energy vessels and the energy pathways when it comes to the movement. The energy vessels of the body are the organs and the energy pathways of the body are called the meridians. When we do qigong there are a lot of twisting and wringing out movements. This helps clear and release stagnations and blockages in the body. When our body has stagnations and blockages the organs and meridians cannot perform very well. This is the cause of most illnesses and diseases. Using the Body mechanics in Qigong for liver detox helps in releasing and wringing out toxins in the liver.

Breath

Through the breath mechanics we are able to guide the qi (energy) where and when it is needed. The breath holds the qi. When we incorporate the breath with movement we allow the qi to flow to areas that have blockages. This helps energy in the body to flow, releasing any stagnations. The breath is also one of the most primordial and powerful tools we have. Using the breath mechanics in qigong allows for the energy to find its path through movement. Using the breath mechanics in qigong for liver detox helps cultivate energy back into the liver. Opening the liver and allowing any blockages and stagnations to be released. 

Spirit 

Through the Spirit mechanics of qigong, we connect to the spirit of the qigong. Usually we can connect to a particular element or animal. However, the spirit mechanics can also mean reaching flow state where when we do qigong we release any kind of thinking. We can achieve flow state when the challenge and the movement become equal. This does take time and practice but is not impossible to achieve for anyone. The Spirit mechanics is helpful for qigong for liver detox by connecting to the element that is associated with it which is the Wood Element. The Wood Element helps in balancing the liver. 

Who should do Qigong for Liver Detox 

Qigong for liver detox can be done by anyone. You don’t have to wait to have liver problems to do qigong for liver detox. It is more suggested to do these exercises as a prevention from getting liver problems. Doing qigong for liver detox also helps in balancing emotions such as anger, frustration, and stress. It helps balance the Wood Element which is found both in nature and within us. So, qigong for liver detox can be done by anyone either to balance emotions or to balance the liver. These qigong exercises can also be done just as an everyday exercise to cultivate energy and release stagnations and blockages in the body. 

Functions of the Liver

Physiological Functions

Why is taking care of the liver vital for our well-being?

Our liver mainly functions on three things. Firstly, it filters the blood in the digestive tract. Through this process the liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. The liver is the body’s food filter and detox center.

Secondly, the liver stores and fuels nutrients. It takes nutrients from food. The liver stores these nutrients and then delivers it to the body when and where needed. Nutrients are delivered to the body through the blood.

Third, the liver creates a liquid called bile. Bile helps us digest food.

Chinese Medicine of the Liver

Looking into the functions of the liver. Through the function of the liver in both hoarding and releasing blood, the liver spreads qi in the body. This helps support the function of the body such as organ functions and tissue health.

The liver governs the tendons, ligaments, small muscles, and nerves. If the function of the liver is affected then qi cannot spread to the body. This will cause the body to malfunction. This also causes imbalance in temperament, such as explosive anger and frustration. 

Liver - Wood Element

The Liver organ connects to the Wood Element. Growth, change, and pushing through are some of the characteristics of the Wood Element. This represents an active energy that needs a lot of movement and progress. 

When the liver is balanced, we can have clear vision, plan well, have better choices, and seek better future possibilities. We can also plan these with wisdom and good judgement. 

When the liver is imbalanced, restricted, or constrained, the Wood Element becomes hard, unbendable, and could snap easily. Thus, our emotional body reacts to these imbalances of the Wood Element energy with outburst  of anger, frustration, and stress. 

The Hun - Extends our Sense of Purpose

The Liver houses the Hun, which is one of the spiritual aspects of the body. It moves upwards towards the Shen or the “Spirit”, “Mind”, or “Consciousness”. The Hun gives our consciousness a sense of purpose and helps it extend it outwards. This interaction of the Hun and Shen, connects to the upward movement of liver qi. 

Benefits of Qigong for Liver Detox

Through qigong movement we can achieve active flexibility in our body. This is the kind of flexibility that is not loose and unstable and weak. It is secure and rooted.

In the Chinese Perspective we can balance the liver by consuming healthy sour foods. These soar foods may include lemon, ginger, fragmented foods, and turmeric. 

Qigong for Liver Detox Exercises

These Qigong for liver detox exercises helps compress and release the area of the liver helping it to detox and replenish.  In this blog we will briefly discuss two Qigong for the liver detox exercises. These two exercises are first, Separating Heaven and Earth from the 8 Trigram Organ Qigong, and then the Leopard Qigong from the 5 Element Qigong.

Both of these qigong exercises enhance flexibility and openness of movement, while at the same time keeping us grounded and rooted. It also helps wring out, compress and expand the area around the liver. 

Separating Heaven and Earth

Separating Heaven and Earth qigong from the 8 Trigram Organ Qigong gives a gentle twist and stretch. Using this qigong for liver detox will help wring out the toxins in the liver organ as well as the liver meridians. This is also a very grounding qigong exercise that allows us to connect to the energy of heaven and earth. 

Leopard Qigong 

The Leopard Qigong from the 5 Element Qigong is a very good qigong exercise to help release the excess anger, frustration, and stress that is pent up in the liver. Likewise, this qigong cultivates and improves qi flow and circulation in the liver. Through this qigong we help nourish the liver and improve its function. 

Learn more about Qigong for Liver Detox 

If you want to learn more about other Qigong for liver detox you can try our course 5 Element Qigong and 8 Trigram Organ Qigong. These systems have many more qigong exercises and are very helpful in learning more about qigong practices for a healthy liver and improve liver function. In these systems, you can also learn other qigong exercises that can balance the other organs such as the kidney, heart, spleen, and lungs.