How Breathwork and the Lungs Control the Liver in TCM: A Path to Better Menstrual Health
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to understanding our bodies, focusing on the interconnectedness of different organs and systems. One fascinating aspect of TCM is the control cycle, where certain organs regulate others to maintain balance. Today, we'll dive into how the lungs control the liver and how breathwork can help circulate qi (life force energy), aiding in menstrual health.
The Control Cycle: Lungs/Metal and Liver/Wood
In TCM, the control cycle is a dynamic system where organs influence each other to ensure harmony. The lungs, associated with the metal element, control the liver, linked to the wood element. This relationship is essential for maintaining the smooth flow of Qi and overall well-being.
The liver plays a crucial role in storing blood and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. For women, the liver is especially important as it regulates menstrual health. Keeping in mind in TCM the organs are related to more factors than we associate them with int the west. When the ‘liver’ is in balance, it stores blood efficiently and promotes a smooth, pain-free menstrual cycle with no PMS. However, if the liver qi is stagnant or the liver blood is deficient, it can lead to various menstrual problems such as irregular periods, PMS, cramps, and mood swings.
The liver meridian is a pathway through which qi flows, influencing the liver meridians health and function. This meridian runs through the body and is responsible for several vital processes:
Storing Blood: The liver stores blood during periods of rest and releases it during activity, ensuring a balanced supply throughout the body.
Smooth Flow of Qi: The liver ensures that Qi flows smoothly, preventing stagnation that can cause pain and discomfort.
Female Health: The liver meridian plays a significant role in regulating menstrual cycles, supporting reproductive health, and balancing emotions.
When the liver meridian is balanced, women experience regular, pain-free periods, stable emotions, and overall vitality. Imbalances, however, can manifest as menstrual irregularities, PMS, cramps, and emotional disturbances.
The Power of Breathwork in Circulating Qi
Breathwork is a powerful tool in TCM for moving and circulating qi, helping to alleviate menstrual health issues. Two effective breathwork practices you can try are; Kapalabhati and Nadi Shodhana. Here’s how you can practice;
1. Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath)
Kapalabhati is a cleansing breath that helps detoxify the body, energize the mind, and improve circulation. However, it's important to note that Kapalabhati should not be practiced during menstruation.
How to Practice Kapalabhati:
Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
Take a deep inhale through your nose.
Exhale forcefully through your nose, pulling your navel towards your spine. The inhale will happen passively.
Continue this rapid, forceful exhalation for about 20-30 breaths, then take a deep inhale and exhale slowly.
Repeat this a few times
Benefits:
Detoxifies and cleanses the respiratory system.
Increases lung capacity and oxygenates the blood.
Energizes and revitalizes the mind and body.
Helps to move stagnant qi, promoting the smooth flow of energy.
2. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Nadi Shodhana is a calming and balancing breathwork practice that helps to harmonize the mind and body, making it ideal for managing menstrual imbalances. Can practice anytime.
How to Practice Nadi Shodhana:
Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
Use your right thumb to close your right nostril.
Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
Close your left nostril with your right ring finger and release your thumb, exhaling through your right nostril.
Inhale through your right nostril, then close it with your thumb and exhale through your left nostril.
Continue this alternate nostril breathing for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits:
Balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Calms the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
Promotes the smooth flow of qi, aiding in the regulation of menstrual cycles.
Enhances overall emotional and physical well-being.
Achieving Balance with TCM and Breathwork
Achieving balance in the liver meridian through breathwork and other modalities can improve menstrual health. However, it's important to recognize that most imbalances can involve other meridian systems as well. For personalized and accurate treatment, always work with an experienced TCM practitioner who can tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs.
By incorporating breathwork practices like Kapalabhati and Nadi Shodhana into your routine, you can help circulate qi, support liver meridian health, and promote a harmonious menstrual cycle.
Let me know how you go with these practices and if you enjoy them!