Unraveling the Power of Liver Detoxification: A Journey of Liver Qi Stagnation

Liver Qi stagnation is a common diagnosis that we frequently encounter at Indigo Dragon Center. Symptoms such as chronic neck and shoulder tension, irritability, menstrual issues, frustration, and irritability often indicate a blockage of Qi, comparable to being stuck in the infamous 5 o’clock LA traffic. However, with the implementation of acupuncture, herbal therapy, breathing techniques, diet enhancements, and exercise, we can alleviate this traffic jam and restore the smooth flow of Qi, allowing individuals to move freely and easily through life.

Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for overall well-being as it plays a pivotal role in detoxification and metabolic processes. Two key phases of liver detoxification, extensively explored in both Chinese medicine and functional medicine, hold immense significance in ensuring optimal liver function. Let's delve into the intricacies of phases 1 and 2 of liver detoxification, while incorporating Chinese medicine, functional medicine, and the popular liver and gallbladder flush.

Phase 1: Activation and Transformation The first phase of liver detoxification, also known as activation or transformation (which aligns with the awakening of spring in Chinese Medicine), involves the conversion of toxic compounds into intermediate metabolites. This process heavily relies on enzymes collectively referred to as cytochrome P450 (CYP). These enzymes play a vital role in modifying various substances, including drugs, pollutants, and environmental toxins, making them more water-soluble for elimination from the body.

Chinese Medicine Perspective: In Chinese medicine, liver health is closely linked to the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood. The liver is responsible for ensuring the free flow of Qi throughout the body. Addressing liver function is crucial for addressing hormonal imbalances and reducing pain. Chinese herbal medicine often emphasizes the use of liver-supporting herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, and dandelion root, which promote the flow of Qi. Personally, I find that starting the day with a tall glass of lemon water is one of my favorite ways to support liver health.

Functional Medicine Approach: When examining liver health through the lens of functional medicine, we understand how an optimized liver can positively impact the entire body. By exploring nutrient deficiencies, genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, vitamin and mineral imbalances, and exposure to toxins, we can develop a comprehensive approach to support this crucial organ. This approach allows us to create personalized treatment plans, incorporating targeted supplementation and dietary modifications to support phase 1 detoxification and optimize overall liver function.

Phase 2: Conjugation and Elimination The second phase of liver detoxification, known as conjugation or elimination, aligns with the Chinese Medicine perspective of the liver's responsibility for the free and easy movement of Qi in the body. In phase 2, intermediate metabolites from phase 1 are bound with specific molecules, rendering the toxins more water-soluble. This process facilitates their elimination through bile, urine, or sweat. The main conjugation pathways in phase 2 detoxification include glucuronidation, sulfation, methylation, acetylation, and glutathione conjugation.

Taking a sauna a few times a week has long been a part of Finnish culture, and I highly encourage it for those seeking to live a vital life. Personally, it's one of my favorite weekly rituals. Several clinical studies demonstrate that the use of an infrared/steam sauna can remove various toxins through sweat, including heavy metals, phthalates, flame retardants, Bisphenol A, pesticides, and PCBs.

Chinese Medicine Perspective: Chinese medicine recognizes the importance of maintaining a balanced liver-gallbladder system for efficient bile production and elimination. Bitter herbs such as gentian root and artichoke leaf are often used to stimulate bile flow and enhance digestion. Additionally, acupuncture and acupressure techniques targeting

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At the First Sign of Sickness...

You know the feeling…You’ve got chills running through your body, you can’t stop sneezing, your head feels full, your body aches and you just get that feeling. When that thought first occurs: “Oh NO! I’m getting sick!” it’s time to act and to act fast. Here’s a sure fire way to help the body open up, sweat it out, and move through the illness faster.

- Take a hand full of quarter sized slices of ginger (large enough to not go down the drain) and add to a very hot bath.

- Gather up pajamas, a warm cap, towel and a large glass of water.

- Head into the bathroom with everything you need. Seal off any drafts and close the windows. You’re about to sweat out the illness!

- Relax into the hot bath. Soak for 15-20 minutes while drinking water. Let your body relax and SWEAT! Move slowly because you can be light headed.

- When you get out of the bath the key is to not get cold! No drafts or breezes. You want to continue to sweat once you put on your cozy pajamas.

- Hop into bed, cover up with lots of blankets. Breathe deep and continue to sweat for 15- 20 minutes.

- Your internal timer will “ding” and that means it’s time to head back to the bathroom to change.

- Again no cold breezes or drafts. Take off your pajamas and transfer into some clean/dry clothes.

- Take it easy and take your immune boosting herbs such as Yin Qiao or Gan Mao Ling.

This is a great way to help kids fight off a cold. Just remember, this is for the beginning stages only and not advisable once a fever is present. Our kids get excited to - “Swim with the fishes” (aka little floating pieces of ginger.)

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Chinese Medicine and Menopause: Balancing Hormones Naturally

Hormonal imbalances are something that I discuss daily in clinic. As a woman, I understand firsthand how our hormones can be quite sensitive and fluctuate throughout the month. Men also experience hormonal changes, but they tend to notice them more in their 50s when testosterone levels drop. Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to a range of issues such as high blood pressure, depression, mood swings, fatigue, and bloating. It can even cause problems specific to women like premenstrual syndrome and the discomfort of menopause.

For those of us who have suffered from premenstrual syndrome since our younger years, the challenges during menopause can be even more difficult to handle. You see, premenstrual syndrome is a sign of hormonal imbalance, particularly a lack of progesterone during the menstrual cycle. So when the hormones become imbalanced during menopause, these symptoms can become even worse.

Menopause is a powerfully transformative time in a woman's life! The tidal wave of changes due to shifts in the body's chemistry are nothing you have to suffer through or “go it alone.” Chinese Medicine views this change as a natural process. As we age, our body's energy slowly declines, starting around the age of 35 and continuing until about 60, causing imbalances to occur. But just because it’s a natural process doesn’t mean that there isn’t many ways in which we can make the transition smoother.

When our body's cooling system starts to decline, we naturally experience symptoms related to heat, such as mood swings, insomnia, heart palpitations, hot flashes, night sweats and restlessness. Thankfully, there are natural approaches, like Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, that can help us address these hormonal imbalances and find relief.

Chinese Medicine can help balance your hormones with:

1. Acupuncture: This ancient practice stimulates our nervous system, encouraging the release of the right hormones and neuromodulators into our bloodstream.

2. Herbal Medicine: Using herbs is another effective way to naturally correct hormonal imbalances. As a Chinese Medicine Practitioner, I prescribe specific herbal remedies based on your unique symptoms and health concerns. These traditional practices have been trusted for centuries, giving us confidence in their effectiveness. Some noteworthy herbs for hormonal imbalance include:

   • Dong Quai: Also known as "women's ginseng," this herb is rich in phytoestrogens and helps restore hormone balance.

   • Vitex: It supports progesterone balance and stimulates hormone release from the pituitary gland.

   • Black Cohosh, Rehmannia, Wild Yam, and Red Clover: These herbs are known to aid in hormonal balance.

Chinese Medicine plays a crucial role in treating hormonal imbalances by providing us with natural remedies available in different forms. A skilled Chinese Medicine Practitioner or Herbalist will conduct a thorough assessment of our health condition before recommending the right herbs and dosages tailored to our specific needs.

When it comes to managing menopausal symptoms, together we will identify the changes in your energy and determine which organs are imbalanced. Once identified, we can use natural therapies like dietary adjustments, Qi Gong, meditation, herbs, or acupuncture to correct these imbalances. These methods have proven to be effective and safe, helping to achieve hormonal balance and leading to a more balanced, healthy, and joyful life.

Adrenal Fatigue

Ask yourself this: On a scale of 1-10, how well are you handling the stress in your life?  How well do you handle the little stressors - the running late in traffic, the push to get something completed, the navigating of your to do list.  Now ask yourself, how well am I doing navigating the big life stressors?  Finding a new job, moving to a new location, grieving the loss of a loved one?   

Four years ago I had the thought, “It seems like I’m unable to handle stress like I used to.  Is this because I’m getting older?”  This seemed backwards to me.  Shouldn't my ability to handle stress increase with age?  Shouldn’t my experience, wisdom and know-how be able to look stress in the eye and divert it like slicing back the forest with a machete?   I was finding myself shying away from things that would produce stress, things that I had loved previously.  Sometimes I would notice that the stress would turn into more feelings that left me feeling unsafe.  I became tired and lackluster.  I began reaching for more caffeine to get me through the day.  My workouts were perpetually leading me into inflammation and injury. My hair was thinning.  I knew that having two kids, managing a busy wellness center and acupuncture practice, and all the other little life experiences had taken their toll.   

I also had the unique perspective to know that this wasn’t normal and that it could be changed.  When I sat with myself and really listened, I knew that my adrenal glands were running low on gas and begging for support.    

The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys.  These walnut-shaped glands are small but mighty as they produce hormones that regulate our metabolism, immune system, and blood pressure, among other functions. However, in today's fast-paced world, many of us experience chronic stress, which can lead to adrenal fatigue and a host of related health issues. 

I began to research what I could do, and I found that there are two different schools of thought for adrenal help.  The first one aims to help supplement the adrenals with herbs and vitamins to fill the tank.  The second suggests using subclinical doses of the adrenals’ natural hormones combined with nutrients and lifestyle upgrades needed to get the actual tissues of the adrenals to regenerate.

The program that I run helps regenerate adrenal tissue.  It begins with adrenal testing which is asimple process.  A kit is mailed to your house and over the course of 24 hours you take different saliva samples.  When you’re done, you just drop the kit in the mail.  Once your test results are in, we go over them together and stage you at level 1-4 adrenal exhaustion.  At this point we craft a plan to get your adrenals back on track.  I have to admit, I just think it’s so cool that our bodies can grow new tissue, essentially reversing the aging process.   

Now, this does take work and a change of habits, including getting enough sleep, managing stress through techniques like meditation and breath work, and eating a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, but as you let go of the crutches you so desperately needed to get through the day and begin to take the right supplements to regenerate your adrenals, you will start to feel vital, energetic and strong again. 

Two of the supplements needed to regenerate adrenal tissue are DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and pregnenolone.  We use these in sub-clinical doses for 6-12 months.  It’s like priming the pump – we're giving your adrenals just enough of what they already produce to get them going.  

DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to other hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. In my experience, it’s important to have the adrenals functioning well as you begin menopause in particular.  This is because a large portion of our hormones come from these little glands.  And when your ovaries stop producing hormones, it’s the adrenals that make most of what your body needs.  As we age, DHEA levels decline, which can contribute to adrenal fatigue. Supplementing with DHEA has been shown to improve symptoms of adrenal fatigue, including fatigue, depression, and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that DHEA supplementation improved mood and well-being in people with adrenal insufficiency. 

Pregnenolone is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to other hormones such as DHEA. Like DHEA, pregnenolone levels decline with age, and supplementing with pregnenolone has been shown to improve symptoms of adrenal fatigue. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that pregnenolone supplementation improved mood and cognitive function in people with adrenal fatigue. 

It's important to note that DHEA and Pregnenolone are hormones, and as such, it is important to consult a healthcare provider that is experienced in this realm before starting any supplement regimen. They may interact with other medications or have side effects and should be used under the guidance of a professional.  Occasionally I work with someone who is not able to take these hormones even at low levels.  In this case, we rely on plant medicine to help support the adrenal function. 

Thankfully, there are natural ways to support the adrenal glands and help them function at their best. From my experience, this course of therapy doesn’t regenerate adrenal tissue, but it can give the adrenals a little boost in times of need.  One of the most effective natural options is the use of herbs. Here are a few herbs that have been studied for their ability to support adrenal health: 

- Ashwagandha: This ancient Ayurvedic herb is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that ashwagandha helped reduce cortisol levels (a hormone released in response to stress) and improved overall well-being in people with chronic stress. 

- Rhodiola: This herb, also known as "golden root," is native to the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia. It has been shown to improve mental and physical performance in people with stress-related fatigue. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that rhodiola improved mood, reduced stress symptoms, and increased the ability to handle stress in people with burnout. 

- Holy basil: This herb is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine and is commonly used for its adaptogenic properties. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that holy basil reduced stress-induced changes in cortisol and glucose levels in people with adrenal fatigue. 

- Licorice root: This herb has been used for centuries to support adrenal function. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that licorice root extract helped improve cortisol levels and reduce symptoms of stress in people with adrenal fatigue.

Let’s face it, adrenal fatigue is a common condition due to chronic stress and fast-paced lifestyles.  The good news is, there are ways to help!  If you are curious about your adrenal health, adrenal testing is a great place to start.  Please reach out to me at: jennifer@indigodragoncenter.com