According the TCM and 5 Elements theory Liver has the following qualities:

Element: Wood

Mental Quality: Sensitivity

Emotion: Anger

Sensory Organ: Eyes

Body Fluid: Tears

Finger: Index

Taste: Sour

Direction: East

What does that exactly mean?

As TCM is preventive medicine observation of the body is the crucial part of it. Instead for waiting for the problems to happen we need to pay more attention to the signs that are telling us there might be a problem. Emotional imballance, distorted mental state and certain physical symptoms will give you a quite accurate idea if the energy of our internal organs is not balanced.

Is your liver balanced?

Here is the list of simple questions that can give you an idea how to determine if your liver needs attention:

Are you feeling sensitive lately? Do you have problems managing anger? Are your eyes showing any change lately: itchiness, redness, teariness? Examine your index finger - nails and shape? Is there anything different in comparison with other fingers? Are you craving sour food?

Once you determine if any of the answers lead you to diagnosing the imballance of liver TCM doctor would treat you with acupuncture, cupping, massage or herbal medicine. In this episode I am sharing the practice that can help you balance your liver energy. Do it after Wuji standing stance (Neijia Works! Episode: The Practice of Mindfulness), practice daily for 5 minutes or so and you will have quick results. At the same time this exercise is good to work on the following:

• Improving your apetite
• Chronical pain
• Anger management

For more information about the 5 Elements theory and Liver check espisodes 003 and 004 of Neijia Works! In the next episode we will do the practice for heart.

How do you feel about knowing that you could treat yourself through physical exercise? It doesn't cost anything, the only secret of the practice is to practice!