As a passionate advocate for holistic wellness, I would like to share some insights on a common yet often misunderstood condition, High Blood Pressure or Yang Liver Rising, This traditional Chinese medicine concept can affect humans and animals, disrupting the natural balance of energies in the body. Let’s dive into what Yang Liver Rising is, how to treat it naturally, and the best foods to nourish Yin while calming excess Yang.
What is Yang Liver Rising?
Yang Liver Rising ( High Blood Pressure) occurs when there is an imbalance between the Yin (cooling energy) and Yang (warming energy) in the liver. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (life force) and blood throughout the body. An excess of Yang energy can cause symptoms such as irritability, headaches, high blood pressure, dry eyes, and insomnia in humans. In pets, you might notice restlessness, aggression, excessive barking or meowing, disorientation, lack of balance, seizures, altered behavior, and even physical symptoms like dry skin or hot spots.
Natural Treatments for Yang Liver Rising
Balancing the liver’s energy naturally involves soothing the excess Yang and nourishing the Yin. Here are some holistic approaches to help restore balance:
- 1. **Acupressure and Massage** Gentle acupressure on points that calm the liver can be incredibly beneficial. Focus on points like Liver 3 (located between the first and second toes) and Gallbladder 34 (located on the outer side of the leg, just below the knee). Massage therapy also helps release tension and promote relaxation.
- 2. **Herbal Remedies** Certain herbs are known to calm the liver and balance its energies. Milk thistle, dandelion root, and chamomile are great for liver health. Always consult a Doctor or veterinarian before introducing new herbs, herbal tinctures, or teas to yourself or your pet.
- 3. **Reiki and Energy Healing** These therapies can help balance the body’s energy, reducing the excess Yang and supporting Yin energy. Reiki sessions can be calming and healing for both you and your pet.
Foods to Nourish Yin and Calm Excess Yang
Incorporating foods to nourish Yin and balance Yang energy can be incredibly beneficial when managing Yang Liver Rising. Here’s why these specific foods are great choices:
Foods to Nourish Yin
- Grains
- 1. **Wheat**: Cooling and nourishing, wheat helps balance liver heat and supports overall Yin energy.
- 2. **Oats**: Rich in fiber and calming, oats soothe the liver and reduce stress.
- 3. **Rice**: Especially brown rice, is nourishing and cooling, providing a gentle energy balance.
- 4. **Millet**: This alkaline grain is cooling and easy to digest, making it great for soothing the liver.
- 5. **Barley**: Known for its cooling properties, barley helps reduce heat and hydrates.
- Vegetables and Mushrooms
- 6. **Carrots**: Their cooling properties, help detoxify the liver and promote eye health.
- 7. **Chrysanthemum Leaves and Flowers**: These are excellent for cooling the body and calming the liver, reducing inflammation and heat.
- 8. **Oyster Mushrooms**: They have cooling effects and are rich in nutrients, supporting liver health.
- 9. **Lily Bulbs**: Known for their cooling and calming properties, lily bulbs help to nourish Yin and clear heat from the body.
- 10. **String Beans**: Cooling and nourishing, they support the liver and are gentle on the digestive system.
- Dairy and Soy Products
- 11. **Eggs**: Nutrient-rich and soothing, eggs support overall health and help balance the body’s energies.
- 12. **Cow’s Milk**: Cooling and nourishing, milk helps to soothe and hydrate, supporting Yin energy.
- 13. **Soy Milk**: A great alternative to cow’s milk, soy milk is cooling and supports Yin without adding excessive heat.
- 14. **Tofu**: Cooling and versatile, tofu is an excellent protein source that supports liver health.
- 15. **Black Beans**: Rich in nutrients and cooling, they help to balance the liver and nourish Yin.
- 16. **Black Soybeans**: Similar to black beans, they support liver health and provide essential nutrients.
- 17. **Kidney Beans**: Cooling and nutritious, kidney beans help to reduce liver heat and support Yin
- Seafood and Meat
- 18. **Clams**: Cooling and rich in nutrients, clams support liver health and help balance heat.
- 19. **Oysters**: Known for their cooling properties, oysters nourish Yin and help calm the liver.
- 20. **Seaweed**: Rich in minerals and cooling, seaweed supports liver health and detoxification.
- 21. **Duck**: Naturally cooling, duck meat helps to balance Yang energy and nourish Yin.
Foods to Restrict or Avoid
To maintain a healthy balance and manage Yang Liver Rising effectively, it’s important to avoid or restrict the following foods, which can exacerbate Yang energy and contribute to heat:
- Spicy and Strong Flavored Foods
- 1. **Spicy Food and Curry**: These foods increase heat in the body, exacerbating Yang energy.
- 2. **Barbecued Food**: Typically heating, barbecued foods can raise body temperature and imbalance Yin.
- 3. **Chilies**: Strongly heating, chilies can significantly increase Yang energy.
- 4. **Cinnamon, Garlic, Ginger, Onions, Shallots, Leeks, Basil, Cloves**: These spices and herbs are warming and can elevate Yang energy, contributing to liver heat.
- Strong Condiments and Pickles
- 5. **Wasabi, Vinegar, Pickles**: These are heating and can disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang, increasing internal heat.
- Certain Meats and Seafood
- 6. **Lamb, Veal, Game Meats**: These meats are considered warming and can add excess heat to the body.
- 7. **Shrimp, Prawns**: These seafood items are warming and can increase Yang energy.
- Certain Fruits
- 8. **Citrus Fruits, Melons**: Though refreshing, certain citrus fruits and melons can disrupt the Yin-Yang balance by either cooling too much or being difficult to digest in large amounts.
- Beverages
- 9. **Coffee, Tea**: Both are stimulants and can increase Yang energy, leading to excess heat.
- Lifestyle Choices to Avoid
- 10. **Cigarettes, Alcohol, Recreational Stimulants**: These substances can significantly imbalance the body’s energies, increase heat, and disrupt overall health.
Avoiding these foods and substances can help you maintain a balanced state, reducing excess Yang energy and supporting overall well-being. Always consult with a healthcare provider or veterinarian before making significant dietary changes for yourself or your pets
Conclusion
Balancing Yang Liver Rising naturally involves a holistic approach that includes mindful practices, treatments, and a Yin-nourishing diet. Focusing on these elements can help restore balance and harmony to you and your pet. Remember, always consult your doctor or veterinarian before making significant changes to your or your pet’s health regimen.
Feel free to reach out if you want to learn more about holistic pet wellness or need personalized advice. Together, we can create a balanced, healthy life for us all.
All Information is intended as educational and not as a treatment. Always consult your doctor or veterinarian before adding anything new to your health regime especially if you suspect you or your pet may have High Blood Pressure (Yang Liver Rising).
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Namaste
