If you’ve ever felt a vague sensation of tightness, tension, or discomfort in your body—like something’s not quite flowing smoothly—you could be dealing with a common problem known as Liver qi stagnation. This form of discomfort is more of a subtle, bloated sensation or an underlying tightness that’s difficult to identify than it is of an a sharp, localized one. Many of us, particularly those of us bearing the consequences of childhood complex trauma, find this tension so familiar that we hardly perceive it anymore.
Usually the offender here is stress. In modern life, it’s inevitable; the Liver is the first organ to suffer. Stress can cause us to feel physically tense or emotionally trapped when it disturbs the Liver’s capacity to keep energy flowing freely. Fortunately, there are easy exercises like the Liver-Soothing Stretch that can open this blockage and bring some ease.
What’s the Deal with the Liver in the Daoist Healing Arts?
The Liver in the Daoist healing arts is like the body’s traffic controller, ensuring the smooth passage of energy—or qi. We feel balanced and comfortable when everything is running as it should. The Liver’s energy stagnates, though, when things are blocked—that is, when we’re anxious, overburdened, or clinging to unresolved emotions. As a result, we may become agitated, uptight, or emotionally frozen.
This stagnation can be especially noticeable to survivors of childhood complex trauma. Traumatic events sometimes produce patterns of persistent tension and emotional suppression. This can affect the way the body regulates energy over time, especially in the Liver, which is intimately connected to emotions like irritation and anger.
But there’s good news too. Qi gong can help. This age-old practice releases trapped energy and restores balance through the use of gentle movements, conscious breathing, and focused intention.
A Simple Liver-Soothing Exercise
Let’s start with a simple, beginning exercise. I’m not aware of an official name for this exercise, but we can call it the Liver Soothing Stretch. It’s meant to gently eliminate emotional and physical blockages, and alleviate tension along the sides of your body—also known as your flanks—where the Liver meridian flows.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set the scene:
- Look for a peaceful spot where you can stand comfortably.
- With your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bend your knees and release your shoulders.
- Put your hands on your lower abdomen and inhale slowly and deeply several times. As you inhale, let your belly expand; then, as you exhale, softly contract.
2. Stretch Up:
- On your next inhale, gently raise your arms out to your sides, palms facing upward, until they come together above your head.
- Above your head, interlace your fingers and turn your palms toward the ceiling.
3. Lean and Open:
- As you gently breathe out, lean slowly to the left to stretch the right side (flank) of your body.
- Breathe slowly and deeply three to five times in this posture. As you allow yourself to sink into the stretch, imagine any tension or trapped energy along your side simply fading away.
4. Come Back to Center:
- Inhale as you slowly return to center with your arms still overhead.
5. Switch Sides:
- Breathe out and slowly lean your body to the right, thereby stretching the left flank. Breathe three to five times here. Gently sink into the stretch and release any tension.
6. Lower and Rest:
- Inhale as you gently come back to center.
- As you slowly lower your arms back to your sides, gently exhale.
- Rest your hands on your lower abdomen and take a few deep, calming breaths.
Why This Practice Works
This little technique works on a deeper level than only stretching your muscles. The Liver Soothing Stretch assists in:
- Releasing physical tension: Stretching the sides of your body opens the Liver organ channels and creates space for energy to pass.
- Clearing emotional blocks: The Liver relates to emotions including resentment, frustration and anger. You’ll find these emotions starting to shift as you breathe and move mindfully.
- Regulating your nervous system: Trauma can cause us to become caught in a continuous fight-or-flight nervous system state. This exercise encourages calmness by activating your body’s relaxation response.
Connecting Qi Gong to Trauma Recovery
We’re often left with deep-seated patterns of emotional suppression and physical tension as a result of childhood complex trauma. Though they’re actually not permanent, these tendencies can feel like a natural part of who we are. Qi gong and other simple, mindful practices provide a means to gradually disentangle these patterns and create space for healing.
For trauma sufferers in particular, the Liver Soothing Stretch is especially effective since it gently, non-invasively aids in cultivating a greater sense of emotional regulation. You’re not required to “dig up” past wounds or compel yourself to face difficult memories. Rather, you can work with your body to release what is ready to be let go.
Try It and See How You Feel
There’s no specific equipment needed for this quick, few-minutes exercise. Why not give it a try today? Note how your body feels both before and after. Are you a little lighter? Slightly more calm? Over time, even little changes can add up to significant improvement.
If you enjoy this practice, think about including it in your daily schedule. As you work toward more resilience and balance, this basic but effective approach helps you to nourish your body and mind.