Spring with its rising energy is a time of renewal and growth.
MTC, this season is associated with the Wood element, which symbolizes growth, expansion, the momentum of life and flexibility.
It is a season conducive to renewal and projects. Make way for new resolutions for
your well-being! In addition, the arrival of Spring is very important because it conditions our
energy state for the rest of the year. Therefore, to start the year off right and
new cycle of the 5 elements, the Nuence-MTC team has decided to explain to you how taking care of your liver during this season will have beneficial effects on your overall health - but also on the condition of your skin.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is associated with an organ
specific, and for spring the liver is the key organ (in association with the gallbladder). According to TCM, the liver plays a crucial role in managing the harmonious flow of Qi and blood, thus contributing to the overall balance and health of the body.
The regulation of energy (Qi) is essential for general well-being, thus promoting vitality and growth. Through the action of the liver, the Qi will diffuse in all directions and support the other organs of the body.
Blood management : the liver filters between 1.2 and 1.8 L of blood per minute. It also stores it as a reserve since it contains about 10% of our total blood volume. TCM also attributes to it an 'energetic' role in the redistribution of blood, according to the needs of the body, especially during physical activity.
Liver energy also ensures the well-being of our vision, nails, muscles and tendons. The liver therefore takes charge of our mobility and balanced liver energy often results in flexibility and tone, like those embodied by the WOOD element.
The liver also has a defense role via a system of immune cells specific to it.
Finally, it is also responsible for detoxifying the body , eliminating toxins
accumulated during the winter. Spring is thus considered the ideal time to support this detoxification function, allowing the body to purify itself and prepare for the warmer months to come.
“The skin is the mirror of inner health”
The liver and skin are closely linked by various metabolic mechanisms and processes and
physiological which are explained below:
1. Role of the Liver in Detoxification
The liver is the body's primary detoxification organ. It processes and eliminates toxins and metabolic waste. When the liver fails to effectively eliminate toxins, they can be redirected to the skin, a secondary elimination organ. In
As a result, this excess of toxins can stimulate the sebaceous glands (located in the skin - very numerous on the face, scalp, upper chest and back) to produce more sebum and thus clog the pores. This will promote the growth of bacteria and lead to inflammation and breakouts.
2. Hormone Metabolism
The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of hormones, including androgens, which are hormones responsible for stimulating the sebaceous glands. An unhealthy or imbalanced liver can lead to hormonal imbalances, increasing sebum production and contributing to oily, acne-prone skin.
3. Bile Production
The liver produces bile, which is essential for the digestion of fats. The bile is then stored and
concentrated in the gallbladder until it is needed for digestion of
fats in the small intestine. Insufficient production of bile will lead to digestion
incomplete absorption of fats through the digestive system, which can result in oily, dull skin.
4. Oxidative Stress
An overloaded liver can lead to excessive production of ROS (reactive oxidative species).
oxygen = unstable and highly reactive molecules) leading to an excess of the body's natural antioxidant capacities. This leads to oxidative stress with all the negative effects on the skin that this entails (see our previous article on this subject).
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, several plants are renowned for their properties
detoxifying and liver protective. These plants can be used in the form of herbal teas, decoctions, capsules or mother tinctures, according to the recommendations of a TCM practitioner.
Inspired by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the cycle of the 5 elements, the Nuence-MTC collection
offers the purifying facial treatment for combination to oily skin, combined with the WOOD element. This is formulated with a dandelion decoction customized for Nuence.
Diet plays a major role in liver health. It is essential to prioritize
certain foods and drinks that support liver function and, conversely, avoid (or reduce) the consumption of heavily processed foods, high in sugars and fats, or alcohol – which undermine the liver's detoxification system.
Hepatoprotective fruits
These fruits are particularly beneficial thanks to their antioxidant properties and
detoxifying.
Apples (rich in pectin), Avocados, Blueberries, Grapefruits (contain
naringenin, which helps break down fatty acids), Grapes, Lemons, Goji Berries.
Vegetables to favor
Rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins, here are the 'detox' vegetables to put on your shopping list: they help you cleanse the liver and eliminate toxins.
Asparagus, Artichokes, Radishes, Spinach, Beets, Carrots.
Herbal teas and drinks
Green tea is an ideal drink for cleansing the liver, mainly due to the action
antioxidant of the catechins it contains. Studies suggest that green tea consumption could prevent the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
You can make the following detox drinks yourself:
Rosemary and Mint Detox Tea : Rosemary stimulates liver enzymes,
while mint helps soothe the digestive system
Lemon and Ginger Infusion : Lemon is rich in vitamin C and helps to
maintain a balanced pH in the body, while ginger stimulates digestion and
has anti-inflammatory properties
Green Detox Juice : Made with cucumber, celery, green apple, spinach and lemon, it is
rich in chlorophyll and ideal for eliminating toxins
Grapefruit and Beetroot Smoothie : Beetroot is an ally of the liver thanks to its
betalain content, and grapefruit facilitates the elimination of fats.
Qi Gong: If you practice Qi Gong, there are movements specifically designed for
harmonize liver energy.
Stretches: Simple stretches like side bends and trunk rotations help improve blood circulation and reduce tension around the liver.
Brisk walking: A brisk 30-minute walk a day can help stimulate blood circulation and support liver function.
Yoga: If you are a yoga enthusiast, twisting postures like the twisting posture
Seated poses (Ardha Matsyendrasana) help massage the internal organs and stimulate blood flow to the liver . Forward bends such as the pinch pose (Paschimottanasana) promote detoxification by compressing the abdominal organs.
By taking care of your liver through a balanced diet, adequate hydration and detoxification practices, you will feel the beneficial effects on your overall health - but also on the condition of your skin.
That's because a healthy liver helps maintain hormonal balance, eliminate toxins, and produce enough bile, which contributes to clear, balanced skin.
And you, what are your good detox resolutions for 2025?
