It hasn't been that cold of a winter but a very wet one that has left many of us sneezing, aching, coughing and generally worn down. Call it cedar fever, the flu, the bug, someone else's germs, no matter how you slice it, your immune system may not have been working at full capacity.

We're about to head into one of the most beautiful times of the year in central Texas, a time when we can feel full of energy, ready to don our swimsuits, jump into Barton Springs, Deep Eddy (or the ocean if we're lucky) or take day trips into the hill country to see the wildflowers popping into full view every where. Not only are flowers and redbuds sprouting, our own energy is as well. If you're not sprouting, perhaps your liver and gallbladder need some attention.

Your Liver and Gallbladder are the organs associated with springtime, a great time to attend to these vital organs. From the perspective of Oriental Medicine, your liver and gallbladder share the function of storage and distribution by releasing essential substances to the body. Your gallbladder controls the amount and balance of digestive enzymes as well as hormones from the thyroids. Your liver both stores and circulates your blood. Signs of an unbalanced or stagnant liver/gallbladder may show up during Spring and left unchecked, could lead to more serious health problems later.

Note: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat health problems. Consult your primary health care provider if you have acute or chronic health issues.

Here are some signs pointing to an imbalanced or stagnant liver or gallbladder:
1) PMS: irritability, breast tenderness, cramping, moodiness, constipation/diarrhea.
2) Blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, "floaters", dry, dull eyes.
3) A tendency to overreact and resent changes that get in the way of your growth, overly concerned about little details, excessive or repressed anger, irritability, frustration, or depression.
4) Waking up often between the hours of 11-3 am.
5) Fullness/soreness in your rib cage, esp. your right side.
6) Problems with your digestion, a rancid taste in your mouth, heartburn, occasional nausea in the am, hyperacidity, etc.

Here are some suggestions for keeping your liver and gallbladder happy:
1) Try to understand what's making you angry, irritable, impatient, frustrated, etc; journal daily and see if you can transform your anger or express it appropriately. Yell or shout in your car or in the middle of the woods.
2) Eat spices and herbs that help circulate your liver energy: basil, rosemary, bay leaf, cardamon, black pepper, and chamomile.
3) Eat foods that grow upwards like asparagus, celery, basil, sorrel, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, mustard greens, and mung bean sprouts.
4) Incorporate daily movement and stretches that open up your side body, like triangle pose.
5) Eat sour foods such as pickles, lemon, grapefruit, lime and strawberries.
6) Drink chamomile tea and go to bed by 11:00 pm.
7) Fast one day a week or once a month. Do a gentle liver cleanse during the next few months and help rid it of toxins accumulated thru pollution, rich, heavy or chemicalized foods.
8) Minimize rich, oily, heavy foods such as eggs, cheese, red meat; choose lighter foods such as vegetables, sprouts, fruits, sprouted grains and blue-green algae.
9) Try acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu or Qi Gong which are very helpful for circulating and regulating your body's energy.

Many of us have an internal voice referred to as the "Inner Critic", a voice that constantly nags us about what we're wearing, how much we're making, what we've just said, how we could have done better, etc. Author Byron Brown has written an insightful and intelligent book, based on many years of work with his teachers and students. He exposes the subtle workings of the superego and its destructive, false and blaming nature. Disengagement from the inner critic is a lifelong process and the author offers several simple practices that help increase one's self awareness and defend against the superego, thereby allowing one's soul to exist more freely and without shame.

Qi Gong means "the cultivation of vital energy acquired through skillful practice." Qi Gong is an ancient practice from Asia utilizing the breath and simple movements to enhance your energy, increase resistance to disease, and promote relaxation.

Free intro class: Qi Gong for People Living with Cancer (or anyone wanting to strengthen their immune system)
Wednesday March 30
6:00 - 7:00 pm

Qi Gong for People Living with Cancer
Seven Wednesdays (April 6 - May 25, no class 4/13)
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Cost: $110 for series or $ 20 individual class

This class will meet for 7 weeks with a special focus on qi gong movements that strengthen your immune system and improve the flow of energy to your internal organs and body. We will explore the relationship of foods that fight cancer and foods that contribute to cancer and other degenerative diseases. We will explore ways to fearlessly enjoy and experiment with food.

Wild Goose Qi Gong
Six Wednesdays (March 2 - April 5)
7:05 - 8:20 pm
Cost: $72 for series or $14 individual class
Learn some of the simple and graceful movements of Wild Goose, a series of 64 moves that help you heal, relax, and enhance your awareness.

Location for all classes: 1310 South First St. Suite 200(next to El Mercado Restaurant and Elizabeth St.)

This is an ongoing feature that spotlights an interesting and reputable person in our local business community. This month, I'd like to introduce you to Barbara Lipscomb, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing the past several years. Read further to see what an asset she is to people of Austin and Houston.

Barbara Lipscomb has been practicing law in Austin since 1980. A National Merit Scholar and honors graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Barbara started her legal career as an Assistant Attorney General of the State of Texas. She entered private practice in 1983 and her current practice focuses on wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, guardianship and trust law, with counseling on a wide range of issues including tax planning, trusts, family law and issues facing non- traditional families.  Barbara also handles litigation in the areas of will contests and will construction, cases by and against executors and trustees, contested guardianships and family law. Barbara has recently been certified in estate planning and probate law. She serves as programs coordinator and chair- elect of the Estate Planning and Probate Section of the Austin Bar Association.

She volunteers regularly, taking pro bono legal cases for Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas (Special Recognition for Outstanding Pro Bono Contributions 2001), Family Eldercare, and the Women's Advocacy Project.

Barbara enjoys indulging her passion for art and art history, swimming at Deep Eddy, and taking long walks around this "little jewel of a city we are privileged to inhabit."

Save 15% off your initial visit with Dr. Tawada. Mention this special rate when you make your appointment and receive 15% off. New patients only, please.