Balancing the Flow of Energy in Our Body

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is seen as a landscape shaped by the flow of energy—energy that animates organs, tissues, and functions with purpose and rhythm. TCM speaks in a poetic language, painting images in the mind that reveal the intricate web of relationships within us. With this imagery, we begin to understand how the inner terrain shifts and responds, and how we might, in turn, gently shape it—refining the energy to nourish the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit.

These energies are described through the five elements: Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal, and Water. We see their patterns reflected in both the turning of the seasons and the functions within our own bodies. Consider the outward blaze of summer’s Fire compared to the inward, clarifying movement of Metal in autumn. Or the breaking down aspect of the Earth element at work in digestion, and the deep, fluid nature of Water that brings flexibility and moisture to the body.

The more I studied the Chinese approach to healing, the clearer it became—like a scattered puzzle suddenly forming a complete picture. I began to understand why we get sick in ways that Western medicine hadn’t explained.

About five years ago, I developed essential tremors in my right hand. They began after a period of emotional stress and loss, so I assumed it was a stress response. But over time, the tremors worsened. On bad days, I needed both hands just to move the computer mouse. I gave up caffeine, took Adrenal Support and Anxiousless, and for a while, the symptoms settled. I ignored the mild hand tremor, hoping it would fade.

Then, about eight months ago, the tremors returned—this time affecting my head. Seeing it bob in the mirror with no control jolted me into action. Internet research offered no clear answers, and Western medicine seemed to shrug at the cause, offering no solutions. So, I turned to Chinese medicine and finally found a clue: the tremors were described as being caused by Wind in the body. As strange as that sounded, I understood the concept—Wind in Chinese medicine represents a disruptive force, often external or emotional, that moves unpredictably through the body, much like the tremors I was experiencing.

I also knew that when Wind shows up in the body, the Liver is usually involved. In Chinese medicine, the Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi—our vital life force. When Qi becomes stuck, deficient, or excessive, symptoms appear. After prolonged stress and suppressed emotions like anger and frustration, it made sense to me that my energy had become stuck in the body and was trying to restore harmony and flow. That inner struggle to find balance, I realized, could be the root of the tremors.

Putting this knowledge into action, I added Nature’s Sunshine’s Chinese Liver Balance TCM to my program. My head tremors quickly lessened—I could even stop them intentionally. Within a few weeks, they disappeared completely - if they come back on a stressful day they are almost indiscernable and I can consciously stop them. Soon after, the tremors in my hand also faded to being barely noticeable. In addition, an overall stiffness I had been feeling went away – leaving me feeling like I had a new body.

It still amazes me how the body can return to balance when we stop fighting the symptoms and start listening to what they’re trying to tell us. Each symptom is a message, pointing us toward what needs healing. When we approach the body with curiosity and respect, real transformation becomes possible. 

This experience reminded me just how powerful traditional healing systems can be when applied with insight and respect. Rather than masking symptoms, Chinese medicine helped me uncover the deeper pattern behind my tremors and offered a way to restore balance naturally.

Modern Western herbology focuses on treating individual body systems and symptoms, which is how most Western herb formulas are structured. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) addresses patterns of energetic imbalance—underlying disharmonies that give rise to symptoms.

Nature’s Sunshine’s (NSP) Chinese Liver Balance is based on the traditional Chinese formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang, first recorded in China around 200 AD. The NSP formula was developed by a TCM practitioner as a modern version of this classic formula. The formula was named Tiao He, which translates as “harmonizing.” It contains five of the original seven herbs from Xiao Chai Hu Tang, plus seven additional herbs chosen to work synergistically with the original blend.

This formula addresses a common pattern in Chinese medicine where the flow of Qi (life force energy) becomes both stagnant and showing excessive heat. When Qi doesn’t move smoothly, it affects multiple systems. While the liver is at the center of this imbalance, digestion is also playing a role. Poor digestion (which the Chinese would call a low digestive fire) can lead to an inability to properly transform food into energy. Additionally, it can result in mucus fluids becoming thick and forming phlegm in the digestive and respiratory tracts. A simple example of this is how intolerance to dairy products can cause some people to develop mucus in their throat or sinuses.

Other signs of stagnant Qi with heat include stiff, achy muscles and tendons—especially when the blocked energy begins to generate internal heat. Migraine headaches and mood swings, particularly anger or frustration, are also common. Emotional suppression, especially when combined with chronic worry, tends to worsen digestive issues.

Summary:

I consider Chinese Liver Balance a gentle yet effective formula that helps restore the free flow of Qi throughout the body. It supports liver and digestive health, reduces phlegm, calms the nervous system, and balances emotional energy. It’s easily one of my favorite Nature’s Sunshine products! In cases of very weak digestion or when a person holds their feelings in their gut, I combine the Liver Balance with Chinese Spleen Activator. The Spleen in Chinese medicine includes the actual spleen, the stomach and the pancreas and their role in digestion and transformation of food into blood.

        

Symptoms of Qi Stagnation with Internal Wind or Heat 

Category	Common Symptoms
Digestive System	- Bloating or fullness (especially in upper abdomen or under ribs)
	- Nausea, belching, or acid reflux
	- Poor appetite
	- Abdominal discomfort
	- Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)
	- Mucus buildup (especially after dairy or rich foods)
Muscles & Tendons	- Stiff or achy muscles and tendons
	- Pain that moves or feels distending or sharp
	- Muscle tremors
Head & Nervous System	- Migraine headaches
	- Mood swings, especially anger or frustration
	- Anxiety or internal tension
Reproductive Health	- Irregular or painful periods
	- PMS and breast tenderness
Respiratory System	- Phlegm in the throat or sinuses
Energy Levels	- Fatigue or low energy – can be a sign of this
Physical Signs	- Feeling of tightness or pressure in chest or abdomen
	- Lumps or masses from prolonged stagnation

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Photos by Valerie Greguire all rights reserved