Spring Season & Chinese Medicine
The Spring Season seen through the Chinese Medicine Lens
Chinese Medicine believes that living in harmony with the seasons of the year promotes health, wellbeing and disease prevention. Each season is related to one of the main organ meridians and has unique qualities both externally in the natural world and within our bodies.
Spring is an exciting season as new life sprouts in nature and a feeling of fresh starts fills the air. The Liver network is associated with Chinese Medicine, which energizes and expands the energy of spring within our own bodies. When the Liver system is functioning properly there is a sense of ease, freedom and expansiveness in our bodies, both emotionally and physically.
Some Symptoms of Liver imbalance
Anger/Irritation/Frustration
Depression
Digestive disorder (IBS and indigestion)
Menstrual disorders (PMS, irregular or painful menses)
Shoulder and Neck tension
Headaches and Dizziness
The eyes and nails are also related to the liver, so their health is a good way to track your liver functions as well.
During spring there is a tendency to experience an increase in the above Liver pathologies. We can harmonize our Liver by shifting our awareness and making some simple changes:
Simple lifestyle changes to support the Liver system
1. Wake earlier. While it is still beneficial to go to bed by 10 pm, the morning is the spring of the day so during this season it is a good idea to rise earlier. Wake by 7am and see if you feel more energized throughout the day.
2. Exercise. While exercise is important year round, the Liver’s connection to anger and depression make this time of year especially important for a good exercise routine. Soothe your Liver by walking in nature for 20-30 minutes 3-4x/ week.
3. Eat your Greens. The Liver is associated with the color green. Take advantage of the new spring growth and increase your consumption of kale, sprouts, arugula, watercress, and other green vegetables.
4. Add sour to your diet. The flavor related to the Liver is sour. Add a slice of fresh lemon, lime or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water every morning. This aids both digestive and emotional health.
5. Relax and de-stress. While the tendency in the spring is to get even busier, remember to schedule in downtime in order to let your energy gradually build as we move out of winter. Meditation, spending time in nature, Yoga, Tai Qi and Qi Gong are wonderful ways to accomplish this.
6. Acupuncture. Acupuncture harmonizes your Liver and brings your being into homeostasis, perfect balance. Experience relief in your symptoms and set the stage for long-term health for the rest of the year with a spring acupuncture tune-up. For the most effective and long-term results it is important to complete a series of acupuncture treatments, with most patients benefiting from weekly treatments for 4-6 weeks followed by monthly or bimonthly maintenance treatments.