Spring from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Spring is generally regarded as a happy season, especially for those that live in areas where winter is cold and dark. Spring brings with it longer days, more sunshine, the rebirth of plants and more activity. But for many, the months of spring can also bring irritability, anxiety, sinus issues, allergy flare-ups and even colds.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classifies things in many different ways. There are five seasonal associations in TCM – winter, spring, summer, late summer and fall. Each season has its own unique set of properties and associations.
Spring is associated with the wood element. The wood element governs the liver and the gallbladder and their energetic pathways in TCM. The five seasons and their corresponding elements interact with one another daily, creating balance and harmony within the body.
The season of spring is a time of expansive movement and growth.
Spring is a time of year for creativity and planning. Since the liver and gallbladder are associated with the tendons and are responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, our daily activities should reflect this. Spending more time outside and being more active can be great ways to strengthen the energy of the liver and gallbladder during the months of spring. We should follow suite of the budding trees and flowers and allow ourselves to grow and reach for bigger and better aspirations during the spring..
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are two methods for maintaining body equilibrium.
The body is made to keep its balance, but we usually don't notice the warning signs until we're in pain or sick. Acupuncture treatments on a regular basis can serve as preventative medicine and promote harmony throughout the year.
Acupuncture can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, rage, or even self-loathing. Additionally, it may assist with seasonal allergies that may become more severe. Acupuncture is a great way to stay healthy and in balance throughout the year. To enjoy spring without experiencing any emotional or physical limitations, be sure to locate a licensed acupuncturist in your area.
Because they alter the equilibrium of the elements within each of us, the seasons have a direct impact on our health. In Chinese medicine, it is encouraged that we should adapt to the changing seasons to maintain good health. We can avoid illness and imbalance by living in harmony with the environment.
Spring is a time for new life, growth, and renewal. It occurs when we transition from the yin (dark) winter season into the yang (light) season. The best advice from the AcuMedic doctors to get you on your way to better health is listed below.
1. CARE FOR YOUR LIVER: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is linked to spring. Did you know that one of the most essential organs for regenerating, cleansing, and reviving the body is your liver? Emotional Qi will flow easily throughout the body when the liver is functioning normally, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. The liver is in charge of fat metabolism, drug detoxification, carbohydrate breakdown, and body heat production.
Improve Your Liver:
• According to Chinese medicine theory, the organ associated with emotion is the liver. We feel refreshed and ready for new beginnings when negative emotions are released from this organ. Try something new or refocus on a goal you may have forgotten about.
• The eyes are opened by the liver. When working at a computer for an extended period of time, remember to take breaks and exercise your eyes.
• Since the tendons are controlled by the liver, start stretching every day. Stretching is beneficial because it will open the pathways in the liver and gallbladder, preventing stagnation and the numerous health issues that can result from poor health in these organs.
• Your capacity to plan ahead is linked to the liver, while your capacity to make final decisions is linked to the gallbladder. Be positive about safeguarding these essential organs so that you can develop as nature intended.
2. CLEAN THE BODY: In the winter, we frequently crave filling meals. Then there is the holiday season, when we overindulge in delectable meals and drink a lot of alcohol while becoming drained from all the parties we couldn't miss. Your body needs to be rejuvenated from the inside out right now. We need to spring clean our bodies, especially our digestive system, just like we do our homes. In a nutshell, it's time to concentrate on digestion and detoxification.
Your Spring Diet:
Alfalfa
Algae
Asparagus
Basil
Broccoli
Celery
Citrus
Collard Greens
Cucumber
Fennel
Fermented Food
Ginger
Kale
Lettuces
Radish
Seaweed
Pickles
Spirulina
Sprouts
Watercress
Wheatgrass
BEST TIP: Energy from the liver is green, like spring. Include fresh green and sour foods, such as green leafy vegetables, in your diet to energize and nourish your liver Qi.
Spring is associated with the liver, so it's important to eat a diet that helps the liver get stronger and clear out waste. Our primary care physicians' recommendation you diminish the admission of harsh flavors and increment sweet and impactful flavors to assist with working with the liver to direct Qi all through the body.
Also helpful are foods that help the blood flow and get rid of heat and stagnation. Reduce consumption of alcohol, starchy foods, and sugar, which harm the stomach and spleen and are difficult to digest.
Additionally, eat early. Chinese Medication accepts that the evening time is for purifying and mending the body from the other day. If you eat late at night, the liver and gallbladder Qi may be disturbed because the body will use the energy to digest rather than cleanse.
3. Spring cleaning is just as important for your body as it is for your home in the spring. To begin new it requires eliminating poisons from our day to day daily schedule. This is an important time to clean and make things more peaceful, not only inside but also outside. Start cleaning the house by opening the windows to let in the clean spring air. By using natural body care products and cleaning products, you can reduce your toxic load as much as possible.
It's a good time to start getting massages on a regular basis. Massage helps the body's own detoxification processes by stimulating the circulatory system. Fragrance based treatment and Tuina knead are great choices you ought to think about enjoying while spring shows up. Even though all massage is good for you, it reduces tension and boosts your energy. However, Thai and Tuina massage use special techniques to help clear Qi that may have been blocked by winter's sluggishness. Spring cleaning your life is everything!
4. COME OUT OF HIBERNATION: During the chilly winter months, like all things in nature, we frequently find that we lead sedentary lives and retreat into our warm homes. Spring encourages us to open the windows and go outside to get fresh air to replenish Qi as the animals that have been sleeping come out of hibernation and the flowers start to bloom.
Try these four stretching exercises—a great way to get more energy from Chinese stretching techniques.
Keep in mind that even minor adjustments to your diet and daily routine can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Visit for more information on how to improve your own health.