Rise and Shine, It’s Springtime

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Spring is here!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Spring signifies new beginnings, new birth, and open and fluid energy. Some characteristics of Spring include:

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Nature: Yang

Element: Wood

Organ: Liver/Gallbladder

Climate: Wind

Taste: Sour

Color: Green

Emotion: Anger

Spring from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Element: Wood

Wood represents rising and growing yang. Like when trees grow and plants sprout, Wood symbolizes upward movement. It’s why we tend to do our cleaning during this time since we’re making room for growth. Spring makes us want to rise, push through, and get things done.

Organ: Liver/Gallbladder

The Liver organ governs the smooth flow of qi in the body and governs the tendons and the eyes. Issues with the liver are more likely to come up during Spring. You’re more likely to experience headaches, dizziness, and insomnia around this time. People can also experience vision problems like dry eyes and blurry vision.    

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So it’s extra important to stretch out the tendons and ligaments and make time for movement! This will help facilitate the Liver’s function of smooth Qi flow throughout the body. Also, try drinking tea that can help nourish the eyes such as Chrysanthemum and Gogi berry tea.

Climate: Wind

In TCM, Spring also brings Wind. Diseases caused by wind are usually sudden, they progress rapidly, and can look like spasms, tremors, twitching, and dizziness. It usually affects the upper body and extremities. So protect yourself! Even as the weather gets warmer, be sure to dress in layers. You don’t have to wear a hat and a scarf when it’s nearly 70 degrees outside, but be sure to bring along that extra sweater or jacket just in case.  

Taste: Sour; Color: Green

Sour foods and green leafy veggies are the goal this season! Foods such as mustard greens, arugula, and dandelion greens are great. I also recommend drinking lemon water in the morning. Other Spring friendly foods include:

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  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Chinese yam
  • Wheat 
  • Cilantro
  • Mushrooms
  • Sprouts 
  • Spinach

Emotion: Anger

Spring can make people extra irritable, angry, or impatient due to stagnant liver qi. Let out that anger and frustration! Staying active and being outdoors is a great way to get your Qi moving.

Sunshine is breaking through and it’s a great time to start new projects and get your body moving. Acupuncture is also a great way to help support your Liver Qi, so come in and see us this Spring!