The promise of spring’s arrival is enough to get anyone through the bitter winter!
— Jen Selinsky
Monday at 10:24 p.m. is the vernal equinox (or fall if you live in the Southern Hemisphere). At this time, the sun is perpendicular to the equator. The day and the night are the same length. It’s the start of spring!
One of the important lessons of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to live with the seasons. In TCM, the body is seen as a microcosm that mirrors the larger macrocosm. We feel this most strongly during the transitions of the seasons. The energetic shifts that take place outside in nature also take place in our bodies.
Spring is associated with the Wood element. Themes of this period are growth, strength, courage, vision and innovation. The wood element corresponds to the liver and gallbladder organs and meridians. The Liver is responsible for the flow of Qi throughout the body, both physically and emotionally. Like the growth of new plants in spring, the movement of Wood energy is upwards and outwards.
Imagine a forest. The trees have deep roots but they are flexible. When the wind blows, the tasks will bend with the wind but will not break. The strong roots ensure that the tree can move with the wind but that the tree does not fall over. This is what the wood element stands for. The forest helps remind us to be calm and flexible.
Winter is a real yin period. Midwinter is the most yin, then yang slowly increases until midsummer. Winter is associated with the kidneys and it is a time of recovery and retreat inward. Taking rest in the winter ensures that we have enough energy for the new spring. In the spring we go from this winter yin energy to the more yang energy of spring and summer.
Imbalance of the liver and gallbladder can become more apparent at this time of year and can manifest themselves both physically and emotionally. You may find yourself feeling restless, easily irritated, impatient, having difficulty making decisions, having emotional outbursts, getting angry easily, being nervous or depressed. Physically, an imbalance can cause symptoms such as allergies, muscle tension, premenstrual syndrome or irregular cycle, headaches, increased blood pressure, pain on the side of the ribs and digestive problems.
You can make food and lifestyle choices to support yourself during this transition period.
Spring is like a fresh beginning, a fresh start and is a good time to clean up the environment and your body. It’s a good time to review your plans and adjust them if necessary.
The liver is responsible for the flow of Qi. To set stuck Qi in motion again, you can literally move your body. Do some stretching exercises, dance to your favorite music, prepare your garden spring, do some yoga exercises or take a walk in nature.
Foods that support the liver include dark green leafy vegetables such as dandelion leaves, arugula, Swiss chard and water chard.
The liver is the organ that removes toxins. Support your liver by getting as few toxins as possible through your diet but also through your environment. Preferably eat local organic seasonal fruits and vegetables. Use cosmetics and household products such as shampoo and deodorant without chemical additives.
Fatty and fried foods are heavier for your liver and should be limited or avoided. If you have symptoms of an unbalanced liver, it is better to avoid caffeine and alcohol.
The taste of the liver is sour. Adding acidic foods to your diet can also help support the liver. For example, start the day with a slice of lemon in warm water.
We need a good night’s sleep to recover. The most important time for the liver to recover is between one and three o’clock at night. People with liver imbalances may wake up regularly at this time.
Feelings of frustration, irritation and stress can indicate an imbalance of wood. But these feelings, if they are more chronic, can also cause an imbalance of wood. Learning to deal with these kinds of emotions in healthy ways will support your wood element. Ways to work through emotions include keeping a journal, painting, or being creative and laughing in some other way. Seek help if needed.
The Wood season is also associated with wind. In TCM, Wind is one of the pathogenic factors that can cause disease. The Liver system is sensitive to the effects of wind. The back of the neck is also sensitive to wind. Make sure you wear a nice warm scarf on cool and / or windy days.
And are you or one of your animals out of balance? Acupuncture can help!
I wish you a happy spring!
