It’s Spring! Use Acupuncture + TCM to Stay Healthy
Tips to Keep You Healthy This Spring
Spring is the season of the Wood element and associated with the color green. It’s a time of tremendous energy and excitement in the world and in our bodies - a time of new growth and change.
It’s also associated with the Liver function. The Liver organ system, which includes the Liver’s partner organ, the Gallbladder, takes center stage in this season. In practical terms, this means that the liver/gallbladder energy is at it peak. And there’s a natural affinity to an upward and outward movement of energy. This movement is much like the branches of a tree—hence the association with Wood.
The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (energy), blood and the emotions. Liking clarity and truth, a healthy liver allows us to make good decisions quickly and flow easily with the changes thrown at us by life.
This sensitive organ plays a central role in transforming and clearing toxins from the body. Overconsumption of alcohol and/or overly heavy foods can easily overtax the liver. Because it is hard-working and sensitive, it can become congested. When that happens, the liver (or wood element) is considered to be “out of balance.”
An out of balance wood element might look like the following:
foggy thinking or forgetfulness
tendon tightness
blurry, red, or dry eyes (like hayfever and/or allergy eyes)
lethargy
dry skin, skin itch, or rash
In addition, a person can have rib-side pain (especially after eating while emotional), abdomen distention, diarrhea, or constipation and feelings of being quick to anger, feelings of being uptight and the inability to relax.
There are some things you can do to sink into the Wood energy of Spring and give your Liver some love. Here are three easy things you can implement.
1. Drink water!
The Liver (Wood) is fed by the element of Water, and drinking plenty of pure, fresh water helps improve liver function and move stagnant physical, mental and emotional energy.
2. Eat seasonally.
The color of the Wood element is green. Green vegetables are plentiful this time of year and will go a long way to staying healthy in Spring.
Green foods that nourish the Wood Element:
Dandelion greens
Artichokes
Asparagus
Avocado
Broccoli
Cabbage
Celery
Endive
Green beans
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Mustard greens
Nettles
Parsley
Peas
Spirulina
Watercress
Spinach
Radish leaves
Wheat grass
Zucchini
Roots (help to detoxify the liver, helping stagnant energy be released)
Beets
Carrots
Dandelion root
Garlic
Onion
Parsnip
Radish
Sweet potato
Best fats to nourish the Wood Element:
Olive oil
Sesame oil
Sour yogurt
Oily fish
Herbs to add this time of year in tea form or as seasoning:
Anise
Basil
Bay
Caraway
Dill
Fennel
Ginger
Marjoram
Parsley
Peppermint
Saffron
Sage
Turmeric
Include the Sour flavor!
A little sour helps to drain and cleanse the liver. Spicy condiments can stimulate the liver. Use more sour foods when there is heat is present in the body. Sour foods reign supreme in activating the liver and gall bladder’s many functions. Aim for balance and avoid excess greasy, spicy and sour foods.
3. Move your body…because “movement is medicine!”
Any movement of the tendons, joints and ligaments helps move stagnation and keep the physiological processes of the body working properly - plus it makes you feel great.
Taking a brisk walk, engaging in gentle torso twists and stretches that open up the inner outer legs like in yoga are absolutely recommended for this time of year.
Remember that in the Chinese Medicine view, everything is interdependent. Any difficulty with one organ can, over time, impact the function of the other organ systems. Building the health of your Liver in Spring helps to maintain the balance of your whole body during this season, and creates a healthy foundation for summer.
As always, we are here for you to offer support during this season. Be sure to ask about seasonal movement workshops and nutritional/dietary guidance specific to spring and customized for your body.