Staying healthy in the spring season – A Chinese Medicine Perspective
by Mariana Guimaraes
Spring is a loving reminder of growth & expansion. The promise of Spring’s arrival is for your soul to bloom. This season is when the Yang (hot energy) rises & magically starts to build up.
Just like seeds sprout and push up and outwards towards the sun, the spring affects us with an upward energy being the season of activity, wind, sprouting, birth, creation and growth. This is a good time to nurture the yang energies within us, take action and start new projects. Any seeds planted this season will blossom faster than in any other season.
The time to take any action towards your dreams is now!
[blockquote author=”” pull=”normal”] The energies of the Spring have an up and outward movement bringing forth and within the power and ability to bloom, create and manifest new beginnings and possibilities.
Why should we stay in harmony with the energies of the Seasons?
The mind, body and spirit have different needs from season to season.
For example, the Fall is the season of letting go. Just like the leaves fall from the trees, releasing negative emotions that have been trapped within us must go. Thus allowing for new energies to come through. The Fall help us create the space we need for new beginnings. If we do not let go in the Fall, it can show up as congestion in our bodies in the Spring (allergies, feeling bloated, and trapped emotions).
When the liver energy is congested it will show up as more frequent outbursts of anger, frustration and agitation. This can interfere with our ability to tap into our highest potential and bring our dreams into fruition.
By staying in harmony with the seasons, we can stay in harmony and in balance with our bodies.
What organs represent the spring?
The Liver and Gallbladder are our internal organs most active during Spring time.
According to Chinese Medicine the main functions of the Liver are to store blood, support the heart, and maintain a smooth flow of Qi (energy force) throughout the body and mind.
When the Liver is balanced and well we can deal with stress in a much easier way while still being active and getting things done.
The Gallbladder is responsible for decision-making, determination, and confidence. When both liver and gallbladder are in balance we feel more inspired and determined while feeling emotionally calm.
What happens when Liver is not functioning well?
When the Liver is clogged up or overworked and tired, the Qi gets trapped and forced upwards. This can result in headaches, neck and shoulder tension, dizziness, menstrual disorders, and emotional disturbance such as feeling resentment, aggression, edginess, and compulsiveness.
Long term, these trapped emotions can lead to depression.
How can we support the Liver and Gallbladder during spring so that our bodies will benefit?
Because there is an increase to experience liver pathologies during the spring, it is important to first shift awareness into taking simple steps to harmonize both liver and gallbladder energies.
How can we support the Liver and Gallbladder during spring so that our bodies will benefit?
In regards to diet, spring is the time when we cook lighter meals. Also eat your greens! Liver is associated with the color green. Foods like kale, sprouts, arugula, asparagus, spinach, collards, scallions, peas, and mint.
Add sour flavors to your diet. The flavor associated with liver is sour, so lime, lemons, tomatoes, yogurt, vinegar, and fermented foods such as kimchee, sauerkraut and pickles will benefit overall health.
Exercise and move your body, walk in nature to support emotions and an overall feeling of well-being. It is very beneficial to go to bed before 10pm as the liver meridian is most active at night.
Relax and unwind. Because the energy of the spring is up and outwards, it is a good idea to make time for some downtime and resting in order to avoid feeling depleted.
Acupuncture and herbs! Acupuncture treatments will bring body back to balance and also work directly with the organs and meridians most affected during this season. When in combination with a custom herbal formula, there will be an immediate relief of symptoms and a new fresh balanced body.
Enjoy the energy of Spring!
For private consultations on how to improve your health this season don’t hesitate to contact me.
- Acupuncture
- Herbal Medicine
- Cupping
- AIT ( Acupuncture Injection Therapy)
marianaacupuncture@gmail.com
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818-424-0958
