Putting The Spring Back Into Your Step
As we come out of Winter and transition into Spring, this is the time for creativity, transformation, and shedding off what no longer serves you. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) associates Spring with the Wood element that shines a spotlight on both the Liver and Gallbladder. Liver Yang energy rises and flows outward during the springtime, which can help explain why emotional release is so important this time of year. Wood energy is all about reigniting the internal fire and getting things moving again. Let the creative energy flow by brainstorming your future endeavors and/or new beginnings!
The Liver governs the smooth flow of energy in the body and can easily become affected due to pent up emotional stress causing stagnation. The Gallbladder is in charge of decision-making and the ambition to achieve goals. Essentially the go-getter deep within and the driving forces behind our choices. These two organs work symbiotically to keep the body, mind and spirit in a healthy state. Since Spring’s corresponding climate is Wind, this can feel overwhelming for those with a Liver disharmony. It’s common to experience symptoms like tightness in the ribs and solar plexus region, irritability and anger, disorientation, headaches/vertigo, eye issues, and higher stress levels in general. We see you and want to help.
Spring welcomes new foods into the diet that are fresh and green such as celery, cucumber, kale, green cabbage, fennel, sprouts, broccoli, alfalfa, etc. If you are looking to give your Liver some attention, add some sour and bitter foods to your diet to start detoxing the body. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, citrus based fruits, apple cider vinegar and ginger all give the gut the perfect jumpstart for the day!
What can you do??
Start stretching daily and loosening up those tendons and sinews
Incorporate fresh green vegetables - sour and bitter foods are the cornerstone for detoxing the body. Cut down on starchy fatty foods, your Liver with thank you.
Cover up the back of your neck when windy outside, this pathogen can linger in the body causing colds
Feng shui your home - move furniture around for a fresh space, what feels right where?
Create an intentional movement schedule as it warms up outside + soak up some Vit. D
Drink lots and lots of water
Book that acupuncture appointment to get things moving!
Mostly importantly…Be gentle and kind with yourself throughout the seasonal change
