Spring: Season of Awakening and Renewal
“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself”
After months of quiet slumber and long cold winter, the world suddenly come alive with longer days and warmth. It is a season of reawakening and new beginnings. Water begins to move again as our lakes thaw, seeds sprout, grass grows, buds on trees awaken and the feeling of infinite potential grabs hold. Spring energy is yang in nature – expansive, expressive, moving upward and outward. As trees come alive, we are all provided a new opportunity for growth, rediscovery and renewal.
The Five Elements:
According to Chinese Medicine, the Five Elements, or perhaps more aptly, 5 phases, are a method by which we can explain the manifestations of this world. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water help us define our relationship to the physical world, the spiritual world, and our bodies. They describe the flow of Qi (vital force) in all things within the natural world and our bodies. In balance, these elements help us live in harmony with the cycles of nature for optimal health.
In Chinese Medicine spring is the Wood phase, it is the growing stage of life. The wood phase corresponds to the Liver and Gall Bladder Organ System. The liver metabolizes and filters blood, aids in digestion and removes toxins from our bodies. According to the Chinese Medicine theory, this organ system is responsible for the proper flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. This organ system nourishes the tendons, eyes, and nails. The color association is green, and the emotional association is with anger and frustration. When imbalanced or unexpressed, anger can move from irritability to rage or depression. The climate connected with the Liver is Wind, symbolic of the seeds that carry life, new ideas, and change.
During the long winter months, the Liver and Gall Bladder Systems can become stagnant through lack of movement and indulgence of heavier richer foods. Our natural urge is to cleanse the body as the seasons change and desire to eliminate the mind of congestion. Spring is an ideal time for cleansing the body and an opportune time to cultivate your Spirit.
Common physical and emotional symptoms of Liver and Gall Bladder imbalances are:
Anxiety-abdominal distention- allergies, chest constriction- depression- digestive disorders-dizziness- frustration-headaches- irritability-menstrual issues- shallow breathing-tightness in the throat-and a generalized feeling of achiness, especially in the neck, shoulders, and hips- vertigo.
Flourishing in the Spring:
Get Outside - Notice the changing world around you. Be present. Go for a meditative walk in nature, breathe in the fresh air. Take in the awakening of nature around you, bathe in its emerging colors and warmth. How many shades of green can you see?
Stretch and Move - Support your tendons and ligaments and encourage blood flow with movement, try Yoga, Qigong, or Tai Qi, dance or jog. According to Chinese Medicine, the Liver stores blood during periods of rest (between 1-3AM). Sleeping well during this time helps the liver and the blood to rest. Nurture your sleep. Gentle stretches in the morning will help restore the natural flow of Qi and blood.
Eat Green - Incorporate fresh seasonal vegetables, as we naturally crave the crispness of leafy greens. Eating more raw foods will help the body in its natural urge to cleanse itself as the seasons change. The bitter and astringent qualities of fresh, leafy greens such as dandelion greens, mustard greens, bok-choy or any other Chinese greens, basil, chives, dill, parsley, sprouts, watercress, celery, and asparagus will help awaken the Liver/GB energy and help activate your metabolism. Add chlorophyll rich foods like parsley, spirulina, blue green algae, kelp, and wheat grass juice to your spring ritual.
Taste Sour - Enjoy foods and drinks of a sour nature, it helps to stimulate the Liver energy and provides a gentle Liver cleanse. Putting a slice of lemon, tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or unsweetened cranberry juice in your warm water is a simple morning spring elixir. Add sauerkraut or kimchi to your meals to brighten your plate.
Herbal Remedy - Nourish and balance the Liver with medicinal tea with burdock, mint, nettles, or dandelion root. For a stronger cleanse, drink Milk thistle tea to help protect the Liver from environmental toxins, excessive hormones, use of alcohol and caffeine, medications, etc. Chinese Medicine herbal remedies such as Emotional Balance, from local company Dao Labs, harmonize the Liver. Please, check in with me for formulas for your individual needs that can be added to your daily spring renewal self-care.
Clear the Clutter - Freshen your living or work environment by cleaning and organizing. It can be a great way to lighten the space and get rid of unwanted accumulations. Nurturing and tending to your garden can be a wonderful way to connect with the earth and aligning with the spring energy.
Release Unresolved Emotions - Pause to breathe mindfully and acknowledge any emotional feelings and tensions. A year in with the pandemic isolation- anxiety, frustrations, and depression are at an all-time high. Self-care is of utmost importance. Training ourselves to become aware of habits can become a tool for self-awareness. Moving forward with kindness, patience, grace and inner guidance can help you to have a clear vision along your path. Talk with a friend, family member or a professional. Release with a shouting or a laughing ritual. Take baths to help move the Qi, to soothe and release tension.
Seek Preventative Care - Enjoy regular Acupuncture and Cupping treatments to help alleviate stress, release muscle tension and pain, address digestive complaints, menstrual issues, and relieve spring allergies. Chinese Medicine is also beneficial to address any mental-emotional imbalances that may arise at this time. The treatments are deeply calming, relaxing and enhances your whole body, mind, and spirit healing.