As the Cherry Blossoms begin to bloom in Victoria, spring is starting to appear all around. Spring marks a time of renewal, a time to begin cleansing the body of winter and rebalance through Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It is important to support the growing Yang energy within our physical and mental realms to assure we are in sync with the natural world. Acupuncture is an effective way that we can begin the process of repair and restoration within the body.
Seasons in Traditional Chinese Medicine:
There are five seasonal associations in Traditional Chinese Medicine : winter, spring, summer, late summer and fall. The five seasons and their corresponding elements and organ systems, which interact with one another daily, creating balance and harmony or complete chaos within the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with the wood element.
Spring is time for upward growth and outward expansion. If you are one to set new year’s resolutions, spring is a far more effective season than the dead of winter to grow, expand and lean into new patterns. Feeling internally chaotic these days is natural, and reassuring that your liver Qi is in abundance. All nature around us and within us is blasting out of hibernation and getting ready to reach for the sun and stars. Lean into the chaos, explore what changes are needed.
The wood element governs the liver and the gallbladder and their energetic pathways. The liver is believed to be responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and the regulation of emotions, whereas the Gallbladder is believed to be responsible for decision-making and the ability to take action. If the Qi of the liver is unbalanced, it can lead to symptoms of; irritability, migraines, colds, sinus issues, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), tendonitis flare-ups, and insomnia.
How Acupuncture supports seasonal health:
Acupuncture is a powerful tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can help to balance the body and promote overall health and well-being. Acupuncture can aid in the Qi flowing to all the right places, and target areas of need within the body.
Acupuncture can provide relief and renewal to the body, and is particularly helpful during seasonal transitions, such as the change from winter to spring. The transitional time when the water element of winter, experienced through our Kidneys and Bladder, begins to nourish the wood element through our Livers and Gallbladders of spring.
Getting regular acupuncture treatments is a powerful tool one can engage with as preventive medicine, providing harmony throughout every season of the year.
In combination with acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine promotes daily activities that can aid the Qi flowing to the liver and gallbladder. Being more active, incorporating gentle stretching into the day, and spending more time outside can be great ways to strengthen the liver and gallbladder energies during the spring months.
Nutrition for seasonal health from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective:
Additionally, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends eating all things green (the colour of the wood element) during this season !!
Kale, Nettle, Arugula, Asparagus, Broccoli, Sprouts, Parsley, Scallions along with seasonal fruits will nourish the liver blood and ensure the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout. Light and warm meals that are easy to digest are recommended, with a focus on green foods.
Foods with pungent flavours, such as scallions, garlic, ginger, and onions, can help to promote circulation and energy flow in the body, which is especially important during all seasonal transitions.
Give this Springtime Renewal Soup Recipe a try – may your Qi and Blood flow freely! For more information or if you are ready for seasonal support with Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine please book a meet and greet with Angelique.
