Harness the energy of Spring

In Chinese medicine, each season is associated with one of the five elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Spring is associated with the Wood element which is maybe not a surprise to you as plants and trees start showing signs of new life during this season. 

Wood represents growth, change, and pushing through obstacles. It’s a very active energy that allows for a lot of movement and progress, both internally and externally. When held back it is also the energy of frustration, anger and stress. At this time of year, we may have more energy to get moving on projects but at the same time, areas of stagnation and frustration can be especially apparent. Spring is a really good time to work with these blockages and get things moving so you can access all that great energy.   

In Chinese medicine the organ that represents Wood is the Liver. The Liver governs the muscles and tendons, the eyes, and the fingernails, and plays a key role in the functioning of the reproductive system. In the body as a whole, it is responsible for the smooth flow of energy and assists all the other organ systems in functioning properly. Liver Qi allows for the appropriate movement of emotions and has an especially strong connection with the feelings of anger and frustration.   

Spring can be a hard time for health issues that are related to Qi stagnation such as depression, muscle tightness, tension and pain, digestive disorders, migraines, and menstrual difficulties. Don’t be discouraged if these symptoms feel a little worse just when the weather is starting to get better. Spring is also a really good time to work with these conditions because the patterns are most accessible and responsive to lasting change. Try the suggestions below to make the most of this season!   

Tips for Spring

1. Get outside. Outdoor air helps the Qi flow, as does exercise. If you find yourself feeling irritable, lethargic, or stuck, find some time for an outdoor activity. Walking, gardening, golf, cycling – whatever suits you!
2. Express yourself!  Dancing, cooking, writing, making art or music… Any form of creative expression helps nourish and channel Wood energy in a healthy way.
3. Eat green food. Not surprisingly, green is the colour that goes with spring, wood, and the liver. Green, leafy foods are especially helpful to the liver Qi.
4. Add sour tastes. Sour foods also help soothe and smooth the liver Qi, and can ease the transition into spring. Add lemon to your water, pickles to your sandwich, vinegar dressings to your salad.
5. If you have allergies, take care of them. Allergy symptoms can make an otherwise lovely time of year quite unpleasant.
6. Stretch. According to Chinese medicine, the Liver stores blood during rest and releases it to the tendons and muscles in times of activity. Taking a few minutes to stretch or do yoga in the morning can help you move more fluidly through the day.
7. Get a seasonal acupuncture “tune-up”. Even if you only have acupuncture a few times a year, the change of seasons is a good time to do it. Treatments are designed to harmonise your body, or internal environment, with the season, or external environment. Especially if you are feeling stress, anger, or frustration, which are associated with Liver disharmony. Visit www.woodsideacupuncture.co.uk to book a tune-up