There is a reason Spring is generally regarded as a happy season, spring brings longer days, more sunshine, the rebirth of plants, and more activity. But for many, the months of spring can also bring irritability, anxiety, sinus issues, allergy flare-ups, and even colds.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for about 3,000 years; this is why it’s one of the most trusted medical systems in the world. TCM has connotations with the following five seasons: winter, spring, summer, late summer, and fall. Each season has a special set of characteristics and connections all its own. The wood element is related to spring. In TCM, the liver and gallbladder, as well as their energy channels, are governed by the wood element. Daily interactions between the five seasons and their respective elements result in either total harmony or balance in the body.

The season of spring is a time of expansive movement and growth. Spring is a time of creativity and planning. Since the liver and gallbladder are associated with the tendons and are responsible for the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the body, our daily activities should reflect this. Being more active and spending more time outside can be great ways to strengthen the liver and gallbladder energies during the months of spring. We should imitate the budding trees and flowers and allow ourselves to grow and reach for bigger and better goals during the spring.

Green is the color of spring in TCM. During these months, fresh greens are abundant. It is highly recommended that we incorporate more fresh greens into our daily diets. Greens have been shown to be very beneficial for helping the liver do its job, detoxifying the blood. Dandelion greens are a good source of detoxification, which ultimately strengthens the liver and gallbladder meridians.

It is also recommended to avoid excessive stimulants during the spring months. Things like coffee are considered expansive and energizing, which can be somewhat helpful during the cold winter months.  But during the spring, when life is abounding, excess energy can be harmful to the body. It can create headaches, insomnia, anger, and more.

When a person is completely balanced, transitioning from one season to another is not such a big deal.  However, knowing what elemental type you are can also be very beneficial in determining how you will react to each passing season. For instance, a person with a wood element constitution may experience anger during the spring. This is because the wood element is already closely associated with the emotion of anger and spring brings added stimuli that can trigger fits of rage.

One way to keep the body balanced is through acupuncture and TCM. The body is designed to maintain proper balance, but we tend not to pay attention to the warning signs until we experience pain or illness.  Getting regular acupuncture treatments can work as preventive medicine, providing harmony throughout every season of the year.

If you experience feelings of anxiety, anger, or even self-loathing, acupuncture can help.  It can also help with those seasonal allergies that might flare up. Acupuncture is a wonderful way to maintain health and balance all year long. Be sure to find a fully licensed acupuncturist in your area, so you can enjoy spring without any emotional or physical impairment.

Spring is a time for the animals and plants to awake from their long winter slumber. It is at this time of year that that spring is known as a time of renewal, regeneration, growth and energy. Vital Nutrients stored in the roots of plants start to come to the surface allowing life to become more vibrant and fluid.

We humans are no different. We stay indoors more during winter and generally pack on a little extra weight in the process. As the weather warms, we start to become more gregarious and start spending more time outside enjoying nature. This is a normal process.

It makes sense with what the ancient Chinese observed in nature would still be true today. Humans should be following nature’s example on how to live our lives. We should be more active during the warm months of spring. To do this we need proper nourishment. Qi (pronounced Chee) is sometimes thought of being a form of energy. This Qi is vital to keeping our bodies functioning until we die. To keep Qi plentiful, eating a proper diet at the proper time and practicing Tai Chi or Qi Gong will help.

During spring, we should eat food that has an upward energy such as green, sprouting vegetables. As our activities increase during spring our bodies will need extra nourishment. This is where sweeter foods are vitally important. Foods such as fruits, nuts, yams, carrots and potatoes can provide the extra energy needed during the spring. Just be careful not to over do it. Too much sweet can overload your body and make you feel sluggish.

Sweets should be countered with pungent foods. Pungent foods will aid in the movement of Qi upwards and outwards through perspiration. Pungent foods include Scallions, onion, ginger, radishes, garlic, leeks and chives.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, spring is the season for the liver and gallbladder. These organs regulate a smooth flow of energy through out the whole body. However, they are prone to stagnation because we don’t take proper care of ourselves. This will manifest as anger, irritability, depression, insomnia and even pain. Stagnation can occur when people eat too many poor quality foods that may be full of chemicals.

Foods that keep stagnation off include foods that are rich in chlorophyll, such as wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, parsley, kale, Swiss chard and collard greens. All of these foods are abundant during the months of spring. Another good idea to start the day is have a class of warm water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning. This will help detoxify the liver and gallbladder to start the day off fresh. Last, but not least, foods that have a slight bitter taste can help ward off heat in the liver. These include foods like asparagus, quinoa, romaine lettuce and dandelion tea.

If your are interested in learning how to eat according to the seasons, come talk to one of our licensed acupuncturists. We can help guide you along your journey to better health through Traditional Chinese Medicine and nutritional counseling.  Call us at Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City anytime.