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.

In most places winter is cold with short days and long nights. When winter comes the body has a tendency to want to stay indoors where it is warmer. The body’s metabolic rate slows down, so the body tends to hold onto body fat and we gain weight. There are animals that will hibernate during the colder months. People are not so different. We take the information being given and use it accordingly.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is a time to preserve and build up strength for spring. During the winter months the kidneys are at their highest activity. They function to preserve the body’s energy. Food loaded with salt can actually burden the kidneys and cause them to work extra hard. This could lead to disease or failure in the kidney when done for many years.

According to Chinese medicine, during the winter months tonics should be eaten primarily. Most of the tonics include meats, fatty foods and warming herbs. The body is designed to absorb these rich foods especially during this time of year. When we pay attention to nature, we can be guided towards the proper nutrients. Since most fruits are not usually abundant during the winter months, we should avoid eating large quantities of them. Foods such as fruits, salads and raw foods can deplete the immune system causing it to overwork to warm the body. When a person has a dislike of the cold weather, joint aches and pains, sore low back or catches cold frequently, then there is an imbalance and that person may be eating to many cold foods.

We recommend eating warm foods during the winter months, and foods that will strengthen the kidneys, blood and Qi (pronounced “Chee”), which sometimes is considered our inner form of energy. Foods that are best during the winter are: beef, lamb, root vegetables, dark leafy greens, black beans oats, quinoa, pumpkin, kidney beans and walnuts. Fruits are good as well and can be warmed by adding spices like cinnamon, so they don’t tax the system too much. Herbs like ginseng, garlic, onion, ginger, parsley and basil all have warming properties that can also be used when cooking.

Soups and stews are really best to eat this time of year. When you use bone broth as a base it will help, it’s very good for supplementing the kidney. These types of foods can help warm the body’s core and keep us fully nourished. Cooking should be done for longer periods over low heat using less water. This will infuse the food with heat and lasting nourishment.

TCM nutritional therapy is an important component of the TCM. The food consumed can have profound effects on the body that affects our health and well-being. Along with paying close attention to the foods that are abundant during the seasons, we also recommend that locally grown foods be utilized. This may help decrease the possibility of allergic reactions.

If you are interested in learning more about TCM and how it can help you, please call us at Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City or come in so we can help you take control of your health