As the sun peeps from behind the clouds and the temperature slowly begin to rise, our energy starts to lift. Spring represents a new beginning after our long hibernation during the winter months. We have nurtured ourselves in preparation for new growth. Spring is the time to reap the benefits of our rejuvenation!

Energetically, spring is all about expansion, moving upwards and outwards. We find ourselves feeling more outgoing, more sociable and more motivated. New inspiration and ideas appear all around us. A guiding principal in Chinese Medicine is by living and harmonising yourself with the seasons, you are able to cultivate your health and prevent disease.

Spring is the season to attend to the Liver and Gall Bladder. During this time of year we tend to eat less and sometimes even fast to cleanse the body of the heavy foods and fats accumulated during the winter months.

Our eating plan should be the lightest of the year, containing foods that emphasise the ascending and expansive qualities of spring. Young plants, fresh greens and sprouts are encouraged during this time.

In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy), Blood and emotions. Feelings of stress, frustration and anger constrict Liver energy and impact on its smooth functioning. People, who find it hard to relax, are uptight or quick tempered will often have a constricted or stagnated Liver Qi.

Regulating the Liver through diet, lifestyle, acupuncture, herbal medicine, stretches and physical movement can help release Liver constriction and encourage its natural smooth flow.

Each organ in Chinese Medicine has an associated sense organ, for the Liver, this is the eyes. Red, itchy, dry sore eyes or blurry vision (hello hayfever) can often be associated with a Liver imbalance. Histamine is the irritating allergy hormone which is stored in the Liver. The more we love and tend to our Livers the easier and more joyous spring will be.

 

Ways to release Liver constriction include:

• Acupuncture
• Chinese herbal medicine
• Stretches targeting the Liver meridian
• Yoga
• Qi Gong
• Physical movement
• Sweet and pungent foods
• Green vegetables
• Looking at trees (Liver belongs to the wood element)
• Emotional release such as crying or a big belly laugh.

 

Spring foods

Too many heavy foods clog the Liver. The expansive rising quality of sweet, pungent foods is recommended during springtime. For this effect one can use honey mint tea, basil, fennel, rosemary, dill, and bay leaf. Beets, carrots, starchy vegetables also provide a sweet refreshing flavour. Green vegetables are always recommended especially when we are focusing on Liver health. Some favourites to help the liver perform its function of cleansing and detoxing the body are broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts and spinach. Aim to have some steamed greens with each meal during the spring to give your body some extra support cleaning and detoxifying.

Regular acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments are a fantastic way to support and strengthen the body and especially the Liver during springtime. At Angea we guide you through lifestyle and dietary choices to best suit your body and your health.

 

 

 

Article by Lauren Curtain 

W: angea.com.au