Andrea Wilson, TCM/ Acupuncturist: SPRING

In Chinese Medicine, the season of Spring is represented by the element of wood and is commanded by the liver. The season of spring has the following elemental characteristics:

  • Cleansing
  • Clarity of vision/Goals
  • Direction
  • Purpose
  • Harmony

After resting all winter, the energy of wood bursts forth in the process of renewal. This is the time to plant seeds for a future harvest, to make new plans, set your direction and move forward. Acupuncture treatments can be utilized to move liver energy (Qi), and to help unblock any stagnant energy which arises from the frustration of not being able to move forward as quickly as the natural spring energy dictates.

In spring, choose fresh green foods (liver foods) such as sprouts, lemon, wheatgrass, alfalfa, apple cider vinegar, radishes, dandelion and tender young leafy greens. This is a good time of year to gently cleanse the liver to support the clear flow of its rising energy, clarity of vision and harmonious movement. Get outside and move your body with regular exercise, essential for spring Qi as it reaches up and outward like a tree strongly rooted but which is flexible like bamboo and able to bend with the winds of change.