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Spring: It is the
long-awaited change of winter to spring. Seeds sprout, flowers
bloom, and the sun warms the earth. There is a sense of renewal and
new life all around.
While winter was a time to conserve
energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new
beginnings, and a renewal of spirit.
The Principle of the Five Elements
The five elements refer to wood, fire, earth, metal,
and water in Eastern philosophy. The Principle of the Five Elements
(known as the Wu Hsing in Chinese) describes the flow of Qi and the
balance of yin and yang.
According to the principle, all
change — in the universe and in your body — occurs in five distinct
stages. Each of these stages is associated with a particular time of
year, a specific element in nature, and a pair of organs in the
body. Change links together the seasons of the year, aspects of
nature, and your body’s organs and bodily processes. A practitioner
of traditional Chinese medicine uses this principle to diagnose and
treat health problems, linking specific foods, herbs, and
acupuncture points to the restoration of yin-yang and
Qi.
SPRING:
Spring is the ideal time
for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. As
spring is represented by the wood element and includes the
liver and its complementary organ, the
gallbladder, these two organs are usually the primary targets for
springtime cleansing and health regimens.
Learn more about the Liver and Liver Qi
Stagnation
Put Some
Spring into Your Step
Spring corresponds to the "Wood"
element, which in turn is conceptually related to the liver and
gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine,
the liver is
responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the
body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional
activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health this spring, move
your Qi!
Stretch -
The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the
liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to
the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and
flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try
yoga or tai qi.
Eye Exercises
- The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have
some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to
proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a
computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye
exercises.
Eat Green -
Green is the color of the liver and of springtime. Eating young
plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses -
can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of
qi.
Taste Sour - Foods and
drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put
lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for
your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill
pickle.
Do more outdoor
activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have
been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that
liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy milk thistle
tea
Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from
incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of
damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides,
environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as
mercury.
Get Acupuncture
treatments- Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help
improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and
frustration, which
are often associated with liver qi disharmony.
Seasonal acupuncture treatments just four times a year
can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor
annoyances before they become serious problems.
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