Living with the seasons: Spring
Spring is coming. It is just around the corner. This is the beginning. The earth is awakening and soon will be bursting with life. In Chinese medicine, spring is associated with the wood element and this uprising vital energy is in everything around us. The tree sap begins to ascend, and the urge for new growth surges through our bodies too. Spring is a time to move out of our winter cocoon and cleanse any excess or sluggishness developed in the winter.
In Chinese medicine, the Liver and Gallbladder are the organs of spring. In the same way that a tree is nourished by water, the Liver (wood element) is said to control the flow of energy and blood, which are nurtured by the vital energy from the kidneys (water element). In addition, and in a similar way to a western view, the liver stores and replenishes blood. In this way, spring is the perfect time to cleanse the blood and the liver.
People with a congested liver often feel worse in the spring. It can either manifest as tension, anger, frustration, irritability, stiff neck and shoulders, hypertension, PMS, depression, mood swings and irregular menstruation. If spring winds invade, one may develop allergies, itching, spasms, tics, stiffness, skin conditions and convulsions. Moreover, if there is heat in the liver or deficiency of liver yin, one may have outbursts of anger, red face and eyes, dizziness, dry mouth, migraines, insomnia, thirst and constipation. Certain foods make these conditions worse, such as caffeine, alcohol, fried and fatty foods, sugars, nuts and butters, chips, cheese and spicy foods.
To cleanse the blood and liver, one can choose to eat dark leafy greens (collard, kale, mustard, chard). Common edible “weeds” that grow in spring and late spring such as lambsquarters, chickweed, nettles, dandelion and purslane, are great additions to one’s diet to cleanse the blood and release toxins. Lemon juice can be added to make iron more available from the greens and clear heat from the liver.
Pungent, bitter and sour herbs are good for springtime to cleanse the liver and bowels and strengthen digestion, including barberry, sarsaparilla, turmeric, burdock, chamomile, gardenia and yellow dock. Use bupleurum, fennel and green tangerine peel to regulate the liver energy, and goji berry and Chinese angelica root (also known as female ginseng – dang gui) to build liver blood. White meats are better to eat in the spring (expect for turkey which is considered hot for the liver), whole grains and a variety of vegetables and fresh fruits. For an energy boost, try green or dandelion tea instead of coffee, and to relax try chamomile tea instead of alcohol.
Physical exercise is very important to move any stagnant energy, as is rest. If one is not well rested, it is more difficult to moderate and balance between inward and outward activities, and commit to a regular exercising schedule. Going to sleep by 11pm helps the body feel more rested. Liver hours are between 11pm and 3am, where the liver cleanses and renews the blood. Sleeping during this time is very important to maintain the energy of the liver healthy and avoid tiredness, toxicity and stagnation.
Even though it will slowly get warmer in preparation for the summer, take care in how you dress and eat, to avoid colds and flu. To clear spring colds and flu make an antiviral tea with dandelion root, forsythia and isatis leaf (1:1:1 ratio). If spring allergies are a concern, milk thistle is especially good which has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
Our body’s internal warm energy, like the earth’s, is rising to the surface, but we are still sensitive to the cool weather – dress for the weather and cover up when outdoors, including your neck.
Take your environment into account and use winter herbs and foods until the weather warms up. Consider your own needs and pay attention to your body. If you tend to get illnesses in the spring, start spring cleansing teas in late winter. To live with the seasons, try eating what is locally grown as much as possible. This adjusts the body’s chemistry to the climate conditions, and helps it to better adapt to local pollens and grasses to prevent seasonal allergies.
The earth is awakening and soon will be bursting with life. Enjoy this time to gently move out of your winter cocoon and feel empowered by the rising energy of spring.