Nutrition

Spring Settles Upon Us

Spring brings with it warmer weather and renewed physical and mental energy. For many people, however, the transition from winter to spring isn‘t always easy. The cold winter months are a natural time for rest and introspection so it can be a challenge to get moving again.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tells us that settling into spring can be even more difficult if there is an imbalance in the Liver, which is responsible for the flow of Qi (Life Energy) throughout the body. An imbalance or lack of Qi can cause a whole range of emotional and physical symptoms such as anger, depression, mood swings, abdominal pain, menstrual problems, and even allergies. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, then you are aware that they can be barriers to moving forward and living in harmony with the seasons.

The good news is that you can take charge of your health and kick-start your spring. First, talk to me about how to address any underlying imbalances that might be affecting your energy levels. I’ll have some suggestions for you, and may even talk about dietary changes, supplements, herbs or exercises that can help.
Next, decide how to tackle any stressors at work or home that might be keeping you from feeling your best. Consider acupuncture, acupressure, meditation, yoga, massage, or talk therapy to help you handle stress and keep from becoming overwhelmed.
Lastly, plan to get moving. Exercise is an important way to boost your energy and keep your Qi flowing. Keep these tips in mind:

Take it slow, especially if you haven’t exercised over the winter. Use common sense to avoid overdoing it and injuring yourself.
Set small goals for yourself such as walking for 15 minutes each day. Set new goals as your fitness level improves.
Warm up before exercising and always remember to stretch.
Do something you enjoy, so your workout doesn’t feel like work.
With a little planning and some assistance from TCM you can shake off those winter blahs and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of spring.

References:
Ready, Set, Grow, Connors, C., Body & Brain magazine. Spring 2005.
The Liver and Liver Qi Stagnation, Acufinder Magazine. http://www.acufinder.com

Spring is a happy time

Spring is a happy time.  Bunnies hop about.  Flowers emerge in long forgotten corners of your garden.  The birds return and sing so loudly they wake you in the morning.

This is not a time to be angry.

But according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, being angry is exactly what you can expect if you don’t balance your wood element.

In TCM, spring is represented by the element wood.  Wood represents birth and newness, the time for fresh ideas and new starts.  Unsurprisingly, its color is green like the fresh growth of spring.

Wood governs your spine, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.  A wood imbalance can lead to spinal problems, poor flexibility or arthritis.  Wood also governs your eyes.

But most important for your mood, wood governs your liver.  Your liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and smooth flowing Qi means health and vitality.  The emotion associated with your liver is anger.  If your liver is imbalanced your Qi will be disrupted and you’ll be angry.

Healthy (and happy) spring acupuncture practices mean balancing your wood element and caring for your liver.

Healthy Spring Acupuncture Practices

Try these spring acupuncture recommendations, to keep your wood balanced and your liver healthy.

• Cleanse.  Cleaning your colon releases accumulated toxins, undigested food, parasites and fungi.  With a clean colon your digestion is more efficient and your body is healthier.
• Detox your liver.  Reduce or eliminate alcohol or drugs that are toxic to your liver.  Consider a detox that specifically targets your liver.  Call me if you need suggestions.
• Stretch.  Start or recommit to a healthy stretching routine.  Try yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or other exercises that move, loosen and flex your joints.
• Exercise your eyes.  Massage your face, especially around your eyes.  Roll your eyes and move them in figure 8s.  Practice focusing on distant objects and then focusing on close objects in quick succession.  Put time limits on your computer sessions.  These exercises strengthen your eyes and can improve your eyesight.
• Control your anger.  Create a healthy anger management plan.  Journal, meditate or get counseling.  Put limits on stressful situations.  Find activities that refocus your anger in healthy ways.

Healthy Spring Acupuncture Diet

Follow these tips for a healthy spring diet that supports your liver.

• Eat light.  Overeating taxes your liver.
• Eat greens.  Sprouts, wheatgrass, spinach, kale and dandelions are particularly good foods in the spring.
• Eat sour?  Sour is the flavor associated with spring, however sour flavors are only recommended for certain constitutions.  Instead of dousing your greens with vinegar or lemon juice dressings, consult with me to find out what flavors are best for you.
• Drink milk thistle tea.  Milk thistle detoxes your liver.
• Season your food.  Pungent spices like basil, fennel, marjoram, rosemary, caraway, dill and bay leaf are excellent for spring cooking—and they taste good.

By keeping your wood balanced and your liver healthy you will be happy.  You’ll feel vital, flexible and clear.  If you have questions about healthy spring acupuncture practices feel free to call me for recommendations.