Embracing Spring Through Chinese Medicine

Spring is related to the liver organ in the Chinese organ system. The liver is like an army general, it is in charge of storing blood and ensuring a smooth flow of qi (energy) throughout the body. The qi of the Liver is one of upward and outward movement; it does not like to be constrained. Therefore, during spring it is important to exercise in order to move liver qi and nourish the ligaments and tendons. You can also move liver qi with Qigong, Tai Chi and other breathing exercises. The liver is also very important in our emotional and spiritual life by providing inspiration, creativity, life dreams and a sense of direction in life. If the liver becomes constrained or is not properly nourished then symptoms such as: anger, frustration, menstrual problems, eye problems, and injuries to ligaments and/or tendons may develop.

Associated characteristics of spring:

What the acupuncture classics say about Spring:

“The three months of spring are the period in which things begin to grow out of energy of the past winter. The heavens begin to generate warm energy, the earth begins to develop it and ten thousand things begin to flourish. In spring, it is desirable to sleep late at night, get up early in the morning, and take a slow walk in the yard. In spring one should loosen up one’s hairs and relax one’s body to facilitate the development of one’s emotions. The spring possesses the will to generate. After things have been generated, do not destroy them. One should assist things rather than taking them away; one should award the growth rather than punishing it. This is the rejuvenating lifestyle for rejuvenation to maintain in response to spring. To live a lifestyle contrary to the spring will cause injuries to the liver and one will suffer a cold disease in the summer that follows.”

(Source: Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen Chapter 2 translated by Henry Liu)

 

Spring foods that focus on detoxifying and strengthening the liver and gallbladder:

Liver of any animal

Vinegars

Lemons

Oranges

Sour cherries

Blackberries

Blueberries

Strawberries

Lychees

Sesame seeds

Butternut squash

Artichokes

Arugula

Bamboo shoots

Beets

Chard

Cucumbers

Dandelion greens

Pickles

Spinach

Tomatoes

Foods to avoid:

Alcohol

Coffee

Dairy

Food colorings

High saturated fats

Margarine

Pizza

Preservatives

Sugar