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 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.
- Element: Wood
- Color: Green
- Nature: Yang
- Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
- Emotion: Anger
Learn more about the Liver and Liver Qi Stagnation
Put Some Spring into Your Step
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.
Get moving
Incorporate breathing exercises, stretching, Qigong, yoga, light weightlifting, walking, meditation, or light cardio into your daily routine. Not only will you find it easier to lose those extra winter pounds, exercise can also improve your mood and increase energy.
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. |