Spring: The Energetics and Theory According to Chinese Medicine
Without the need to draw upon the wisdoms of Chinese Medicine just yet - when we think of Spring, we think of rebirth. Renewal. We are moving from a time characterized by darkness (yin) into a time of more light and life. Spring represents creativity (planting seeds), more movement, cleansing, and expansion. Although our calendar “new year” begins on January first, we see across many fields, even astrologically, that the new year begins with Spring.
While there are different modalities that fall under the umbrella of Chinese Medicine, we’re going to use the 5 Elements to dive deeper into the theory and energetics of the seasons. Spring is associated with the Wood element, and while that may make absolutely no sense to you right now, we’re going to break down what this means and how to apply it.
Let’s look at the following energetics of Spring:
Which organs and meridians represent Spring
Ways to boost your body’s natural detoxification and cleansing systems
Discover the most supporting foods for this season
Liver / Gallbladder Season
Spring is the most active time for the Liver and Gallbladder, which makes it prime time to support their functions.
The primary functions of the liver and gallbladder are:
To filter the blood and secrete bile
To detoxify and metabolize chemicals
Store and move bile
If the flow of qi and blood becomes unbalanced, it is easy for energy in these channels to spill over and negatively affect the Spleen Meridian and the Lung Meridian. The Spleen is responsible for digestion of food and making blood, while the Lungs have a direct relationship to our external defenses against pathogens - therefore, should our Liver not function appropriately, it could directly impact our immunity and we could more easily fall prey to the flu or relapse of a chronic condition.
Spring Detox
Doesn’t spring feel like a good time to clear out the old? A purging or detox of sorts? Seems fitting since this feeling goes hand in hand with Liver season. Herbal therapy is a great way to cleanse and support the Liver so that we can begin the year with a clean slate. A few recommendations to check out are:
Apple Cider Vinegar and Warm Water
Celery Juice (fresh)
Lemon Water
Milk Thistle
Organic Barley Grass Powder
Spirulina
Springtime Foods
Spring embodies the essence of blooming, renewal, green, etc. You get the idea. Find foods that also embody the season’s qualities and you’ll be on the right track! At the same time, to avoid an overactive Liver - which is easy to do - avoid sour flavors (the taste of Spring) and incorporate sweet and pungent (spicy) flavors to help balance the activity of the Liver.
Here is a short list to incorporate into your meals to help support the balance and detoxification of the Liver/Gallbladder:
Arugula
Broccoli
Carrots
Celery
Chinese Yam
Cucumber
Legumes
Lemon
Lettuce
Oranges
Radishes
Seeds
Spinach
Spring Onions
Sprouts
Watercress
“It was one of those Spring days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold; when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.”
Spring can be a bit confusing weather wise. Continue to wear layers and consume warm, cooked foods as best you can as the weather grows warmer. And, as always, this is not intended to diagnose or prescribe but to share information freely. Please consult with your physician first before incorporating anything new.
May your spring provide you the renewal and clarity needed to sustain your year ahead. With reverence.