7 Practices for Healthy Living in the Spring
Welcome to Spring! I love mother nature in all of her glory; rain, shine, snow, bloom. Really, I try not to play favorites. Spring, however, might just be, by a sprout, my absolute favorite. Who can resist the beauty and the fresh scents of mother nature’s new growth? Not I! To enjoy this season to the fullest, I’ll share some tips on how to stay healthy, balanced and growing in harmony with the spring season.
In Chinese medicine one of the ways we assess health is by zooming out to notice patterns in nature and the relationship they have within the human body. We’ve noted that spring time has a strong relationship with the energy of the liver, the emotion of anger, the tendons, the eyes, the taste of sour, an expansive movement, and the color green. When the energy of the liver is in balance you are able to follow through with creative ideas, be assertive in making decisions and feel a healthy regulation of emotions. Balanced Liver energy will also shine in flexible and strong tendons, bright eyes, and healthy nails.
When the energy of the Liver is out of balance, you may experience bouts of anger, high stress, brittle nails, dry itchy eyes, congested sinuses, PMS and menstrual problems, tendonitis and tight muscles. An inability to make decisions may be a result of deficient Liver energy while feeling like a “workaholic” may be the result of excess.
All seasons are interconnected and health challenges can arise if proper care hasn’t been taken during the previous months. The Fall is the time of letting go. If you didn’t let go of old beliefs or emotional experiences during fall, that may show up as emotional outburst, agitation, or congestion during spring. During winter if you didn’t take the time to rest and nourish your mind, body, and roots, it may prove difficult to express your new growth during Spring. If you have the roadblocks from previous seasons, that’s ok! Have grace with yourself and start working towards harmony!
1. Get acupuncture!
Acupuncture is the process of placing fine needles into acupoints to help boost and circulate your body’s energy, or Qi. For thousands of years acupuncture has been used to help to help balance the energy of the Liver. Research support acupuncture as an effective treatment for tendonitis, stress, allergies, and a compliment to treatment for Liver Disease.
You can try acupuncture for maintenance and in acute scenarios. We recommend weekly to monthly maintenance treatments, but are happy to meet you where you are and help with what you need!
2. Take herbs.
Much like acupuncture, herbs can balance the Liver. We can create a formula for your specific needs during a full acupuncture treatment with us or an in-person or virtual herbal consult. Another option is to pick up one of our herbal decoction blends called “Stress Away”. It is a modified version of xiao yao san – a classic blend of organic Chinese herbs used for balancing the Liver. Taking our Daily Adaptogen tea will also help to keep balance in the body that will contribute to overall health!
3. Eat with the season.
Green is the color of spring and that can relate directly to food. Eating fresh leafy greens and sprouts can benefit the Liver’s overall function. The sour flavor has a strong relationship with spring. However, don’t think that means Sour Patch Kids!! Think young rich produce that is beaming with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to balance the Liver. Farmers markets are starting to open back up and we’re so excited! Just look at what mother nature provides in abundance and stock your pantry!
a. Enjoy: dandelion greens, spinach, blueberries, figs, apricots, radish, cucumber, almonds, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, coconut, black sesame, fresh juices, green tea.
b. Inflammatory foods that are taxing on the liver: processed food, excess sugar and alcohol, GMO foods, fried food.
4. Start exercising and stretching more.
Get out there and make jogging and yoga a part of your regular routine. The spring is a time of expansive yang movement and also has a strong relationship with the tendons. When you move, you move liver qi and avoid stagnation energy that could lead to disfunction. The liver controls the tendons so it is also necessary to stretch and stay limber to maintain a harmonious spring state.
5. Meditate.
Anger is the emotion related to liver and its no wonder why. Stress hormones can overwhelm the liver and cause stagnant qi and inflammation. Try practicing mindfulness meditations to encourages healthy neuroplasticity.
6. Avoid environmental toxins.
Eat organic foods! Avoid contaminated water by investing in a whole-house carbon filter and drinking spring water. Buy thieves house cleaner from us at Roots, or even better, make your own! The liver is the biochemical architect of the body and a major game player in neutralizing environmental toxins. Recent evidence indicates that pesticides, aflatoxins, and microcystins contribute to liver disease including hepatocarcinoma.
7. Reach further towards your goals.
Looking around we see mother nature in her full vibtant creative state! The wood energy of the Liver gives us the drive and determination to turn our ideas into reality. I like to look at the Liver as the “go-getter!” This is the time to really go after your goals! You can do it!
Happy Spring, Y’all!