Spring Wellness

We have shifted into SPRING here in the Northern Hemisphere. 

In East Asian medicine, each season is associated with a different yin and yang organ pairing from 5 element theory and their accompanying meridian systems. For Spring, we focus on the Liver (yin) and Gallbladder (yang). These represent the Wood element, are associated with the color green, the eyes, sour flavors and the emotion of anger which often arises when this particular system is out of balance. Tending to the liver and all its associations can help bring to our awareness tangible takeaways for supporting our wellness during this seasonal pivot, attuning our bodies to the natural world around us. We are not separate from nature, we ARE nature and need to be in relationship with seasonal rhythms in order to feel and do our best. 

Our emotional, energetic and physical wellbeing can be optimized by taking a closer look and developing strategies to support our pillars of health. Sleep, energy levels, menstrual cycles, emotional health and digestion/nutrition are helpful places to start. 

MOVEMENT

As we’ve now passed the Spring equinox, we are finally experiencing longer stretches of daylight in the morning and into the evening. A stirring of motivation, inspiration, and sometimes restlessness can crop up during this shift as we see examples in nature of verdant growth potential, spring greens popping through soil and concrete, buds forming and beginning to burst open after the long, dark, germination of winter. This sprouting energy mirrors the element of wood and the liver. Liver qi directs up and outward, and needs to move and wander freely. If you find you’re craving exercise, being outdoors or feel boxed in by sedentary activities or routines, this is a great example of liver qi sensing stagnation and needing to MOVE. When liver qi gets blocked with either stress or lack of movement, we get irritable! This is the pathological emotion associated with the Liver. Finding time to take breaks from work, take meetings while walking and getting outside as often as possible even for short spurts can be very helpful at soothing the liver and the nervous system. When you walk, the ribcage gently spirals around the spine as the diaphragm moves with each breath. This massages the liver and promotes free flowing qi through the liver and gallbladder meridians. 

EYE & ENERGY SUPPORT

Taking care of your eyes, the orifice of the liver, is also a great springtime wellness component. Exposing the eyes to morning sunlight and limiting blue light exposure at night helps reset circadian rhythms to the changing of the seasons and promotes natural cortisol release in the morning as well as easeful sleep at night. Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone”, is incredibly important to our health when balanced and released in the morning, giving us the energy we need to begin our day. When our stress levels are high, cortisol is out of balance and we have a clear picture of liver qi stagnation. If you can, habit stack hydrating with warm or room temp lemon water (stimulates liver detoxification and prepares for digestion) or electrolytes while you get your morning light exposure BEFORE having your caffeine in the morning. Take in as much of that bright, fresh, revitalizing spring green as possible everyday for a dose of hope as we emerge collectively from the dark season. Nature shows us what is possible, that we endure, change and evolve. It shows us we can begin again. 

NUTRITION

The flavor associated with the liver is SOUR. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, and pickles are great to incorporate during this time. Not only does this make the liver happy, it helps fortify the gut microbiome as we move into seasons of more fresh seasonal produce. Eating your greens is another great way to support the liver: dandelion greens, microgreens, sprouts and nettles come into season at just the right time. TCM recommends avoiding raw foods for digestion, so dressing these with a zesty vinaigrette, or blanching/cooking your greens can be helpful. Throwing these delights into a blender and making a spring pesto is another great way to incorporate spring greens into your daily nutrition (see recipe below). 

MENSTRUAL CYCLE SUPPORT

The liver is responsible for the timing of menstruation as well as how rough or easy PMS may be. For cycling folks, taking extra care in the 4-5 days prior to bleeding to tune into your body and give it the rest it needs can have a huge impact on how painful, or difficult your period will be. Painful, debilitating periods are common, but not normal. There’s a lot more to be said for optimizing hormones throughout the cycle, but for this Spring focused discussion, avoiding high intensity workouts and monitoring stress the week before your period is very important for liver qi and preventing PMS. If irritability, rage and extreme mood swings dominate this part of your cycle, it’s time to look to the Liver.  Prioritize sleep, rest, and nourishment with warming and easily digestible foods before your bleed starts to nourish liver blood and prevent liver qi stagnation, a common culprit for cramping and clotting. Keep your feet and uterus warm. Walking in nature is a great way to keep things moving without exhausting the body during this time. 

Acupuncture, body work and herbal therapeutics can be a great way to attune your body to Spring. Using points along the liver and gallbladder channels during a treatment can help ease stagnation, support the liver organ and the health and flow of qi and blood through the liver and gallbladder channels. Cupping therapy is a great way to support detoxification and ease tension around the diaphragm, neck and shoulders which often come into play with prolonged stress and constrained liver qi. Depending on which of these aspects you may be struggling with, we can help! 

Come on in to MOONFLOWER for a Spring tune up! 

SPRING GREEN PESTO:

One handful of fresh basil

One handful of dandelion greens AND/OR

½-1 cup of blanched nettles, stems removed or chopped  (use gloves to avoid the sting if you like!)

1-2 garlic cloves, raw or roasted

2 heaping TBS of nutritional yeast or parmesan 

1 TBS of hemp seeds (optional, if using parm you don’t need) 

Juice of one lemon

⅓ cup olive oil, whatever you need to blend

Fresh cracked pepper and sea salt to taste

Blend it all up, adding the liquid first. Increase or decrease ingredients for desired level of zestiness!