SPRING has arrived and with it hope and a sense of renewal. Seeds are sprouting, flowers are blooming, and glimpses of the sun’s warming of the earth bring new life. While winter was a time to conserve energy, hibernate and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, change, new beginnings and a renewal of the spirit.
The long awaited transitions from winter to spring is fully marked by the Spring Equinox on September 23rd. The change from the dark, stillness of YIN to the light, activity of YANG brings the birth of the vital, life force energy which creates a strong ascending energy – surging, flowing and resilient. You can feel it in the winds of Spring and see it in the new blossoms that have survived the winter to renew once again.
In the Chinese Medicine concept of the Five Elements Spring correlates to the Wood Element, which is associated with Wind: wind can burst through and overcome obstacles. At the same time, the wind carries the seeds of life with it and brings new life and structure. It relates to the liver and gallbladder organs.
In Chinese Medicine philosophy, the liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. The gallbladder relates to planning and taking action in all areas of our lives. The wood element provides us with the vision and foresight to move ahead, we need to move our energy.
Wood Element imbalances create fatigue, lowered immune response, headaches, hormonal and digestive problems, cellulite, oedema, bloating and swelling and chronic conditions like gallstones, hepatitis, cirrhosis, arthritis, allergies and chronic pain. Emotional imbalances are depression (anger turned inward), lack of motivation and indecision, feeling victimized, frustration, self-doubt, a fear of responsibility and commitment issues.
Spring is an ideal time to cleanse and rejuvenate for overall health and well-being, to prepare for the heat and activity of summer. The liver and gallbladder are the primary targets of springtime cleansing and health programs.
Begin more exercise and movement, clear obstacles to growth and creativity, avoid foods that overstimulate the body (caffeine, alcohol, sugar), eliminate dairy, refined starches, processed foods and eat light with more live food like sprouts and salads and plenty of dark leafy greens.
Make the winter-spring transition easy!
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