Chinese Medicine's Lifestyle Tips for Thriving in Spring
As the weather starts to warm up and yang energy rises, and flowers begin to bloom, we welcome spring. Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation. According to Chinese Medicine, the arrival of spring signifies a shift in the body's energy and requires adjustments to our lifestyle to align with the changing season. Chinese Medicine associates spring with the energies of the Liver and Gallbladder, which balance movement and structure. Just like a plant beginning to bloom, you want controlled opening out to the world. If its qi moves out too early, it will bloom too soon, affecting its vitality in the summer months. If its qi movement is too structured, it may be too stifled to bloom.
Below are some lifestyle advice from Chinese Medicine on how to keep oneself in harmony with the season.
Wake up early and go to bed later: The gallbladder and liver organs are most active during the early morning and late evening, so waking up early and going to bed later can help support their optimal functioning.
Engage in gentle exercise: Spring is a time for gentle movement and stretching to help improve circulation, flexibility, and release any stagnation in the body. Practices such as tai chi, qigong, and yoga are recommended during the spring season to promote balance and harmony in the body.
Spend time outdoors: Embrace the warmer weather and fresh air by spending time outdoors in nature. Being in nature can help restore and balance the body's energy, boost the immune system, and uplift the mood.
Eat fresh, seasonal foods: In Chinese Medicine, eating foods that are in season is considered beneficial for maintaining optimal health. During the spring season, focus on incorporating fresh, seasonal foods such as leafy greens, sprouts, asparagus, and green onions into your diet. These foods are believed to help support the liver and gallbladder, which are associated with the spring season.
Pay attention to emotions: According to Chinese Medicine, the liver is closely linked to our emotions, particularly anger, frustration, and irritability. During the spring season, it's important to be mindful of these emotions and find healthy ways to express and release them, such as through meditation, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.
Wear appropriate clothing: As the weather transitions from winter to spring, it's important to dress appropriately to protect the body from sudden changes in temperature. In Chinese Medicine, it's believed that exposing the back of the neck and shoulders to cold drafts can weaken the immune system and disrupt the body's energy flow. So, be sure to wear appropriate clothing, especially when it's windy or damp outside.
Keep stress levels in check: Spring is a time of new beginnings, and as the yang energy starts to rise, it can sometimes bring about stress and change. It's important to manage stress levels during this season to support the liver and gallbladder, which can be adversely affected by stress. Incorporate stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and self-care practices into your routine.
Following Chinese Medicine recommendations for lifestyle during the spring season can help promote balance, vitality, and optimal health. By adjusting our daily habits, eating fresh seasonal foods, spending time in nature, and managing stress levels, we can support our body's natural rhythms and thrive during the spring season. Embrace the season of renewal and rejuvenation, and allow yourself to flourish in harmony with the changing energies of spring.