Spring is here and for those of you who are instinctively drawn to do a “spring-clean” or de-clutter and clean up your homes and spaces, there is a reason for this. It’s instinctual. Nature does it too. This process is seen in nature seasonally. Our bodies instinctively know it is time for “renewal” and “growth”. The challenge is to “hear” and “listen” to our bodies and observe the subtle signs it gives us. The busyness and “noises” in life usually drown out our body’s “messages” to us. Niggling aches and pains if not given appropriate attention can blow up and lead to “burnout” for instance or “addictions”. TCM uses the wisdom of nature to heal and grow. In this article we will look at how we can use the principles of nature and Spring in particular for optimal wellbeing including:

• Which organs and meridians are emphasized in Spring
• How to support your body
• The optimal foods to eat during spring for health and healing
• Spring-cleaning (… not just the physical, but emotional and mental too).

Spring follows three months of winter. In traditional chinese medicine, winter is the time for stillness, rest and repair. In winter everything huddles up and retracts to survive. Leaves and flowers disappear from trees. Trees conserve their energy to focus on it’s survival rather than new growth. It’s is the most “Yin” time of the seasons. A time to replenish yourself and focus “inwards”. This is to prepare for the outward growth and expression of Spring. Read more here about winter and TCM and it’s significance on health and wellbeing.

Just like the seasons of the year, we all go through “cycles” in our lives. Cycles of growth, maturation, breakdown, repair and regeneration. Every process in our body goes through cycles and phases. These cycles and phases allow life to thrive. Examples of these cycles and phases can be seen in the human body as well as nature.

The life cycle of the human red blood cell for example goes through a process called, erythropoiesis, developing from stem cells to mature red blood cells in about 7 days. When matured these cells can live and circulate in healthy individuals for 100 – 120 days. There is also a cycle for the breakdown of these red blood cells and the new cycle starts again. Nature also has these cycles and it is reflected in our seasons – Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. The optimal natural health comes from adjusting to these cyclical changes in nature. To live in harmony with the seasons, one must respond to the nature of the season.

Spring and Our Body

In TCM, Spring is associated with the Wood Element and includes the Liver and its complimentary organ, the Gallbladder. These two organs are usually the primary focus of spring time “cleanses” and health regimes. These two organs are at the peak of their activity during Spring, making it the perfect time to support their function.

The Liver & Gallbladder

In Chinese medicine, there are 12 main organ systems. Each organ has a specific role to play in the body and they must work together in harmony to ensure peace and wellness within the body. Failure to do so causes “dis-ease”. These organ networks are most likely to manifest disturbances during Spring. The Liver and Gallbladder work together to move blood and bile. Each organ in addition to it’s anatomical and physiological function, has emotional and mental aspects.

Each organ also has it’s own channel (much like the channels of blood vessels, but these channels are energy channels which contain the points used in acupuncture treatments. Each organ is also associated with one of the Five Elements and in this case, Wood.

The organs are likened to officials within a government. The Liver is the General and the Gallbladder is the judge – makes judgements.

The Liver holds the office of the general of the armed forces. Assessment of circumstances and conception of plans stem from it.

Nei Jing Su Wen Chapter 8

The Liver is our general that creates plans and strategies, commanding from a place of stillness within and is our source of creativity. It houses our Hun (a type of energy) which provides us with the courage and self-esteem to pursue ideas.

It stores the Blood in reserve, sending it out to action where it needs to be. The Liver keeps the Qi pathway clear to allow these supply lines free flow.

It is associated with the eyes, allowing us to have a vision of our depths and the horizons. The Liver also rules the muscles and tendons, which connect imbalances to all manner of disorders involving muscles, ligaments, and tendons—bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

The Gallbladder is responsible for what is just and exact. Determination and decision stem from it.

Nei Jing Su Wen Chapter 8

The Gallbladder empowers our vison into the world and directs the movement of the Liver’s plans into the world. It stores and secretes bile and controls judgement. It empowers our decisiveness and perspective over what we wish to integrate and project into the world.

If our bodies are out of balance, we may experience the following:

• Issues with tendons or ligaments
• Arthritis
• Muscle cramps
• Eye problems
• Migraines or headaches
• Rigidity
• Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
• High blood pressure
• Digestive disturbances

How to support our Liver and Gallbladder

Use cues from nature!

Colour:

The colour of Spring is green.

Taste:

The predominant taste is sour.

Leafy greens like dandelion, watercress, chickweed, baby greens, chard, lettuces, sprouts, and arugula all have powerful Liver/Gall Bladder purifying qualities, and can be easily incorporated into your diet.

Lemon or apple cider vinegar are also beneficial to move bile, especially taken in warm water first thing in the morning.

Healing Springtime Foods

These foods can help detoxify and balance the Liver / Gallbladder Qi and support emotional and physical health and wellbeing:

• Rocket
• Basil
• Bay leaves
• Beet
• Black sesame seeds
• Broccoli
• Broccolini
• Cardamom
• Carrots
• Celery
• Chives
• Coconut milk
• Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, millet, potatoes, amaranth, etc.)
• Cucumber
• Daikon
• Dill
• Grapefruit
• Green Tea
• Legumes
• Lemon
• Lettuce
• Mint teas
• Oranges
• Radishes
• Sea vegetables
• Seeds
• Spring Onions
• Watercress

The Emotional Side of Spring Cleaning

Because the Liver (Yin organ) is responsible for the smoothe flow of blood and emotions in the body, Spring is the best time to make some intentional emotional and developmental progress. This is also the organ that is most affected by stagnant emotions and stress.

The gallbladder, its yang partner is associated with the decision-making side of things and assertiveness.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to inspire you to act and get a project off the ground or get a breakthrough then use the energy of Springtime to effortlessly move in the direction of your focus.

When out of balance the following emotions are observed:

• Anger
• Depression
• Frustration
• Inability to forgive
• Indecisiveness
• Irritability
• Lack of assertion
• Lethargy
• Letting go of old habits or pain
• Procrastination
• Rage
• Resentment
• Unfulfilled desires

On the flip side, and more importantly, when the Liver and Gallbladder Qi are in harmony and working well, the following are signs that they are in balance:

• A forgiving spirit
• Assertiveness
• Decisive
• Even-temper/go with the flow
• Fulfilled
• Happiness
• Inspired
• Joy
• Passionate
• Willingness to let go

If you are struggling to gain better balance and emotional wellbeing, a Kinesiology session can get you started. Talk to your Kinesiologist about your options. Don’t have a Kinesiologist yet? Jump on a FREE clarity call with Esther to gauge what’s involved and if you’d work well together.

Best Spring Stress Shifters and Mood Movers

Take your cues from what nature is showing us through the seasons!

Some examples:

• Take advantage of the warmer weather to get outdoors as much as possible in a covid-safe* way (exercise and meditating outdoors is a great way to do this)
• Increase your movement—start an exercise program of walking, dancing, Qi Gong, yoga, running, rebounding, swimming, etc. Jump online to explore your virtual options while in this pandemic.
• Get your hands dirty and start a herb or vegetable garden
• Walk through nature and listen to the birds sing in a covid-safe* way
• Call up an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while and have a good chat
• Laugh
• Spring clean your home
• Try something new – it can involve cooking a new dish with the veggies mentioned above
• Find ways to expand your social circle like volunteering, hosting an event, starting a Meetup or joining a local club in a covid-safe* way
• Forgive as much and as often as you can
• Do something spontaneous to rev up that sense of adventure (stay local when in covid-lockdown)
• Check things off your to-do list
• Enjoy a sauna, steam, bubblebath or soak to help with detoxification
• Give yourself a facial and/or body treatment to slough off that dull, winter skin
• Walk barefoot in your garden or local park to get grounded and reconnect with the season

* Covid-safe way means acting responsibly in accordance with health recommendations that are relevant at the time you read this blog.

To sum up:

• Spring is a time for creating new and growing. Get creative and moving.
• Element – Wood. Wood is flexible, strong, yielding and durable.
• Colour – Green. Eat more greens to help support your liver and gallbladder this spring.
• Nature – Yang. It is a time to start “doing” and “moving”.
• Organs – Liver & Gallbladder. These organs have a physical role to play in the body and also have a metaphysical significance on a holistic level. The Liver is associated with plans, creation, courage and self-esteem to pursue our ideas and the gallbladder empowers these plans to facilitate it manifesting. If out of balance we remain stuck and indecisive which gives rise to anger and frustration issues.
• Focus on eating green leafy and sour foods and seasonal vegetables in spring to help support your Liver/ Gallbladder.

• Emotion – Anger. Allow your awareness to be on being emotionally flexible like wood and draw from the wisdom of springtime.

• Schedule an appointment with your Kinesiologist for seasonal support and wellbeing. Don’t have a Kinesiologist yet? Jump on a FREE clarity call with Esther to gauge what’s involved and if you’d work well together.

• Most importantly, have FUN this Spring exploring nature, get moving and becoming aware of your self-talk and emotions. Spring cleaning starts from within! What will you be growing this spring to cultivate in Summer?

Have a joyful and creative spring season with renewed energy!

Esther – The Mind Muscle Mojo Coach