How to Transition from Winter to Spring

The difference between winter and spring is like night and day. Winter represents a deep stillness as nature goes dormant under a blanket of snow and ice. Spring, on the other hand, is nature bursting back into motion. The world becomes green with new life and sunshine. Our bodies naturally want to follow the same rhythms of the season, but we have to be careful to maintain our balance. Going from the full stop of winter to the energetics of spring can cause disharmony if we don’t manage the transition smoothly. To help with that, we’ve put together everything you need to move into spring with ease. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is viewed as a microcosm of the larger surround universe. Each season corresponds with one of the five natural elements – fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. These elements also exist within us. The abundance of a season’s element can cause imbalance that disrupts our health. To maintain good health, TCM councils that we pay close attention to the bodily system’s most influenced by each season’s element, to nourish our bodies with foods that promote balance, and to engage in activities that harmonize with that season’s energy. 

As we’ve mentioned, winter and spring are quite different. In winter, we focus on rest and replenishing deep energy reserves. Spring is about renewal and rejuvenation. Each is equally important to our overall health and wellbeing. To best understand the roles each season plays in our wellness, it helps to know how each season is defined in TCM. 

Winter according to Traditional Chinese Medicine 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is viewed as a time of recovery and rejuvenation. This season is associated with the water element, which represents our deep energy reserves, as well as our ability to flow through life’s challenges without getting caught up or dragged down. It’s also associated with Yin energy, which is receptive, cool, and dark. Winter is an opportunity to rest and replenish our energy reserves in preparation for the year to come. 

As the organs most closely associated with water, it is important to focus on the kidneys and urinary bladder during this season. Both play key roles in fluid regulation in our bodies. The kidneys are the storehouse for Jing, which is the TCM concept of “essence” and is comprised of Yin and Yang energy. As the storehouse, the kidneys are responsible for sparking or igniting the energy that flows through our bodies. The urinary bladder is a reservoir where water in our bodies collects. When the bladder is not functioning properly toxins accumulate causing depression, fatigue, and difficulty adapting to new circumstances. 

Spring according to Traditional Chinese Medicine 

Spring is the season of rebirth. This is the ideal time to focus on cleansing your body to improve your overall health and wellbeing. This season is associated with the wood element, which represents movement, new life, and seeking places to create. As our bodies are microcosms of the universe around us, we experience a similar burst of new life in spring. Like trees, energy moves upward and outward from us as we shake off the winter hibernation. This manifests in a need to get out into the world, to start moving, and of course, in spring cleaning. 

The two organs most associated with spring and the wood element are the liver and gallbladder. The liver is believed to be the home of the Hun or ethereal soul. It’s also responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, throughout your body. As the liver stores blood and emotions, it is charged with detoxifying the body to allow for the smooth flow of Qi and balance our emotions. 

The gallbladder is a close partner to the liver. It stores and secretes bile, as well as governs decision making and planning. The gallbladder is also believed to be responsible for our passion for life, inspiration, action, and assertiveness. 

When it comes to making a smooth transition from winter to spring, there are several things you can do to prepare for the change. Other than booking your spring tune-up acupuncture appointment, you’ll want to focus on nourishing your body and getting back into motion. The following are some areas to focus on: 

Cleanse the body 

During the winter, we tend to eat a lot of hearty, rich food that warms us inside and out. There are also numerous holiday feasts, where it is challenging not to overindulge ourselves. I spring, we need to tend to the imbalances all that rich food may have caused. Incorporating lots of greens into your diet will support the proper functioning of your liver and gallbladder, as well as fuel your body as you get back out into the world. Consider adding foods like alfalfa, broccoli, kale, cucumber, ginger, and seaweed to your diet. 

Spring cleaning 

Our environment has an impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing. As the weather warms up, it’s a good time to throw open your windows and get fresh air circulating through your home. Sweeping out the dust and cobwebs, as well as clearing away the clutter, can help put a spring in your step. In winter, it can be harder to notice how much baggage and excess we’ve accumulated throughout the year. Spring offers us the opportunity to clear it out and start fresh. 

Come out of hibernation 

We become a lot more sedentary in the winter. Between the cold weather, dealing with shoveling snow, and navigating icy streets, it can be much more appealing to just stay home where it’s warm and cozy. It’s normal to let some of our wellness goals slide during these months.  

When spring comes around, it’s important to make a point of getting fresh air and sunshine. Open the windows, start going for walks or running again, and when the ground dries enough, start doing your daily stretching outside. The fresh air is restorative after being cooped up all winter. 

Tend to your liver and gallbladder 

Liver and gallbladder health is integral to the flow of Qi and regulation of emotions. During the spring, your acupuncture treatments will pay special attention to the acupoints associated with those organs. Doing so will clear out any stagnation that is preventing Qi from flowing as it should. It’s also important to protect yourself from the elements, especially strong winds – as tempting as it may be to forgo a jacket altogether once the sun comes out.