Traditional Chinese Medicine and Spring

After the long, dark months of winter, Spring is like a breath of fresh air. Days grow longer, temperatures warm up, and we get to see more sunshine. We get to see the world come alive again, and for many this is the time of year when they get back out into the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicines, our bodies reflect the changes we see during each season. And while the burst of energy, movement, and new life are all positive things, we still need to be mindful of having too much of a good thing. That’s why it’s important to follow the teachings about spring to maintain good health. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system that has evolved over thousands of years and is used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and disease. There are many branches of TCM, like acupuncture, tai chi, and herbal medicine. The foundational principle in TCM is that vital energy called Qi flows through our bodies. When Qi becomes imbalanced or stagnates, this causes us to become sick. Each branch of TCM employs techniques designed to restore balance and activate our bodies’ natural healing processes.  

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine differ from western medicine? 

The fundamental difference is in TCM’s holistic approach to medical treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine treats all systems and organs in the body as being deeply interconnected. This interconnectedness is how modalities like acupuncture, which is non-invasive, treat conditions affecting deep tissue and internal organs. Further, TCM practitioners tailor their treatments to their patients’ individual needs, rather than rely on statistical models for how a condition should be treated. Put more simply, the goal is to restore you to good health rather than simply treat a collection of symptoms. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, 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. 

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 has dominion over the liver and gallbladder. The wood element also promotes yang energy. This energy is light and expansive, and promotes action, growth, and movement. 

Why is the wood element important? 

Spring is dominated by 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. 

In the spirit of renewal, spring offers us the opportunity to reassess and recommit to daily habits and wellness goals.  

The liver and gallbladder 

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. 

While spring is energizing, it’s important to pay attention to symptoms of imbalance. Since the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout our bodies, liver imbalance causes emotional and physical dysregulation. Some symptoms include anger, irritability, fatigue, digestive issues, rib pain, frequent sighing, PMS, feeling of a lump in the throat, and poor skin health. The following are some things to focus on to support balance and wellness. 

Time to start moving 

In winter it is recommended that we avoid overexerting ourselves, but in spring it’s time to get back into motion. This means going outside for walks or runs. If you’ve been thinking about signing up for a gym membership or exercise classes, now is the time to do it. In spring, we experience an abundance of energy and physical activity is the best way to prevent that energy surge from throwing your body into disharmony. 

Focus on liver and gallbladder health 

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 slowing 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. 

Nourish your body 

Green is the colour of spring – and the colour of foods we should be eating. Eating vegetables and fruits packed with nutrients, will nourish the liver and improve its function. You want to focus on incorporating young, fresh leafy greens and sprouts into your diet. Focus on those vegetables that are in season in spring. 

As you turn your attention to spring cleaning and becoming more active, consider booking your spring tune-up acupuncture appointment.