Spring Health

To stay healthy throughout the year, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends staying in harmony with the cycles of the seasons.  We stay in harmony with nature when we become aware of and adaptable to the distinct attributes that each season presents.  The beginning of Spring is marked by the vernal equinox and over the next six months the days will be growing longer. The power of the sun is going to shine its light into our days in order to help us “spring into action!” It's not uncommon to feel the beginning spark of a new plan, goal or idea grow as the seeds of our imagination begin to take root.  You may notice flowers blooming all around you filling the space inside and out with fresh perspective and renewed energy.  Ahhhh…breathe it in or ahh-chew–have a sneezing fit.

The changing of the seasons is beautiful and may also be stressful for some of us i.e., allergies, muscle fatigue, headaches, indecision and apathy are all classic tendencies for springtime according to TCM. We can’t stop nature, but what we can do is become adept at preparing for and adjusting to the changing seasons, especially when the only constant IS change. The following are a few ways to stay in balance and healthy this

Spring.

Spring is a great time to clean up and detoxify our thoughts, bodies and energies through internal practices. In TCM, spring is associated with the liver, the great detoxifier, and we can use this time to help cleanse our liver and entire body. You can eat more lightly and incorporate more green leafy vegetables into your diet. Or try liquid fast once per week.
A once-a-week liquid fast is simple and easy way to lighten up and shed excesses we tend to hold during the winter. A liquid fast gives your metabolism a break. It allows the liver and other organs to focus on healing and restoring balance to the body. Eat only smoothies, juice, water and soups throughout the day and omit anything you have to chew for just one day every week.

If you’re thinking to yourself that we are crazy, then try a more moderate approach to detoxifying the liver. Drink a squeeze or two of fresh lemon juice in your water. Lemon is a natural cleanser that helps remove and reduce accumulations in the liver. The liver craves sour flavors and introducing more lemon or lime is one way to satisfy this craving.

Perhaps your palette finds the sour flavor of the season to be disagreeable, try instead a breathing exercise. Every morning and evening smile into your liver as you breathe out the sound SHHHHH 3 times. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine this is the sound of your liver. Every time you breathe out the sound, “SHHHH”, you help release stored tensions from the liver, such as anger, resentment, irritation or frustrations.

As we all take steps to let go of toxins and negative energies, remember to make a conscious choice to fill that renewed space with feelings and positive thoughts that help you bloom into your potential and shine as bright as the sun!