Welcome to part three of the series on moving with the seasons. Now we move on to spring, where life finally begins and all the colors of nature shine forth again after the winter period of cold and introspection. Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and clearing out the old to make way for the new. Just as the buds sprout and burst on the trees, our energy begins to move outward again.
TCM - The Wood Element and the Time of the Liver
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring belongs to the Wood element. Wood symbolizes expansion, creativity and vision. It is the energy that causes a seed to penetrate hard soil – a powerful, upward force. Although the Wood element is a very powerful upward energy, it also signify expansion in all directions. A tree grows both upwards and downwards and expands all around at the same time. Spring is the time for new beginnings, for starting a new routine, for planning and for setting the intention and will for your future development and success.
Organs: Liver (Yin) and Gallbladder (Yang). The Liver is responsible for the free flow of Qi (life energy) throughout the body. It is Liver Qi that gives us the drive to continue, that "oomph" that makes you just keep going, like how a small and seemingly frail plant easily penetrates and splits both asphalt and hard rock.
Emotions: When the Wood element is in balance, we feel courage, generosity, determination and have a clear vision. When imbalanced we experience irritation, frustration and anger.
Physical signs of imbalance: Stiffness in tendons and muscles, eye problems or headaches can indicate that Liver Qi is stagnant.
Spring cleaning for body and mind
Since winter often means heavier food and less movement, our bodies easily become stagnant and we accumulate more toxins and digestion becomes slower. Therefore, spring is the perfect time for a physical and sensory "detox". It is important to emphasize here that this is not about any extreme diets and fasting, but about clearing out the garbage to help the liver in its natural work.
Food preferences: In TCM, spring is associated with the sour taste (in moderation), which can help kick-start digestion, and the color green. Eat lots of leafy greens, sprouts, dandelion leaves, and drink water with lemon. Foods that are light and bursting with vitality are key.
Exercise: Now is the time to stretch! Since the liver rules the tendons, exercises such as Tao Yin, hatha yoga, and qigong exercises that focus on flexibility and stretching the sides of the body (where the gallbladder meridian runs) are great. Long walks in the woods, or simply being surrounded by green plants, also help calm a frustrated mind.
Ayurveda: Kapha in focus
According to Ayurveda, spring is primarily a Kapha time. As the sun warms the earth, the winter "snow" (accumulated Kapha/phlegm) in our bodies melts. This can lead to spring colds, allergies, and a feeling of heaviness or fatigue. As mentioned, now is the time to cleanse the system at the beginning of spring to make the transition easier. With that, we can take advantage of the spring's drive, enthusiasm, and sense of possibility, and then set the bar for the rest of the year.
Balance Kapha: To counteract heaviness and phlegm, we should avoid heavy, oily and cold foods. Instead, focus on flavors that are bitter, astringent and strong. The bitter and astringent flavors tone the body and cleanse toxins, but they are not very nutritious in themselves. So don't forget the sweet taste with a lot of nutrition and energy as well.
Tip: Use spices such as ginger, black pepper and turmeric to "ignite" your digestive fire (Agni) and burn excess Kapha.
If your constitution is pitta dosha, you should, as usual, avoid too many spicy or acidic spices and dishes.
Until next time!
