Happy first day of spring! Us Melbournians have been waiting for this day for so long. Spring is a time of transformation. The sun begins to peep out from behind the clouds, the temperature slowly begins to rise and our energy starts to lift! Spring represents a new beginning after our long hibernation during the winter months. We have nurtured ourselves in preparation for new growth. Spring is the time to reap the benefits of our rejuvenation!
Energetically, spring is all about expansion, moving upwards and outwards. We find ourselves feeling more outgoing, more sociable and more motivated. New inspiration and ideas appear all around us.
A guiding principal in Chinese Medicine is by living and harmonising yourself with the seasons, you are able to cultivate your health and prevent disease.
According to Chinese medicine, spring is the season to attend to the health of your Liver and Gall Bladder. In Chinese medicine the Liver and Gall Bladder belong to the wood element. During this time of year we tend to eat naturally less and sometimes even fast to cleanse the body of the heavy foods and fats accumulated during the winter months.
Our eating plan should be the lightest of the year, containing foods that emphasise the ascending and expansive qualities of spring. Young plants, fresh greens and sprouts are encouraged during this time.
In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy), Blood and emotions. Feelings of stress, frustration and anger constrict Liver energy and impact on its smooth functioning. People, who find it hard to relax, are uptight or quick tempered will often have a constricted or stagnated Liver Qi.
Regulating the Liver through diet, lifestyle, acupuncture, herbal medicine, stretches and physical movement can help release Liver constriction and encourage its natural smooth flow.
Each organ in Chinese medicine has an associated sense organ, for the Liver, this is the eyes. Red, itchy, dry sore eyes or blurry vision (hello hayfever) can often be associated with a Liver imbalance. Histamine is the irritating allergy hormone, which is stored in the Liver. The more we love and tend to our Livers the easier and more joyous spring will be.
To find out my top tips to release the Liver and best support your health during spring time, read the original article here.