Written by Dr. Pia Franco, DACM, MSTOM, L.Ac.
The Energetics of Spring
In TCM, there are five basic elements recognized in our material world. The elements are fire, earth, metal, water, & wood, and they are connected by a cycle of transformation, creation, and destruction. Each element is associated with its own color, smell, emotion, movement, direction, flavor, organ, sound, and season. Ancient Taoists used these 5 elements to understand nature and how deeply connected our human experience is to this natural flow of change within the elements. When we live in alignment with nature’s ebbs & flows, we can optimize our energy and quality of life as we remember where we came from & return to the center of our healthiest, most radiant selves.
Now that the Spring solstice has arrived, we are stepping into new energetics! In TCM, Spring is associated with:
- The wood element
- Liver (Yin) & Gallbladder (Yang) organs
- The energies of ascension, expansion, renewal, and rejuvenation
- The color green
- The emotion of anger & irritability
- Sour flavor
- Creativity, vision, and imagination
- Decision-making and planning
Spring is a time when most flowers begin to blossom, representing new beginnings and massive growth. The most energetically optimal time for the Liver to regain balance is now! Since the Liver is responsible for processing our stress, this is the most optimal time to detox our bodies of old patterns, limited ways of thinking, accumulated toxins in our bodies- unhealthy foods, stress, unresolved anger & irritability, and other unprocessed emotions.
This is a time to invite clarity within our mind to envision the best versions of ourselves. The energetics of Spring also guide us in making important decisions and planning for our bright futures. Spring & Wood energy holds our hand and invites us to begin new projects or creative endeavors, truly giving us that support and motivation needed to live our best lives.
Spring and the Liver
The Liver, as it relates to Spring, is also responsible for ensuring smooth & free flow of Qi (our vital life force energy, or prana) and Blood within our body. There is an ancient Chinese saying, “Bù tōng zè tòng, tòng zé bù tōng (不通這痛, 痛則不通)” which translates to “If there is no free flow, there is pain. If there is free flow, there is no pain”. A smooth flow of Qi and Blood within the body activates balance within our physical & emotional bodies, keeping us healthy and radiating vitality.
Tips to live optimally during Spring time:
- Start a creative project- what have you been putting on the backburner? Is there a project you’ve been eager to dive into? Honor that and start today. Take little steps toward your goals and give yourself grace.
- Eat sour foods and green vegetables- start the day with 1/2 a lemon squeezed into room- temperature water. This will wake up your Liver and get things flowing smoothly!
- Journal to release your thoughts and process your emotions- take a moment to intuitively express. Think about ways you want to expand yourself and how you want to personally grow.
- Move your body! Movement is necessary for optimal health. Prioritize at least 25 minutes of body movement every day. Take a few 5-minute dance breaks to yourself, do some jumping jacks, go on a walk, yoga, Pilates, cardio, whatever feels good for your body.
- Be in nature! Try to surround yourself with green scenery such as a park or a hike. Nature connects us back to the deepest core of ourselves.
- Get acupuncture! Acupuncture can help the body detox and support our body’s stress response. Treatments can help address mental wellness, boosting immunity for seasonal transitions, aches & pains, gut imbalances, and so much more! Schedule an appointment today and receive 15% off your acupuncture treatment with Dr. Pia by mentioning this article!
