Have a Happy Spring Season

Spring has sprung in the Bay Area! The flowers are blooming and the spring winds bring change and renewal to our lives. For many, spring is a time to clean out the old and welcome the new. “Spring cleaning” is an old tradition that is practiced in many cultures. We empty our homes of the old dust and stale air which accumulated during the long winter, and open our windows to welcome a new season.

In Chinese medicine, the concept of “spring cleaning” is applied to our health. Spring is a season to cleanse and rejuvenate the body & mind. It’s a time for new beginnings, and represents the end of “yin” winter: a cold season of rest, introversion, & quiet contemplation. Spring therefore represents “yang” emerging from “yin”, and with it comes “yang” behavior such as increased activity & outward expression. Each season is associated with an organ system, and each organ system is paired with an emotion. When an organ is experiencing imbalance, its corresponding emotion often reveals itself. Spring is associated with the liver organ, which is connected to the emotion of anger. Thus spring can bring out feelings of anger, frustration, & irritability when the liver is out of balance. In Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth & even flow of “qi” or energy in the body. In Western medicine the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, aiding digestion, & synthesizing vital substances. Both systems of medicine recognize the liver's central role in the smooth functioning of the body. In Chinese medicine, the liver also rules the tendons and sinews. Common ailments which occur in springtime are allergies and joint problems, both related to liver dysfunction.

7 Tips for a Healthy Spring Season

1. Staying well this spring means moving your “qi.” Get outside in the sun for a nice walk or hike. Activity increases circulation in the body and aids the smooth flow of liver energy. 

2. We need a healthy liver to detoxify our bodies. Spring is a time to reduce toxins in the environment. You might consider “spring cleaning” with natural cleaning agents like lemon, oregano, lavender, peppermint, & other essential oils. They have natural antiseptic properties & make wonderful household cleaners. Clean out the dust mites & leave only natural scents behind. It's healthier for you, your kids, and your pets too!

3. Healthy eating supports the liver in its difficult task of filtering out harmful substances from the body. You can assist in this process by eating whole, fresh foods and reducing packaged and prepared foods. Foods that contain preservatives and artificial flavors can be an extra burden on the liver. 

4. Go green! Springtime is correlated with the color “green.” Spring is a wonderful time to eat plenty of leafy greens like chard, spinach, kale, and bok choy. Try them drizzled with olive oil and lemon. 

5. Dandelion tea and milk thistle can strengthen a sluggish liver and improve digestion.

6. The taste which is associated with the liver is “sour.” Sour foods and drinks are said to stimulate the liver. Consider dropping some lemon slices into a glass of water or a cup of green tea.

7. Consider acupuncture at the start of every new season to help with imbalances in the corresponding organ system. If you’re experiencing stress, irritability, and pent-up frustration this season, it may be due to liver disharmony. Acupuncture and herbs can help relieve these emotions and bring balance back into your life!

Nikoo Saleh Kasmai, M.S., L.Ac. has a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from The College of Wooster, Ohio. She holds a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. She is a licensed acupuncturist in Walnut Creek, CA. For more information about acupuncture and Chinese medicine, visit her website at www.guesthouseacupuncture.com.