One month into spring
Is this spring, or is this just a memory?
We are a month into spring ~ it is easy to see the differences in this spring compared to previous ones, but the spring season remains very much the same in many ways. The element of wood is associated with spring. Just as the wood of a bamboo tree sways and bends gracefully with the winds of change we need to remain flexible in this unusual spring. Fortunately, like the roots of a strong oak tree, natural tendencies of the winter season will remain deeply rooted as a memory in our constitutions, making it more natural each season to grow our healthy seasonal wellness habits as we rested our adrenals and cared for our water element(kidneys and bladder) over winter.
The spring season represents the Liver (肝) phase of our body’s seasonal cycle as it is the season associated with the Liver and its partner, the Gallbladder. If you are prone to digestive dis-ease or struggle with allergies in the Spring, it’s important to take care of these organs!
In spring the expression of the wood element in the human body is our joints, ligaments, tendons,and sex organs. It also means giving special attention to your liver, which works to detoxify the blood and make bile to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, proteins and toxins from our diet/lifestyle and the environment.
Every organ in our bodies has functions and responsibilities. Some are physical while others are psychological and spiritual. The wood element, which peaks during the spring season, governs the LIVER as well as the gallbladder. The liver is a yin organ. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver is not just a responsible for filtering the blood, but also ensuring the smooth flow of emotions and Qi (your body’s vital energy source). Anger is the emotion most associated with the liver as it is the liver’s job to filter out negative emotions. When the liver is not in peak condition you may start to experience insomnia between 1-3 from wrestling with negative emotions, indecision, blurred vision and other signs of inflammation or dis-ease within your eyes, and poor complexion including ashen coloration and acne.
As you awaken from the hibernation of winter, make use of your newly found free time to let creativity break through. Reignite a past interest or discover a new one. Are you a photographer, a writer, a designer? Do you enjoy collaging, singing, dancing, or painting? Allow your creativity to flow, deepen your talents. When in balance the direction of the life force in spring is creativity; however, out of balance anger, irritability and rage ensue.
As spring is represented by the wood element and includes the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder, these two organs are the primary targets for springtime rejuvenation and health regimens. Catch us next for ways to start your gentle liver cleansing, starring Castor Oil Pack.
