The Season of Spring and Wood
We are now entering Spring which is associated with the Wood element in Chinese Medicine (CM). Like what we observe in our environment with spring beginning, and the influx of energy that makes our surrounding spaces buzz and come alive with abundance; the wood element governs growth, new beginnings and energy renewal.
Seasons in Chinese Medicine are associated with environmental shifts that influence how we feel and our state of health.
Within CM, each season has organs associated with it. The organs associated with the wood element are the Liver and Gallbladder. These organs want your body’s energy/life force/Qi to move freely, creatively and uninhibitedly. So, if there is any constricted flow of this Qi, symptoms can become more pronounced as you head into Spring. This could manifest as tension headaches, snuffly hayfever symptoms, itchy eyes, sore ribs, feeling tense and frustrated, wanting to be creative but maybe you feel stuck.
The Liver organ in CM is responsible for storing blood, so if there is insufficient blood stores, this can affect blood flow to support your muscles, which can result in joint pain or feeling a little creaky. As the Liver organ affects both qi and blood flow, this means it can also affect menstruation. If you’re noticing that your period is acting a bit strange at this time of the year with more pain or clots than usual, and emotions are feeling a bit ragey- this could be your Liver showing you she needs some attention.
Contrastingly, if your liver organ is in balance, Spring can be a period where you feel enlivened and creative, you feel called to have a boogie with your mates, you’re motivated to put your surroundings to order- that is why they call it spring cleaning after all.
Influencing your health during Spring Wood season
The Wood element is also associated with the colour green and the sour flavour. Whatever is growing in the garden at this time of year is best to consume for your Liver and Gallbladder during Spring:
Light greens like lettuce, spinach, chard, asian greens, cucumber, celery
Bitter greens like dandelion leaves, kale, roquette, endive, mustard greens and radishes
Sour foods such as citrus and non-pasteurised lactic acid ferments (e.g sauerkraut and kimchi)
Keep meals light and steam as much food as possible. Steam adds moisture to foods which increases internal hydration of your tissues.
Avoiding eating after 7pm (including desserts/snacks) to allow enough time for digestion. Reducing greasy meals and alcohol is best to take stress off of your Liver and Gallbladder during digestion.
If you’re prone to hayfever or getting sick coming into spring, protecting your neck from spring wind with a light scarf can be helpful. Also ensuring you are not spending long periods (working or sleeping) in direct wind from fans, air conditioners or open windows.
To support your Wood element during Spring- Moving your body daily with walking and stretching which has great influence over moving stuck qi.
Implement these changes and enjoy the feeling of a balanced Liver system as you navigate the Spring Wood season.