1. Get Up Early and take a leisurely morning stroll. A walk in the forest would be ideal. The ancient Chinese suggest hiking to a water pavilion to relax and enjoy the view.
2. Be Generous & Agreeable: Spring is the season on the Liver and we want to avoid getting emotionally stuck or feeling bogged down. Don’t dwell on problems!
3. Do More… Eat Less: This is the time of year to push our annual goals. Go with the flow, eat three light to moderate meals a day and be sure not to overeat. It’s an ideal time to reduce alcohol consumption to shake off the stodgy winter. Think about many civilizations and religions that often fast or practice abstinence around vernal equinox. For example, the Bahai faith, Lent for the Christians, and Ramadan for the Muslims which occurs slightly later in May.
4. Reduce Clothing Slowly: In Springtime the weather is unpredictable and so we need to be more careful about exposure to cold or getting chilled. The average daily temperature should be above 15C (59F) before people start taking off the wraps and wearing lighter-weight clothes.
A Chinese proverb goes: 春捂秋冻 chūn wǔ qiū dòng or “bundle up in the spring and stay cool in autumn” (literally spring muffling, autumn freezing)
According to Chinese medicine, spring is the season for new growth, when the Yang (“hot” energy) rises and gradually builds. However, just as vegetable sprouts need the protection of a greenhouse in early spring, the internal Yang of the body is still too weak to resist the coldness of the external environment. ’Wu’ (bundling up) is necessary for people, so that the Yang energy can be adequately nurtured towards its summer-time peak.
5. Increase Sweet & Pungent Foods in Spring: In general, foods that are good for spring are sweet, warm and ascending. In early spring, try cabbage, sweet potato, carrot and beetroot. As the weather changes, move to mint, sweet rice, shitake mushrooms, peas, sunflower seeds, pine nuts and in late spring, cherries.
Gently warming pungent foods are particularly good for spring. These include fennel, oregano, rosemary, caraway, dill, bay leaf, grains, legumes and seeds. Pungent flavored foods stimulate circulation of Qi and blood, moving energy up and out. But remember, a little goes a long way.
“Pungent foods also regulate Qi, enhance digestion, disperse mucus, stimulate the Lungs, Blood and Heart, guard against mucus forming conditions such as common cold, remove obstructions and improve sluggish Liver function. Pungents improve digestion and expel flatulence from the intestines to fix bloating. And pungents make grains, legumes, nuts and seeds less mucus forming. Pungent foods you can add to your foods in spring include mint, spring onions, ginger, horseradish, chamomile and black pepper.”
So, swing with the cosmic pendulum and enjoy the spring!
For the comprehensive article see How To Stay Healthy in Spring
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Tan L.AC. is a licensed Acupuncturist. After completing his degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Alex lived and practiced Chinese Medicine for 10-years in Beijing, China. A native-born Australian, the son of his Australian mother and Chinese father, Alex’s bi-cultural heritage helps him skillfully bridge Eastern and Western health perspectives. He believes the true power of Chinese medicine lies in a balanced approach towards prevention and treatment. Rooted in Chinese Medicine observation based theory & methodology over millenniums, Alex’s talent lies in delivering these Eastern healing modalities to his modern Western clients. For more about Alex click here
Alex runs a clinic in Flagstaff, Northern Arizona. Alex welcomes comments and questions to his articles. To schedule an appointment in person or telco-appointment click here
