Spring Cleaning (for Your Body)

By Maureen M. Conant, L.Ac.

Spring is upon us, bringing some wonderful changes. The bulbs are sprouting out of the earth, the trees and bushes are beginning to bud, and you may feel the increased light has given you more energy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes the same energy that creates changes in the earth is bringing changes in your body. When balanced, this energy can be pleasant and uplifting. You may find that you get more accomplished and require less sleep. When the body is out of balance, due to stress, poor diet, lack of exercise or insufficient rest, this upward energy can also manifest itself as allergies, headaches, or even emotional symptoms like depression or irritability. Now is an excellent time to evaluate your health and alter your lifestyle to accommodate the new season.

Some people love the hibernation of winter, and find it nourishing for the body and soul. Some people love the chance to be back in the garden and out on the golf course, and this is what nourishes them. The key to good health, and to enjoying each season fully, is to help your body stay balanced in every season. Each season is associated with a corresponding organ system. In the spring, the organ system is the Liver. The Liver is responsible for the movement of energy in your body. If the Liver energy is undernourished, stuck or in disharmony, it can lead to a pattern of illness.

It is relatively easy to correct an imbalance. TCM uses Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Diet, Exercise and living in harmony with the environment as tools for good health. Adjust your habits to the rhythm of the seasons. Enjoy the warmer weather a little every day. Exercise should be gentle such as yoga, walking, stretching, much like an animal waking from hibernation. Diet should be a bit lighter to help stimulate a sluggish digestive system after the consumption of rich, heavy foods during the winter season. Foods and spices that help harmonize the Liver are: leafy greens, beets, cucumbers, vinegar, tofu, whole grains, legumes, citrus fruits, plums, dates, berries, cumin, tumeric, licorice root, mint, chrysanthemum and green teas. Subtle adjustments can help you feel harmonious, energetic and ward off hormonal imbalances, digestive disturbances, and mood changes. So while out tending to your garden or cleaning out your closet with the renewed Spring energy to propel you, don’t forget to cultivate your own health and well being!

{ top }