Spring
Spring
Element: Wood
Organ: Liver
Sense: Eyes
Emotion: Anger & Irritability
Color: Green
Organ Taste: Sour
Seasonal Taste: Pungent and Sweet
Time of day: 1–3 a.m.
Duration
February officially marks the start of Spring. Is true that many of us think of March as the beginning of Spring, but in reality that marks the peak of Spring. The earth emerges from its winter slumber, with energy palpably increasing and rising as the days become longer and the temperature slowly rises. In TCM, Spring is associated with the Liver and the Wood Element.
Spring is the season for new beginnings and growth, signaling renewal. Harness the energy of Wood to explore new adventures for personal and professional growth. Start by looking ahead, jotting down your ideas, and taking proactive steps to turn them into reality with flexibility and strategic decision-making.
As Spring arrives, there is a natural and slowly transition from the cold, heavy qualities of winter to the warmer, lighter qualities of spring. If you did Winter right, you invested in nourishment, hibernation and the act to conserve your energy. Winter was the perfect time of the year to restore and recovery our energy. Now, that Spring is starting, we should feel our battery full.
Feel your best this spring with the right food plus a lifestyle practice to balance your body & mind.
Signs of Healthy Liver
Peaceful state of mind
Organized
Goal oriented
Flexible mindset
Easy to apply strategic decision-making
Signs of an Imbalanced Liver
Difficult menstrual cycle
PMS
Amenorrhea
Menstrual Cramps
Infertility
Moodiness
Anemia
Pale complexion
Dizziness and/or vertigo
Headaches
Irritability
Stressed
Poor vision, tired eyes/ red eyes
Red face and eyes
Hypertension
Constipation
Depression
What to do
The liver is the organ responsible for detoxification the body, so in this season you should eat foods that balance your liver and help clean the body and help with mental stability.
Activities
Slowly Introduce:
Wake up a little earlier each day to catch the sunrise.
Welcome stronger physical activity to stimulate circulation, metabolism, and lymphatic drainage. Consider activities that are invigorating and energizing, like strength training and light cardio.
Keep a peaceful state of mind - crucial to align with the energy of this season.
Get 30 minutes of natural sunlight every day to stimulate Yang Qi, regulate serotonin levels and help regulate sleep.
Spend time in nature - it’s the perfect time to walk amongst trees.
Practice emotional mindfulness to mitigate stress and anger.
Go to sleep before 11 p.m. Your liver is most active from 1–3 a.m, and your gallbladder (the organ associated with the liver) is most active from 11p.m –1 a.m. - that is why we should go to sleep before 11 p.m
Mindset
Start new projects
Set Intentions
Embark on new adventures
Cultivate inspiration
Work on creative ideas
Perfect time to organize
Detox your mind and body
Food
Rule of thumb - To prevent any illness during the season we introduce the flavour associated with the season. If we feel that the organ correspondent to the season is out of balance then we introduce the flavour associated to that organ, to balance it again.
Light and green is the theme. Spring is a good time to cut back on the meats and heavier foods from the winter menu. Spring is supported with pungent and sweet foods to help align with the dynamic energy of this season, promoting circulation and vitality. Focus on incorporating the following supportive foods into your diet:
Vegetables: artichoke, bamboo shoots, chives, chinese yam, cilantro, celery, carrots, eggplant, green peas, garlic, leeks, mung beans, sprouts, sweet potatoes, spinach.
Fruits: apple, apricot, currant, cranberry, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon, lime, peach, plum, tangerine, orange, rhubarb, raspberry.
Teas: green tea and white tea.
Grains and Legumes: buckwheat and rice.
Protein: chiken, eggs, shrimp, white fish and tofu.
Herbs: chrysanthemum, cilantro, dandelion, dried orange peel, fox nut, ginger, goji, jujube date, mulberry leaf, lily bulb, peppermint, rose.
Spices: Vinegar.
Other: Fermented foods - miso, tamari, pickles, sourdough.
What not to do
Cold foods
Limit alcohol and spicy foods
Sour flavours in excess
Avoid wind
Envision and grow - explore these Spring Recipes.
✨ Own Your Energy✨