05/09/2023
Spring is my favourite season (although Autumn on the Sunshine Close is a close second!). It is a time of growth, new beginnings and a spirit of renewal.
After winter when we tend to reduce activity and conserve energy, spring is the season for regeneration and movement.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Spring is represented by the element of Wood which is related to the Liver and Gallbladder. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. Lack of movement and stress can lead to stagnation of this flow, and increase symptoms of tension, pms, bloating, jaw clenching and irritability.
Left unaddressed, this imbalance increases resulting in red eyes, headaches, waking between 1-3am and high blood pressure. Eventually other organs are affected - as Wood controls Earth - the organs of Stomach and Spleen - effecting digestion, appetite and energy levels.
Underlying emotions often include anger, frustration, resentment, impatience, depression, mood swings and indecisiveness.
It is really important to find a way to manage and reduce stress on a regular basis. This allows your body to engage the parasympathetic nervous system to rest, recover and self-regulate. Yoga, walking, journalling, meditation, nature and kinesiology can all help you to manage and reduce your stress levels on a regular basis.
Here are some easy ways to support your Liver Qi as we move into the new season of Spring:
🌱 go for a walk outside in the fresh air to help Qi flow
🌱 stretch tight muscles and tendons with yoga or tai chi
🌱 increase fresh, leafy greens in your meals
🌱 include some sour foods and drinks like lemon and apple cider vinegar to support digestion
🌱 take regular breaks away from screens and focus your vision on the distance
🌱 drink herbal teas to support liver function such as milk thistle, dandelion and ginseng
Spring can be a wonderful time for making changes and prioritising your health and wellbeing. Please reach out if you would like to try kinesiology as a stress management tool - send me a dm or bookings link is in my bio 🤗
And in the spirit of renewal, I have exciting news to share with you next post...stay tuned!!