Photo: Big Bear Photo Co
With spring in the air we’ve been thinking a lot of about our natural rhythms–sleep-wake, rest-activity, and of course the seasons! As humans our health is intimately connected to the daily, monthly, and yearly patterns of the natural world around us. But in our modern lives artificial light, temperature control, standardized daily schedules, fast travel by plane, and the industrialization and globalization of agriculture have de-seasonalized our lives. It’s easy to be completely disconnected from the seasonal cycles we evolved so closely with. There is no doubt this has had enormous impacts on our individual and collective health–many of them negative.
Currently a lot of important conversation is happening around re-connecting with these natural and biological rhythms, especially the seasons, to create better health. But the concept of aligning our health and habits in terms of seasonal rhythms is far from new. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been using a seasonal approach to create more health and wellness for humans for millennia.
So this Spring we are very excited to feature Amanda Valenti, L.Ac., MSTOM, as she shares a vital perspective and powerful tips from Traditional Chinese Medicine to help us all thrive and shine through the spring season. We hope you enjoy these nourishing ways to celebrate and connect with this wonderful season as much as we have! – With love, Cara & Amber
Seasonal Living Wisdom From Traditional Chinese Medicine
Living aligned with the seasons is a key part of creating health and wellness in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In this tradition there is a particular natural element associated with each season. We can best support our vitality by focusing our energy on nourishing the associated element of the season we are in and boosting our qi for the upcoming shifts. Qi, pronounced ‘ch-ee:’, means vital energy. Qi refers to the physiological function of organs and meridians (energy pathways). Healthy function of qi is sustained through proper lifestyle routines, dietary habits and proper management of emotions. The observation of one’s Qi is commonly used as a diagnostic tool in TCM.
The element of spring is Wood. The Wood element creates the qi that pushes us upwards and initiates growth and change. It’s the same push we feel when we have a new idea or vision. This is also the qi that provides the determination to carry out those changes. The two organs that resonate with the Wood element (and therefore Spring) are the liver, the yin organ, and the gallbladder, the yang organ. The connection of yin and yang is the basis of Chinese Theory. Such as there is no day without night, there can be no yin without yang. The two are interdependent. This balance is imperative in maintaining homeostasis in our everyday lives. They are closely related even though they hold different functions in the body.
The liver is seen as ‘The Planner’. It represents the assessment of circumstances before making a move. When there is an insufficiency, or lack, of Liver Qi we find it harder to make plans. We can become stagnant in following through with tasks. When there are imbalances with the Wood element, and their associated organs, irritability, headaches, digestive issues, menstrual irregularities, and tension are likely. Imagine being the branch of a willow tree in springtime, ready to sprout new growth and fresh life. Tension resides in that motion–similar to a drawn bow. Once the fruit forms, the branches settle into place and become softer. The liver organ tends to be the most congested organ in our modern, high stress lifestyle. When we rush, stress, or neglect our nutrition, stagnation increases. The liver flourishes when there is harmony, movement, and the free flow of energy in the body.
The gallbladder is known as ‘The Decision Maker’. This is the yang counterpart of the Wood element. It is responsible for carrying out plans made by the Liver. This represents the ability to choose–when to activate blood clots, when to secrete bile, or when to choose avocado toast over a chocolate croissant. A common problems with the gallbladder is timidity–the lack of balance, regulation, and good decision making. In China, someone who is good at prompt decision making is known to have a big gallbladder, or big gall.
Wellness Tips For Spring From TCM
In general, as spring approaches we want to keep our activities, nutrition, and energy moving, soothing, and light. This helps us create optimal health and take full advantage of the energy of Spring. The simple, but powerful tips below from TCM can help you align your living with this lovely spring season by supporting the liver and gallbladder. And in turn help you thrive!
Spring Eating Tips: Cleanse, Fast, Reduce
1. Eat Light
We are shifting out of winter, a time of hibernation and consumption, into a time of rebirth and the ascending yang energy. As winter ends we tend to feel heavy, lethargic and sluggish. To counter the heaviness, our diet should be the lightest of the year by decreasing our daily intake. Cooking in spring is best done at high temps for shorter periods of time–rather than thoroughly cooking the food. Try light steaming or simmering for shorter periods of time. Eating fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and other young plants can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
2. Eat More Sour Foods
Sour is a very yin and cooling flavor. This is associated with healthy liver function and can help to treat an overactive liver. Eating sour foods is cleansing and helps to counteract the effects of heavy, greasy foods.
3. Adjust Your Morning Beverage
Before your coffee or other morning beverage, start your day with a cup of warm lemon water. This will help to balance the pH of your digestive tract and assist your body in detoxing the liver.
Spring Activities For Wellness: Move, Groove, Soothe
4. Increase Daily Activity
Ever feel an increase of irritability, muscle tension or body aches? Many times this is associated with imbalances in the liver. The liver favors movement. So increasing activity in your daily life can help to soothe tension of the liver.
5. Move Your Whole Body
The liver craves stimulation of stagnant qi, or energy. Instead of isolating one part of the body during exercise, try movements that involve the whole body. Add in activities like dancing, yoga, brisk walks and tai chi to your daily routine this time of year.
6. Create!
Spring is the perfect time for creating vision boards, setting goals, and working on manifestation in your life. Spring is the time when your gallbladder qi is the most prominent. Use this to your advantage to make decisions and initiate change.
7. Practice Forgiveness
In TCM grudges and resentments are indigestible and can do damage to liver energy. So this spring, practice forgiveness where needed to help keep your energy moving and light.
8. Get To Sleep Before 11 pm
According to Chinese medicine, there is an organ clock that represents the time of day in which each organ is functioning optimally and has the utmost qi. The time of the gallbladder is between 11pm-1am. If you are not sleeping by 11pm your are depleting the gallbladder’s ability to store energy which can lead to impaired decision making and poor judgement. The time of the liver is from 1am-3am. It is common for people to find they wake up during these hours in times of repressed tension and stress. By staying up late you can be further disrupting the qi of these organs. Try some relaxing bedtime rituals like sipping a cup of tea, taking a hot bath, or reading a book to help you get into bed at an earlier hour.
9. Feel All the Feels
Make ample room for emotions as they arise and call on the supports in your life to work through difficult emotions as needed. Spring is a time of self-expression. So let your thoughts flow freely! Journaling is a great way to freely express your thoughts and feelings.
10. Mix Up Your Body Positioning
If you are working a job with extended periods of sitting, try switching to standing. Add in some downward dogs and spinal twists every hour. Take frequent breaks throughout your day. By adding in subtle movement throughout your day, and limiting prolonged periods in one position, you can avoid qi stagnation of the liver and gallbladder.
11. Acupuncture of Course!
Get your weekly dose of acupuncture to help assist in the body’s seasonal transition and maintain balance physically and emotionally.
Have a wonderful spring!
With Love,
Amanda
P.S. We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! What is your favorite springtime ritual or activity?
Amanda Valenti, L.Ac., MSTOM is a licensed acupuncturist, small business owner, avid climber and enthusiastic adventurer of all kinds. Amanda is the owner of Valenti Acupuncture and co-founder of The Little Wellness Place in Salt Lake City. The Little Wellness Place is a collaborative healing space in downtown SLC, providing a wide range of services including acupuncture, yoga, nutrition, health coaching, and kinesiology. As a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Amanda specializes in sports medicine, injury rehabilitation, emotional disorders, women’s health concerns, auto-immune disorders, and minimizing the side effects of cancer treatments.
You can learn more about her work here: https://www.instagram.com/valentiacu/
