New Season, New Wellness Priorities
Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation of our overall health and well being.
In Chinese Medicine, each season is associated with an element, a paired organ, the body, a color and an emotion. Spring is associated with the wood element, the liver and gallbladder, the color green, anger and a sour flavor. With these seasonal associations in mind, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to your personal health this spring:
Days will grow longer and the sleep cycle we’ve established over the winter will be disrupted. Pay attention to how you’re sleeping (we recommend the Sleep Cycle app!), go to bed earlier to give yourself more time to fall asleep, and minimize use of digital devices.
Spring is a great time to find an outdoor activity or take a hike. This will prevent the liver's energy from stagnating, which leads to feelings of frustration and anger. The liver also controls the tendons, so incorporate stretching in the morning to ensure proper blood flow.
The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy (qi) in the body and storage of blood. It’s an ideal season to incorporate yoga or Tai Chi.
Green is the color of springtime. It’s important to not only to immerse yourself in the greenery of the outdoors, but to eat plants. Think about eating extra leafy greens this season.
Sour foods will stimulate the energy of the liver. Simply add lemon to your water, or incorporate other sour foods including citrus, vinegar, or pickled or fermented foods.
For many, spring’s arrival means allergies. Keep track of pollen and other allergen reports.
The fluctuating temperature, air pressure, humidity and precipitation that come with early spring impacts the body and mind in several ways. Don’t rush to the shorts and t-shirts—stay warm, stay covered up, and be mindful in general of environmental factors that impact your day-to-day life.
Rest, stay hydrated and eat well. This is of course important all year round, but it’s especially important in times of seasonal transition. Many of the viruses that cause the common cold are more frequent in early spring.