Spring is in the Air!

Spring is in the air! 

Saskatchewan is always fickle at this time of year- spring one day, snow the next! While from a traditional standpoint Spring doesn’t actually begin until we start seeing the grass getting greener and some buds and blossoms around us…the dates on the calendar tell us that Spring is here. As many feel restless and maybe slightly irritated right now, I think our bodies are telling us the same!

Both physically and metaphorically, Spring is a time for new life, for growth and for change. It’s an opportunity to wake our senses out of Winter’s slumber and to move.

In Five Element Theory, the organ related to Spring, is the Liver. From a biological perspective, the liver is the organ that filters and removes toxins from our blood. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we say that the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of blood and energy throughout the body. When functioning properly, the liver helps balance our emotions, promotes easy digestion, and supports water metabolism. Because Spring is the Liver’s season, it’s also the time when we may see more liver dysfunction. In this case you may start to notice symptoms such as: depression, migraines, side pain, sluggish digestion/bloating, poor vision, irregular menstruation, frequent sighing, and general restlessness… just to name a few!

It’s quite popular for people to participate in a liver detox at this time of year and while there’s not necessarily anything wrong with a detox, what your liver really needs is to be supported. There are several great ways to do this: 

For starters: move your body! Get out and walk. Movement and fresh air help awaken and energize the liver. Although it’s ideal to get a solid 20-30 minute walk in every day, don’t let ideals limit you! Take a quick walk around the block over lunch, or pop outside for a breath of fresh air on your coffee break. If you can’t get outside- stand up and take a quick “activity-snack” beside your desk. New studies show that doing 10 squats every 45 mins is just as (if not more) beneficial to your body as going on a 30 minute walk! You could also: take some extra bathroom breaks to get those extra steps in; use the photocopier across the office, etc. Just get that body moving! 

Secondly, take care of your mental and emotional health. In TCM, the liver strongly affects and therefore, is strongly affected by emotions. It’s amazing how our stress levels, mood, and outlook on life can be reflected in our overall health. During this season of growth, set some new goals to work toward. Take a look at your schedule and be sure that you’re making time for self-care. Begin to put away the winter gear and start pulling out the spring and summer clothes. While you’re at it- purge those things you don’t wear or use anymore. Tidy up, reorganize, open the windows, make the spaces that you spend time in feel clean and fresh. All of these little things go a long way to helping us breathe easier, to feel more relaxed, and to reclaim peace. 

Third, pay attention to the foods you’re eating. The liver loves foods that are sour, green, and a bit bitter too. Incorporate dark leafy greens, sprouts, radishes, green onion, garlic, and apple cider vinegar into your daily routine. Rhubarb, lemons, and other citrus fruits are ideal at this time of year. Focus more on intaking lighter coloured proteins such as chicken, white fish, eggs, and even rabbit. Try sprouting your rice and other grains as this is so much easier on your digestion and your liver will certainly thank you! Don’t forget dandelions! Whether in a drink/tea or salad, dandelion- its leaves, roots, and/or flowers (unsprayed, of course), are fantastic for liver health.  For this season, limit your alcohol intake and the amount of spicy food you eat.

Finally, don’t forget acupuncture (and perhaps a liver-moving herbal formula) as part of your self-care routine! One of the main functions of acupuncture is to help the body relax and move into a place of equilibrium- which encourages better function within the body and promotes overall health. Traditional Chinese Medicine is known for being able to help with all the “liver”y issues that come about at this time of year (and always). So if you haven’t given it a try- now’s the time!