Spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophy

Spring is the energy of fresh and new beginnings, a time when flowers bloom and the weather starts to warm up after a long period of energy conservation. It is the optimal season for cleansing and rejuvenation for health as it corresponds to the liver and gallbladder in traditional Chinese medicine. Moreover, in TCM philosophy, spring is associated with the wood element, which represents green and is associated with the emotion of “anger”, providing us with an opportunity to release, regenerate and start afresh. As it’s the season where detoxification is highlighted, here are 5 great ways to get your overall health rejuvenated and restored this spring.

1. Sweat it out

Exercise is a great way to support detoxification and can double as a way to release any liver associated emotions such as frustration and anger. Exercises like boxing and cardio are good options, but it can also look like dance and brisk walking. Anything that helps to raise our temperature and get us sweating!

2. Hydrate with greens

As the wood element corresponds to green, which nourishes the liver and gallbladder – it is a perfect time to start incorporating more of this colour into the diet. Vegetables and fruit such as celery, coriander, parsley, green apples, cucumber and mint are healthy options to make cold-pressed juices with. Lemon is also a great addition as spring is associated with the ‘sour’ taste.

3. Dry skin brushing

Our liver isn’t the only organ involved in detoxification, our lymphatic system is also important! By dry skin brushing before showering, we’re not only looking after our skin and improving cellulite, it also supports lymphatic clearance, which can often become sluggish coming out of winter when we aren’t as active.

4. Filtration

Investing in a decent shower and water filter is a crucial key to reducing the overall toxic burden in our bodies. Tap water contains contaminants such as chlorine, plastic, fluoride, bacteria, viruses, copper and many others, which over time can be burdensome for our detox pathways.

5. Herbs and supplements

There’re many herbs and supplements that work in different ways to support our detoxification pathways. Broccoli sprout powder, for example, can be a great supplement to support the phase II liver detox pathway, however, it is best to book in with your functional medicine practitioner to see which supplements are best tailored for you.

These are just some of the many ways to help get you thriving and renewed this spring. Moreover, acupuncture treatments can also be beneficial and aid in moving stagnant ‘qi’ and replenishing the detoxification systems. What will you be doing this spring to help nourish your liver?

By Fallon Cashell