We are moving into the spring season or liver wood season according to Chinese medicine. In the 5 element way of thinking, we are leaving behind the deep, still, reflective water of winter and pushing upward and expanding into the wood energy of spring. Imagine a seed that has been planted deep in the ground waiting for its signal from nature to surge upward and unfold, expanding outward into a mature tree. This shift in energy can throw us for a loop if we aren’t mindful of it. It also holds a wealth of energetic support for taking action and turning our dreams and goals into reality!
If we have stayed in tune with nature’s invitation to rest during the winter, we will feel more grounded and intentional with this surge of energy to put things into action in the spring. Spring time energy is balanced when it can surge upward AND remain deeply rooted in the ground at the same time. This spring, liver wood energy is also likened to that of a general according to Chinese medicine and it is ready to put our winter daydreams and reflections into action. This may look like spring cleaning and organizing around the house. It might look like finally moving forward with a new work project or creative venture!
If we stayed too busy and pushed ourselves through the winter, we may not have restored and rooted ourselves in preparation for the spring surge. We may feel erratic mood swings- weepy and frustrated, annoyed, irritated, resentful, wired and tired, more headaches, more neck/shoulder/rib-side tension, menstrual irregularities, breast pain, sore and tired eyes. These are all signs and sensations associated with the wood element being unbalanced, un-rooted or un-nourished.
So what can we do?
First, get moving. Liver wood energy can feel strong and gets bottled up in the body easily. Take your body for a walk, a bike ride, get back to your yoga mat, try a new class at the gym or just have a dance party in your living room! Swing those arms and twist that torso to directly affect stuck energy in the liver channel. The more you can move your liver qi (energy) this time of year, the more likely you will be to steady that energy in your body and your mind.
Second, nourish well. One of the ways we smooth and steady this big energy of spring is by making sure our liver and liver blood are nourished. This is the season to eat fresh greens, newly sprung from the earth- arugula, kale, lettuce, asparagus, micro-greens as well as beets and beet greens, goji berries. Mint, nettle, chrysanthemum, dandelion and green teas are helpful as well.
Third, see your acupuncturist/herbalist and/or mind-body coach. Acupuncture helps move that stuck liver qi and frees the stagnation that leads to mood swings and frustration and resentment. Herbal medicine is also wonderful this time of year to nourish and move that liver energy in formulas like Xiao Yao San, which translates to “Free & Easy Wanderer”. Sometimes the deeper work lies in working with a mind-body coach to uncover the roots of resentment and frustration that are keeping you stuck.
There is opportunity this season to tune in and tend to this new energy. A properly balanced liver energy moves with ease and determination in the spring bringing our inspirations and dreams of that winter reflective time to life!