Living in harmony with the seasons: Spring

by Emily Cronin, LAc and Thomas McCarty, LAc

  The aim of Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theory is to understand our bodies and biology, our spirit, really the totality of our experience as human beings, as a microcosm of the universe. From observing and understanding how the world works, we turn that understanding towards ourselves. In traditional East Asian cosmology, from which is derived acupuncture’s medical theory, there are five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. The energy of each of the Five Elements corresponds with a season in nature, with an organ and tissue of the body, an emotion, a sense, and a vocal sound, with many more correspondences as well (see the chart at the end of the article). This post will discuss various ways of recognizing Wood energy both in the world and within ourselves, the relationships and influences of the season on our body-mind, and how to live in harmony with, and tap the potential of, the expanding and powerful Wood energy in and around us. 

The Wood element energetically is expansive, moving upward and outward, growing and bursting with life. Wood element corresponds with Spring, so this season is full of Wood energy. In Spring the days grow longer, plants and creatures that were dormant become active or make new growth in response to the increased light and warmth. Increasing warmth and daylight are explained according to Yin and Yang. In TCM, Yin and Yang are used to understand the relationship between any two things being compared to each other. The classic analogy is: Yin is water, and Yang is fire.  In Spring, Yang (longer days, warm air) is emerging from its opposite, the Yin of Winter.  However, it won’t reach its pinnacle till the heat of high Summer. Energy during Spring, the early time of warmth, is shifting, energetic, and expanding. The weather changes back and forth, with wind and rain, cooler and hotter weather, coming by turns. New opportunities and fast-changing situations abound. Think of an archer with bow and arrow drawn tight. The energy and tension in these wooden tools must be directed somewhere! Spring is a good time to start new projects, initiate new habits, to get creative and do some metaphorical (or literal!) housekeeping. 

The Liver and the Gallbladder are the organs associated with the Wood element, and the Liver is important in facilitating the smooth flow of life energy (Qi).  When Qi is repressed there can be anger and frustration, emotions associated with the Liver. Why is this? The spring can be a time of growth but also, when growth is constrained, it can feel like the opposite tendencies are winning. We may feel certain symptoms get worse at this time. We may have less patience, more resentment or generally feel stuck in a rut. We may have more headaches, and hormonal imbalance or digestive problems. Light exercise, walking, stretching, and journaling or creative projects–things which encourage us to be aware, thoughtful, and to work on understanding or developing ourselves–are ways to help gently smooth the Liver Qi every day. 

It is important to live in harmony with the seasons for the cultivation and preservation of wellness. The spring is a season of lots of wind, sometimes even tornadoes, when the cool northern winds meet warmth from the South. Wind is also the name of a type of illness in Chinese medicine that manifests with symptoms that come on suddenly, move around within the body, and tend to affect the head and shoulders. Examples of Wind are allergies or a simple cold. These conditions are common in the Spring, and we should be more careful during this time to protect ourselves from allergens or sudden changes in weather. One way to do this is by dressing for the weather. It can be tempting, the idea of putting away jackets and long sleeved shirts as soon as the weather begins to get nice, but it’s important to recognize that at this time of year, a cool front can turn a warm sunny day into a cool, cloudy and rainy afternoon, and sunset alone can drop the temperature enough to bring a chill to one’s skin. Simply preparing for these little (or big!) changes in weather afford our immune system a more even keel. Also it’s important to keep strong and well nourished within. By nourishing the Yin and Blood of the body with good diet and hydration, we can keep the interior strong and healthy. When, internally, we are sound and healthy, it gives no ground for the Wind to invade and make us more susceptible to disease. 

What kinds of foods are good to keep the body nourished and balanced at this time of year? The color of the Liver is green, which is a good way to remember that dark leafy greens are a great way to nourish the Liver! They are richly Blood-nourishing, and the energy of the spreading leaves is good for moving Qi. Some examples are kale, collards and mustard greens, spinach, cilantro, parsley, chives, dandelion, carrot and turnip tops, broccoli, leeks, and cabbage. Other Blood-nourishing foods that aren’t green but are also beneficial are cherries, raspberries, eggplant, beets, radishes, liver, lamb, beef, and bone broth. While vegetables should constitute a larger portion of the diet, and animal products a lesser part, whole grains are also important to include, like millet, quinoa, barley, oats, and brown rice. These grains help tonify Qi and strengthen the function of the Spleen and Stomach, keeping the abdominal organs (Liver, Stomach, and Spleen) in good balance. The flavor of the Wood element is sour, and sour foods have a Qi moving quality. Adding a lemon wedge to your water, snacking on green apples and eating fermented foods like kim chee or sauerkraut are ways to include the sour flavor in the diet. Having good eating habits, like having regular meal times without distractions, and avoiding eating too close to bedtime and overeating, will help to facilitate a smoother digestion and harmonious flow of Qi. 

Lastly, the Liver and Gallbladder channels’ most active time of day is 10pm till 3am, and the associated sensory organ and body fluid are the eyes and the tears. To properly give space to the energies at play in these organs, try limiting screen time to rest the eyes and, most importantly, get a good night’s sleep. And considering tears, and the benefit of a good emotional venting, letting yourself have a good cry here and there isn’t a bad idea!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this essay drawing the relationships between changes in the world around us and those within us, and introducing the meaning of the Five Elements in TCM. We welcome any questions you may have, and look forward to working with you for your better health and wellness!

Image from Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine by Beinfield and Korngold