In case you haven’t noticed, Spring is here!
The Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms, with the first spring term beginning on February 3. This marks the very onset of spring, a time when things that were once dormant start to stir deep within the earth, unraveling and pressing towards the surface. It’s a period for growth and change, not for repressing anger or other emotions. In fact, spring invites us to confront and express our anger constructively, allowing us to release pent-up frustrations and start anew.
The rainy season begins in spring, and by early March, hibernating insects start to awaken. March 20th is the Spring Equinox, when day and night are of equal length.
This year, according to the Chinese zodiac, it is the year of the snake. The Chinese zodiac functions much like an almanac, observing crop and weather patterns throughout history. The animals are used as metaphors to describe expectations based on past patterns. The snake, with its ability to shed its skin multiple times a year, symbolizes transformation and invites us to embrace new beginnings with a perspective of flexible and positive change.
In recent weeks, the winds bringing change to the atmosphere have been strong, and there has even been snow. Spring brings an energetic surge that starts in late winter. Leaf buds begin to appear, birds start to sing, and bulb flowers bloom. Outward signs of life are scarce in winter, and without knowledge, one might think the trees were dead. But every year, they return bursting with life—a promise fulfilled.
However, the movement in Spring brings some problems as well. Allergies, for example, result from the movement of pollen. The sensory organ associated with Spring is the eyes, and itchy, red eyes are a common complaint during this time.
With Spring’s energy, there’s a natural urge to remove anything stagnant in our lives. You might feel compelled to clean your home, rearrange your living space, get outside more, or tackle tasks you’ve been putting off. If Wood energy is unbalanced and not free-flowing, it could lead to anger, frustration, and difficulty making decisions. This imbalance can make us more irritable and short-tempered, as our emotions mirror the turbulent transition from dormancy to growth. Spring is an ideal time for emotional progress, as addressing these feelings can help us move forward with clarity and purpose.
The organs metaphorically associated with spring are the Liver and Gallbladder. These organs reach their energetic peak during spring, making it the perfect time to focus on supporting their functions of moving blood and bile. These functions can affect your immunity, susceptibility to seasonal allergies, tendon strength, and eye health. The Liver, in particular, is linked to the emotion of anger in Chinese Medicine. By nurturing our Liver health, we can better manage and transform anger into positive action and growth.
To take advantage of this energetic shift:
Move the qi and blood with some breathwork or light exercise such as qigong or yoga.
Eat seasonal foods such as asparagus, broccoli, leeks, carrots, dark leafy greens, cherries, citrus, green tea, and celery.
The most healing spring foods
Dandelion
Watercress
Baby greens
Chard
Sprouts
Basil
Beets
Black sesame
Cardamom
Carrots
Celery
Get outside.
Tune into your emotions. Don’t hold anger in! Harness your anger for good!
Wear a light scarf or keep your neck covered and protect from the wind.
Harmonize with acupuncture.
Clean your house and rearrange furniture.
Keep your neck covered with a light scarf or high collar.
Try something new.
Work on creative projects.
I hope these tips help you make the most of this beautiful season! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask me.
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