Spring Tune-Up with TCM and Acupuncture

Chinese medicine is based on the waxing and waning of nature. Every season full of new challenges and opportunities. Spring is notable as a time of transition; yang expansion within yin stillness. When the flourishing of new life collides with the last bit of Winter crustiness. Here we are rewarded for tremendous effort just to get things started! Picture a sprouting seed breaking through hard soil or a small crack in concrete. For people coming out of a long Winter, such as this one, it can feel daunting to need to put out more effort just when your reserves are at their lowest.

By being selective in placing your intention you can join the current of seasonal change and rejuvenation. Spring is a time of natural inspiration, however, the direction that inspiration leads you is very consequential. In Chinese medicine, there are two key areas to bring your focus in order to have a successful Spring transition. The first is your liver and the second is your tendons and fascia. These are the organ and tissues associated with Spring in TCM.

The Liver in TCM is the primary organ for regulation. It has the function to dredge and disperse in order to maintain clear thoroughfares. You can see this in action during Spring as the rushing waters from the Winter melt course through the streets and rivers around us. For people under heavy stress or with weak liver function some help can be needed. Symptoms to watch out for that could indicate an underperforming Liver include: bitter taste in the mouth, dull achy pain in the rib area, irritability, and red or painful eyes. In the emotional sense feeling stuck or trapped or overly fixating on unfulfilled desires can also become patterns of liver stagnation. Eating a balanced whole food diet is a great place to start in order to minimize this uncomfortable state. For those who need a bit more help, acupuncture and herbal medicine can be great ways to break up stagnation and support liver function.

As the weather finally warms it is so important to gently ramp up physical activity. This both improves circulation and improves the elasticity and resiliency of our connective tissue It helps to lower the chance of injury as physical demands increase. Because of this it is wonderful to develop a qi gong practice during Spring.

Qi gong is an intentional movement practice that can improve structure and balance, can reduce soft tissue pain, and can improve circulation and organ function. Putting your intent into a practice with benefits that multiply over time can be transformative. As we are in a time of transformation around us there is no better moment than now to start. I am offering a Spring Qi Gong workshop. Three two hour classes, Sundays at two pm beginning April 7th.

Please contact the clinic to join as space is limited.