Seasonal health tips for Spring - the 'Wood' season.
It’s Springing Up
During the month of May, Spring is in full blossom. Chi–life-force–energy has a “springy” quality to it—outside and inside of you.
The energies associated with the Wood element are peaking, and from a 5 Element point-of-view, your health will benefit if you employ some Chi Kung and 5 Element Diet and Nutrition to help balance out the seasonal impacts on your Liver and Gallbladder. If you’re feeling particularly “jittery” (which is common during this time of year), acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese medical herbs will provide relief.
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Spring Health Tips
There are many things you can do on your own to help balance and tonify the Liver to relieve Spring-related discomforts.
Because the taste of sour is associated with the Liver, Spring is a good time to consider adding sour citrus to your diet. (Oranges are not suggested because they’re predominantly sweet.)
Dandelion greens are a good way to detoxify and help soothe the Liver.
Chrysanthemum and chamomile teas serve as nerve tonics, and can help alleviate symptoms associated with an out-of-balance Liver.
Gentle stretching exercises stimulate the tendons, which are governed by the Liver. By stretching you relieve stresses that congest the Liver, thereby providing an internal massage that calms and stimulates healthy Liver function.
Avoid eating heavy oils; use sesame, or an organic olive oil instead. Stay away from greasy, fried foods. Remember that saturated fats, like butter and cheese, make the Liver work harder.
Moderate alcohol intake. And if you’re having heat-related problems, like skin rashes and hives, stay away from alcohol all together.
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Spring Health tips
Here are a few things to do to get and stay healthy throughout springtime:
During this time of seasonal transition, remain mindful of cold, making sure you don’t get too chilled. Your body is still vulnerable from the winter and you don’t want to make it easy for a cold or flu to take hold.
Eat seasonal foods, as they become available in the market. For example, dandelion greens and nettles. Green vegetables help to strengthen the Liver and Kidneys.
The tendons and the Liver are directly related. By making one part strong you automatically improve the other. Stretching will loosen you up so that you’re ready to jump safely into Spring.
Drinking pu-erh tea helps lower cholesterol, improve digestion, cleanse the blood, and supports weight loss.
