Spring Wellness with Traditional Chinese Medicine

As the fresh, vibrant energy of spring rises, you may be feeling like it's taking the wind out of you! While we're all excited for the warmer, brighter weather, sometimes seasonal shifts can be quite exhausting- and they can really tax some of our most crucial body processes. Here in Salt Lake City, our spring seasons can be filled with unpredictable weather, high pollen counts, and dramatic shifts in temperature and humidity... so how can we stay healthy as the seasons transform?

Here are 5 simple ways you can nourish your whole being this spring!

SUPPORT LIVER HEALTH

Spring is associated with the Liver in TCM, which governs the smooth flow of Qi (energy). To support it:

• Eat more green leafy vegetables (dandelion greens, spinach, kale).

• Drink lemon water in the morning to gently detox.

• Avoid greasy, heavy foods that can clog the free flow of Liver Qi.

RISE WITH THE SUN

Spring is a time of yang energy rising. Align with nature:

• Wake earlier to match the increasing daylight.

• Get morning sunlight to energize your system.

• Gentle stretches or qigong in the morning help move stagnant energy.

  
  

  

  
  

  EAT LIGHT & FRESH

  
  

  Shift away from winter’s heavy, warming foods:

  • Add sprouts, bamboo shoots, and seasonal veggies.

  • Incorporate sour flavors like vinegar or citrus (helps regulate Liver Qi).

  • Lightly cook your meals – think steamed or stir-fried, not baked or roasted.

PROTECT AGAINST WIND

In TCM, spring brings "wind pathogens" that can lead to colds or allergies:

• Wear a scarf to protect the neck and shoulders (especially on breezy days).

• Keep windows open for fresh air, but avoid direct drafts.

• Try herbs like chrysanthemum or mint tea to clear wind-heat symptoms.

LET EMOTIONS FLOW

The Liver is also tied to emotions, especially anger and frustration:

• Practice journaling, breathwork, or gentle movement to process emotions.

• Try acupressure on the Liver 3 (Taichong) point to calm irritability.

• Seek balance – over-planning or overworking can bind and block your energy.

As the chill of winter fades and nature begins to bloom, spring offers the perfect opportunity for renewal—not just for the environment, but for your body and mind as well. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the Wood element, which governs the liver and gallbladder. This is a time of growth, movement, and transformation—making it an ideal season to support your body’s natural detox processes and re-energize your system.

Why Spring?

According to TCM, spring corresponds with liver energy, which regulates the smooth flow of qi (vital energy) throughout the body. After a season of cold and stillness, the body can accumulate stagnation, which may manifest as fatigue, irritability, allergies, or digestive issues. Spring acupuncture treatments help to unblock this stagnation, encouraging balance and harmony both physically and emotionally.

How Acupuncture Helps

Acupuncture gently stimulates specific points on the body to enhance circulation, calm the nervous system, and support organ function. During spring, treatments often focus on:

• Liver health: Promoting detoxification and emotional balance

• Digestive support: Assisting in metabolic function and reducing bloating

• Allergy relief: Strengthening the immune system and alleviating sinus congestion

• Mood stabilization: Easing stress, frustration, and anxiety as energy begins to rise

Herbs and Lifestyle in Spring

Chinese herbal formulas can complement acupuncture by helping the body adapt to seasonal changes. Herbs like chrysanthemum, dandelion, and burdock root are often used to clear heat and support liver function. Diet also plays a key role—eating light, fresh foods like leafy greens and sprouted grains can help align your body with spring’s upward energy.

Reawaken Your Energy

Embracing the wisdom of Chinese medicine in the spring invites a smoother transition into the year. By syncing with nature’s rhythm, you can boost your energy, lift your mood, and cultivate wellness from within.

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