SEASONAL NOTES - Health in Spring

There are five seasons recognised by practitioners of oriental medicine. Each has a close affinity and intimate connection with the human body. And for acupuncturists and herbalists and those working with Eastern systems of massage and body-work such as Shiatsu and Tui Na, each season also has its own special significance in terms of diagnosis and treatment. 

Spring, as everybody knows, is a season of spectacular change and development - when all of nature evolves and grows, often at incredible speed. It is a season of great excitement and enormous potential, and it is natural for us to feel exuberant and enthusiastic at this time, full of new ideas and plans. This is a healthy energetic reaction. It is a good sign, health-wise, to be turned on by spring.

Our health responds to the lengthening days and warmer climate in this positive manner because during Spring our internal energy (the Qi of the body) quickens and circulates more freely. It is a time when we can literally shed layers, like clothing - letting go of heavy, outmoded ways of being and allowing our thoughts to expand and broaden while at the same time getting outdoors again and exercising our limbs and muscles.

Spring is also a time of cleansing - not just the dreaded 'spring cleaning' in the home, but also a perfect time to change our diet in favour of lighter, more leafy and sappy foods which naturally begin to grow at this time. We can safely take in more fluids, too - water and juices (which in Winter would not have been appropriate in excess), and these help to flush out any toxins in our bodies and prepare us for the great experience of the new year.

There are five elements, just as there are five seasons in oriental culture. Spring has the element of Wood - which is typified by outward expansion and movement. Wood grows, shoots upwards, blossoms, flickers and wavers in the breezes, fills us full of inspiration and pleasure.

The organs that have the most affinity with the body's expansive, Wood energy are the Liver and the Gall Bladder. When the Wood element and its organs are functioning well we are able to fulfil our potential as individuals more easily. It is as if there is a 'blueprint' of who we are and we can suddenly see clearly the instructions set before us, easily and without effort. There is a fresh spirit of motivation behind our activities which drives us on and enables us to achieve our objectives rapidly.

One of the most common syndromes that practitioners of oriental medicine find in clinical practice is what is termed 'Liver Qi Stagnation' - when the Qi of the Liver becomes stuck and unable to nourish the channels, tendons and blood-supply of the body. Visible signs of this are stiff joints, brittle nails, a dull complexion and tired eyes. Mental-emotional problems are very much a part of Liver Qi Stagnation, too. In this, we can become irritable, cynical and tired of life, while at the same time being dismissive of what others plan and strive for in their lives. Lacking in flexibility and vigour, life holds no joys or secrets for us - we 'know it all' and we become rather boring and predictable as a result.

Anger and aggression are also common weakness experienced when the Liver and Gall Bladder are out of balance. Our energies can turn in on themselves - becoming 'up-tight' and stuck. The digestion often suffers, too, becoming typically bilious with uncomfortable distension of the abdomen and (in women) the breast area. By the way, if much of the above sounds like a pretty good description of PMS, this is no coincidence. Liver Qi Stagnation is a major factor behind this common illness that affects so many women in our stressful Western culture.

The vital internal organs of the body, along with their numerous associations, are central to the understanding of human physiology and health. In the Eastern view, these organs are linked together by numerous internal energetic pathways or channels. Here to the right are the acupuncture channels of the Liver and Gall Bladder, along with their deeper pathways. You can see the connections.

The wonderful stretching movements of hatha yoga, including the standing angle postures, are ideal Spring time toners. Chi kung and tai ji, done outdoors in Spring, with their expansive movements and focus on 'going forward' are also excellent means of dispersing Liver Qi Stagnation and therefore in mitigating the symptoms of many of the above complaints.

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