Spring is the time of transition from the dormancy of winter to the promise of new beginnings, rebirth, growth, change and endless possibilities. Like new green shoots emerging from the cold, dormant soil of winter, spring is a time of energy activation.
Liver Energy
In Chinese medicine, spring is the season when the liver energy is very strong and the liver is a vital organ for detoxification of the body. When the liver energy is too low, the body cannot cleanse itself properly, which can lead to many problems. Common symptoms related to liver energy would be coughing, allergies, migraines, and PMS.
Spring is the perfect time to strengthen liver energy. Being active and eating the right foods can really help support its work, increasing its and vitality.
Physical activity is so important in the spring and to revitalize the liver. Take a walk, dance, do more active qi gong exercises, do things that get your body moving. Being active is so beneficial but this is a time to start slow without overdoing it.
Emotional Stress
Emotional stresses affect every system in the body. However, the Liver is where it all begins. Especially with emotions such as anger, frustration, sadness and depression, these are intimately connected to the energy of the liver and need to be acknowledged and expressed (in a healthy way) so as not to create stagnation in the body. All these emotions are part of life. If we push these feelings away because we "don't have time to deal with them", we add another layer to the blockages to the free flow of liver energy and all the connections that come with it.
What to eat in spring; Eat green
Eating seasonal, organic, and local foods is always beneficial and, in the spring, even more so! It is recommended to increase your intake of greens, leafy greens, dandelions, spinach, kale, leeks, asparagus, sprouts, green beans, etc. Eat a good variety of these foods. Eat them raw, steamed, lightly sautéed or stir-fried. Winter was a time of deep and long cooking (Stew, soup, etc), in the spring start to eat more fresh food or just lightly heated. Also, to help the liver and give it a little rest while it’s cleansing, limit fried and fattier foods.
My favorite Liver support for spring:
Artichoke, dandelion and black radis juice
Connect to the color green
Connect to the energy of the earth, the rhythms of nature and expose yourself to the color green. Whether it is through a nature walk, planting your garden seedlings or adopting a new plant. This will help you connect to the cyclical rhythm of spring and the energy the planet is in.
Spring cleaning
During the cold, dark winter months we spent a lot of time stuck inside. Now that spring is here, it’s time to move the energy in the home and cleanse your space. Spring is the time to clear out the clutter, let go of what no longer serves you and mop the dust that accumulated all winter.
Astrology
According to the astrological calendar, there are two equinoxes per year, in March and September, when day and night balance each other ~ 12 hours all over the Earth. The spring equinox is a time of celebration of the year when the Earth comes back to life. Spring also marks something significant in the stars; the astrological new year, otherwise known as the season of Aries. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac wheel, and when the Sun enters this fiery sign, it kicks off a whole new cycle for everyone. No matter where Aries is located in your natal chart, it is a time of collective rebirth and renewal.
The energy of renewal
Spring is the time to set new intentions. It is a fertile ground for developing and planting new ideas. The energy of rebirth with its infinite possibilities is with you and all around you. Take a moment to journal, talk to a friend, create a vision board, brainstorm with your team, draw a tarot card or do a new moon ritual.
All of these practices are just suggestions to help you Bio-harmonize with the spring season. Let your heart inspire you and go at your own rhythm.
- Lisa-Marie
