In the Flow with Healing Waters

The past few days have actually been feeling a bit like spring. The birds are chirping and fluttering around. The temps are getting warmer, the sun is shining and the snow is finally melting!

After a long, cold winter, it feels like the world is coming alive again. The energy of spring time is infectious, it is a time of growth and new beginnings. The days are getting longer, and the sunshine is brighter, giving us more energy and motivation to tackle new projects and challenges. For some strange reason the clutter in my basement didn’t bother me all winter but now it’s become urgent to clean and declutter, strange and funny! The warmer weather also allows us to spend more time outdoors, which is invigorating and uplifting.

Chinese medicine places a great emphasis on the importance of aligning oneself with the energies of the seasons. According to traditional Chinese medicine spring is associated with the element of wood and the liver and gallbladder meridians. This is a time of renewal, growth and expansion. In Chinese medicine it is believed that everything in the universe is made up of energy. The goal is to keep the flow of that energy balanced and free-flowing in order to maintain good health.

The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy throughout the body, and during the spring, this organ is particularly active. Spring is the season when the energy of the liver is very strong and the liver is vital in detoxifying the body. When the liver energy is not strong, the body cannot detoxify well which can lead to so many problems. Some people have a lot of coughing in the spring, which is mainly due to weak liver energy. Spring is prime time for strengthening liver energy. Being active outdoors and eating the right foods can really help liver energy. Strong liver energy brings more physical energy and vitality.

During the spring it is recommended to eat foods that are light and fresh such as leafy greens, sprouts, asparagus, beets, mint and radishes. These foods help to detox and support the liver, promote the movement of energy and clear any stagnant energy from the body.

Spring is a great time of year to support the liver with an energetic liver balance. Your liver is a large organ and is responsible for filtering all toxins whether it’s from medications, anesthesia, environmental toxins and our emotions. A liver balance or “liver flush” is a great way to clear congested and stagnant energy from the liver so it can function well.

Getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air really helps get your energy flowing as well. Take your walk outdoors, garden, ride a bike, go hiking or even just sitting in the sun in your backyard or a local park and taking in all the greenery around you is so beneficial.

So put some spring in your step, spring in your food, spring in your mind and heart and spring into life!

In the flow of spring,

Teresa