top of page
Writer's pictureDr. Liliya Danilyan

Wisdom of Spring through Chinese Medicine



According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is the quintessential time of creating, cleansing, movement, growth, and renewal.  Everything around you is coming out of hibernation and blooming! This is a great time to support your body with renewal and actually a much better time to begin any new resolutions, habits, and passions as you will be supported with the Laws of Nature! 


Springtime is associated with the paired organ system of the Liver and Gallbladder, and they both play a very important role in your health and well-being.  This time is associated with the color green, as everything is bursting with it when you look around outside. The emotions of this organ system if anger, resentment, rage, and frustration and people tend to find themselves more sensitive to these particular emotions during this time.  The organs associated are the eyes and tendons, which are both affected depending on the health of your liver. 


Below you will find ways to help support this paired organ system.


Healing Springtime Foods

Think GREEN!

Food: arugula, basil, beets, broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumber, daikon, lemon, lettuce, grapefruit, oranges, radishes, sea vegetables, spring onions, watercress

Herbs: cardamom, dill, mint

Others: seeds, coconut milk, green tea


Exercise/Movement:One of the best ways to get your Liver and Gallbladder energy moving is through movement itself. Activities that bring you joy are even better! Exercising is a great way to "air" out the liver and getting everything flowing again, and the endorphins you feel afterwards are the reward your body gives you for providing it what it needs. Walking, running, cycling, playing a sport with friends, surfing, yoga, strength training are all great ways to help support your liver! 


Emotionally:

This is one of the best times to make some intentional personal and emotional development progress!


The Liver is a Yin organ and is responsible for the smooth flow of blood and emotions and since emotions are governed by blood, then the Liver is stagnant so are your emotions.  The Gallbladder is responsible for storing and excreting bile and governs decision making, planning, dreaming, inspiration and assertiveness.   


The emotions we see more during this time are: anger, depression, frustration, inability to forgive, irritability, lack of assertion, lethargy, letting go of old habits or pain, procrastination, rage, resentment, and unfulfilled desires.


In contrast a healthy flowing liver/gallbladder will present as; a forgiving spirit, assertiveness, decisiveness, even-temper, feeling fulfilled,  inspiration, joy, passion, and a willingness to let go.


Things to help support yourself emotionally can be:

  • Acupuncture 

  • Getting outdoors and moving your body

  • Getting your hands into the dirt and planting a garden

  • Calling an old friend

  • Spring cleaning your home

  • Laughing more

  • Forgiving those you may still be holding anger or resentment towards

  • Doing something spontaneous

  • Getting a facial to sloth off the dull winter skin

  • Enjoying a sauna and steam to support detoxification

  • Walking barefoot to earth and reconnect with nature

  • Castor oil packs

Detoxification: Springtime is natures time to begin any detoxification program or process.  That is when it begins to provide the best ingredients to help support you in your detox process like fresh greens, lemons, and sunshine!Here are simple ways you can support your liver with detoxification: 

  • 16oz of warm water with juice of whole lemon + pinch of sea salt ( for electrolyte balance) 

  • Castor oil packs at night over the liver 

  • Sauna - start slow if new to it or healing from chronic illness

  • Xiao Yao San - gentle liver moving formula, especially great for women suffering from PMS 

  • Herbs - milk thistle, artichoke, dandelion root, berberines, green tea 

  • Supplements - NAC, Alpha-lipoic Acid, TUDCA 

Hope this helps you have a healthier Spring!

Comentarios


bottom of page