Spring
Dear Patient,
Happy Spring! Yesterday was the vernal equinox, a day of yin and yang in equal measure, a pause as winter recedes and yields to the expansive energy of spring.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is the season of the Wood element, when Wood reaches its fullest expression in nature and in our own beings. Wood is all about new beginnings, forward movement, planning and growth. Wood boldly claims its place in the universe; it takes charge. In this season of Wood, evidence of new life is everywhere in nature. Spring is an awakening, a time of possibilities.
Within the body, spring and the Wood element are associated with the Liver and Gallbladder systems. The Liver directs the flow of qi through the meridians, and is responsible for the unfolding of the body’s cycles. The Gallbladder is our source of courage. Together, these systems propel us to move forward in life, and give us the fortitude to execute plans. When the Liver and Gallbladder are healthy and flourishing, we can make our dreams a reality.
But the Liver and Gallbladder can easily become stagnant, causing us to feel frustrated, depressed and anxious. Physically we might experience headaches, pain or bloating around the middle, or issues with the menstrual cycle. Stagnant Wood energy is something we all experience, because life throws us curveballs. Our best-laid plans get thwarted. Our time and attention and resources get directed away from the path we want to pursue. We get stuck.
Fortunately this time of year there’s an easy remedy: immerse yourself in the Wood energy of the natural world. Gaze out the window. Go outside. Marvel at the changes from one day to the next—the new growth, the tiny buds, the dots of color. Listen to the birds chatter, touch the earth, and get some dirt under your fingernails. The gifts of spring can be the best medicine.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist