Acupuncture Healthcare

Five Element Theory tells us that Spring is dominated by the Liver-Wood Element.  Spring is green, little sprouts popping up out of the dark ground of Winter—a time of fast growth, high energy, and movement.  Our Yang energies are rising and we feel stronger, more invigorated after a quiet, restful Winter, the time when the Yin energies are dominant.  But we must still be careful to not overtax this rising Yang, it is not the full Yang of Summer, so we need to continue to nourish ourselves and treat our bodies with respect.

With the strong feeling of rising Yang, we are prone to give into excess.  Too much alcohol, coffee, sugar, over-exercising, exerting our bodies and our minds beyond our limits can damage the Yang Qi, which will lead to illness in Fall and Winter and mental depression and irritability.

Health tips for nourishing the Liver-Wood Element:

*Rise early and allow the natural springiness of this season to circulate through your four limbs–that is, get up and exercise!

*If your Liver feels sluggish and is having difficulty greeting its season, take 30 drops of milk thistle tincture in a small glass of warm water for two weeks and EXERCISE daily.  The Liver loves movement and will stagnate under sedentary states such as the couch potato lag.  Vigorous walks, jogging, swimming, dancing, tai chi, gong fu—activities that move the entire body rather than focus on a body part such as body building are especially beneficial to the Liver.

*Eat seasonally!  This is when the dark, leafy greens and bitters begin to show up.  Dandelion greens, burdock root, swiss chard, kale–these foods will naturally disperse stagnation and clear Heat.

Tags: experiments, five elements, health care