Spring Time with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Spring Time with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Spring is the long-awaited change of winter to spring. Seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and the sun warms the earth. There is a sense of renewal and new life all around.
While winter was a time to conserve energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and a renewal of spirit.
But it is also the season of allergies. Allergies are a sign from your body that one or more organs are imbalanced or have an energy deficiency. This energy deficiency can be related to several organs: the Kidney, Liver, Lung or Stomach.
The best way to address allergies is to focus on strengthening your body’s Qi or vital energy, as well as supporting the organ(s) that are most deficient in energy. This means making key lifestyle adjustments and recognizing when your body is running low on Qi.
The Principle of the Five Elements
The five elements refer to wood, fire, earth, metal, and water in Eastern philosophy. The Principle of the Five Elements (known as the Wu Hsing in Chinese) describes the flow of Qi and the balance of yin and yang.
According to the principle, all change – in the universe and in your body – occurs in five distinct stages. Each of these stages is associated with a particular time of year, a specific element in nature, and a pair of organs in the body. Change links together the seasons of the year, aspects of nature, and your body's organs and bodily processes. A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine uses this principle to diagnose and treat health problems, linking specific foods, herbs, and acupuncture points to the restoration of yin-yang and Qi.
SPRING:
Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. As spring is represented by the wood element and includes the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder, these two organs are usually the primary targets for springtime cleansing and health regimens.
· Element: Wood
· Color: Green
· Nature: Yang
· Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
· Emotion: Anger
Put Some Spring into Your Step
Spring corresponds to the "Wood" element, which in turn is conceptually related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly.So, for optimum health this spring, move your Qi!
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga, tai qi or Qigong.
Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Make Healthy Food Choices- Diet is also an important healing strategy. In terms of allergies, it’s best to alleviate any condition caused by internal cold, which can also sap your energy and unbalance the state of your body and its organs, as well as to revitalize the organs that need support. Add warming ginger or cinnamon to your diet whenever possible; avoid foods that have a cold temperature or essence; don’t eat a lot of salads or raw vegetables; don’t drink a lot of cold water or sodas. Add healing foods in spring that support the Liver: salmon, scallions, eggplant, broccoli, dandelion greens, chives, cucumber, asparagus, kale, artichokes, arugula, fennel, turmeric, garlic, etc.
Eat More Greens - Green is the color of the liver and of springtime. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the liver's overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Taste Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Do more outdoor activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy milk thistle tea-Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Chinese Herbal Formula’s for Spring allergies:
· Nasal Tabs
· Allernest
· Cold Away, Yin Chao, Gan Mao Ling
· Clear Air
· Isatis Gold
Get Acupuncture treatments- Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony. Seasonal acupuncture treatments just four times a year can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems
** By following these dietary and lifestyle strategies on a daily basis, you can help your body your Qi throughout the year and address the root case of your allergies! You don’t have to accept allergies as being a part of your “normal” condition; in fact, they are a symptom from your body that deeper imbalances are present that may lead to even more uncomfortable, possibly life-threatening, ailments in the future. Make the time to take care of yourself! Take steps today not just to feel better and stop suffering from pesky allergies, but also to improve your overall health and prevent more serious disease from entering your body.
Dr. Dawn Mamikunian, L.Ac., DACM
(585) 402-1007
https://dawnsacupuncture.com
