HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BODY FOR SPRINGTIME WITH TCM THERAPIES

Spring is so close, and that means bright, sunny days, more time outside, flowers, and gentle rains. In Traditional Chinese Medicine circles, each season requires us to take personal measures to ensure we remain healthy, centred, and balanced.

The Five Elements

The traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy on spring includes living in harmony with the universe and understanding how nature moves, says Paul Johnson, TCM Practitioner at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. He points out the Five Element System, which includes:

• Fire
• Earth
• Metal
• Water
• Wood

He also explains how the different parts of a system interrelate, such as:

• Seasons
• Directions
• Emotions
• Organs

These elements and components explain how the internal environment reacts to the changing seasons. Johnson shares that these ancient “road signs” support our health in the modern world, as well.

Spring correlates to the element “wood.” In the spring, the wood element begins to expand, just as flowers and plants explode back into life. In the same way, humans start new projects, clean house, and remove clutter. The excitement of spring and the rush of enthusiasm it gives, however, can lead to excessive energy in the upper body, that can manifest as headaches, tinnitus, or migraines. Wood element imbalance can result in blurred vision, abdominal pain, depression, fatigue, and more.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation adds that the liver organ system is predominant in the spring. It moves energy up and outward freely, much like the branches of a tree, hence the relationship to wood.

Strengthening Our Bodies in Spring

The Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SITCM) suggests the following actions for staying healthy and balanced during the springtime months:

• Eat green foods like leafy green vegetables to support your Liver Blood.
• A 20- minute walk a day, is enough to enhance your Liver Qi.
• Harmonize your Liver Qi by scheduling an acupuncture treatment.
• Consider remedial massage therapy. According to the Australian Natural Therapists Association, massage stimulates the circulation, releases toxins and tensions, and strengthens the immune system, among many other favourable improvements to the mind, body, and spirit.

As spring appears, take time to care for yourself. Make your appointment today with the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine to ensure you are ready to meet spring head-on. 

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