Spring is the season of expansion and new growth, both in nature and energetically.
In Chinese medicine, it’s associated with the Liver system, which regulates the smooth flow of energy throughout the body (as well as being involved in detoxification, metabolism, and the stress response).
It’s also the traditional time for spring cleaning, not just for our homes, but for our bodies too. Clearing out what’s stagnant, both physically and energetically, helps make room for new growth and expansion.
Creativity & new growth
Just like new shoots and blossoms emerging in Spring, this season is a great time for creativity and momentum. If Winter had you feeling a little stuck or turned inward, Spring is the invitation to get things moving again, starting a new project or simply feeling a bit more energised and excited to be out and about. Living in tune with the seasons will help to support that flow in the body, and of course please always listen to your body. If you weren’t able to slow down and rest more in Winter, it’s ok to rest now to allow energy to build first!
Follow the sunlight
As the mornings get lighter earlier, it’s a great time to start shifting your own rhythm to match. Getting up a little earlier and starting your day with movement like walking or gentle stretching will help to support the energy of Spring.
Eat seasonal greens
Eating with the seasons helps support your nutritional needs throughout the year, and in Spring that means enjoying fresh green vegetables and zesty herbs, which help clear energy and get things moving. In true Chinese medicine fashion, lightly steamed or stir-fried greens are easier for a weak digestion than raw vegies, but rocket, basil, and other herbs can be used fresh.
Click here for my recipe for Springtime greens & beans soup.
Look out for:
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Dill
- Fennel
- Snow peas
- Leeks
- Mint
- Spring onions
- Rocket
- Sprouts
Don’t pack your scarf away yet!
In Melbourne, there’s always that one last cold snap waiting to catch you out. Keep wearing a scarf to protect your neck from the wind during this seasonal transition. In Chinese medicine, the neck is considered a vulnerable area for wind and cold exposure, which is closely linked to the common cold and seasonal illness.
A couple of simple ways to support your immune system in Spring:
- Sip on peppermint tea, or chrysanthemum if seasonal allergies are flaring
- Add freshly chopped spring onions to your miso soup or bone broth
Get ahead of hayfever
If you suffer from seasonal allergies / hayfever, the best time to address it is before sneezing and other symptoms get bad. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been found to support your body’s response to seasonal triggers, so you can move through Spring more comfortably.
Click here to book a consultation or get in touch to find out more.
More about acupuncture for hayfever:
“Current evidence suggests that acupuncture is an effective and relatively safe treatment option that can offer both temporary symptomatic relief and ongoing benefits for up to 3 months after treatment… Acupuncture is a recommended treatment for allergic rhinitis for those preferring a non-pharmacologic treatment option. (1) (2)
In Melbourne, magnolia blossoms are one of the first signs of Spring, and the magnolia flower bud, known in Chinese medicine as Xin Yi Hua, is a great herb for Springtime allergies. This herb is one of my favourites to clear blocked sinuses and nasal congestion, to relieve sinus headaches and address allergic rhinitis.
Herbs are combined into a formula for best therapeutic effects.
Written by Dr Mary-Jo Bevin (TCM) | AHPRA-registered Doctor of Chinese Medicine | 20+ years clinical experience in women’s health | Windsor, Melbourne.
References
(1) Dr John McDonald. Acupuncture for Allergic rhinitis. Evidence Based Acupuncture.
(2) Seidman MD, et al. Clinical practice guideline: allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery: official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2015;152(1 Suppl):S1-S43
