Aligning with the Cycles of Nature: Health and Wellbeing in the Spring

When we tune into the energy of Spring, it is that of blossoming, of rebirth. Still, as we plant our seeds, we need to tend to the soil, integrating and composting the lessons of the past winter season, and letting go of any stuck or stagnant energy. During the Spring, we gather and cultivate energy and inspiration for the rest of the year, so approaching the season with clarity, alignment and mindfulness sets the foundation for a truly abundant and joyful year ahead. We need to make sure that we are well watered, well nourished, with a strong foundation so that as we move into the cycles of peak growth, we have everything that we need to flourish and thrive!

In Five Element theory (an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Spring is dominated by the element of Wood. The other Elements being Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, each with their own particular associations and roles in maintaining balance within all beings and environments. All of the elements interact with and depend on one another. When we understand the associations, and particularly the seasons and practices to support each of these elements, we find a logical and powerful way to harness the natural cycles to optimize our health and wellbeing.

Now each element is associated with a stage in development, and not surprising, Spring is associated with birth. Other associations are the color GREEN, the taste of BITTER. The weather element of Spring is WIND, which is often what we find as this is how seeds spread, and it is the energy that moves that is stuck and ready to become more light.

The wood element is associated with the LIVER and the GALLBLADDER, the organs responsible for the smooth flow of Qi in the body. These organs are related to our ability to absorb and utilize nutrients and energy from our foods, as well as process our emotional experiences. The GallBladder is related to courage and willpower, so as we move into the next phase of the year and our lives, supporting proper flow and function is helpful to manifest all that we are wanting. Strong emotions can affect the flow of Qi, and the Liver is particularly susceptible to such strong emotions, especially ANGER. So one of the works of the Spring is to process and release any stuck anger or resentment.

I would also add the importance of addressing the LYMPHATIC SYSTEM, and MICROBIOME during this time. During the winter we tend to accumulate fluids, weight, and our systems slow and naturally become more sluggish. So in order to support the free flow of energy and nutrients, to be able to deliver them to the tissues and remove any waste in the way, tending to the lymph is vital. Our Microbiome, or our inner terrain is our soil, the foundation with which we grow all things. So we benefit from some additional tending to our biome, just like how a garden needs regular soil tending to support the prosperity and health of the growing plants.

Symptoms of Liver/Gallbladder Stagnation

• Allergies and Hay Fever: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of the patterns resulting in allergic symptoms is referred to as the Liver Attacking the Lungs. What this means is that imbalance in the Liver, or more specifically, stagnation in the Liver, causes a reflexive stagnation and block within the Lungs, resulting in energy moving upwards instead of downwards, i.e. sneezing, itching and hypersensitivity responses. This is also where we find the association between chronic sinus infections and congestion and the Liver. The Liver is said to open into the EYES, and what is interesting is that cases of Pink Eye tend to go up during the Spring.
• PMS: The regulation of our hormones is very much affected by Liver Qi. We understand this from a western perspective as well as we know how important the liver is for keeping our estrogen levels balanced.
• Poor Digestion/Absorption of Nutrients: Particularly related to issues absorbing fats. Interestingly the Lymphatic System is also essential for the absorption and utilization of fats, which is why focusing on both the Liver and Lymph are important to do at the same time.
• Gallstones/Sluggish Bile Production/Release
• Lack of Courage and Willpower
• Irritability/Frustration/Resentment

Nutrition to Strengthen the Liver During Spring

The safest and simplest way to support your Liver Health is with the diet. Green being the associated color, consider increasing your intake of green foods! When we look to nature and see what is growing, we find Dandelion Greens, Arugula, Mustard Greens, Nettle Leaf, Chickweed, Violet Leaf. All which are so supportive of Liver Health through various mechanisms. We also want to include Bitter Foods, many of the greens mentioned above have bitter qualities. Additionally we can think of adding Artichokes, Radishes, and Cruciferous Veggies. Making sure you have adequate protein and fiber is also important to keep you fully and holistically nourished and flowing.

Try Eating More Sprouts!

Spring is the time when we see all the little sprouts popping up. So consider incorporating more sprouted foods in your meals. Sprouts like Mung Bean, Radish and Broccoli are wonderful! Sprouts contain immense nutritional value for their size, and are often very easy to digest unlike some of the full grown veggies.

Try a 3 day Juice and Broth Liquid Fast!

One of my favorite ways to encourage optimal health in seasonal transitions is to incorporate seasonally appropriate fasting. For the Springtime, a combination of Green Juices and Bone or Veggie Broth is wonderful. I also like to include the Herbal Spring tonic below. Short Fasts are safe for most, of course check with your provider before you try something like this to make sure it is appropriate for you. Giving your body a few days of just liquids can really help to heal the digestive lining, reset the microbiome, calm the nervous system and allow us to create a ritual experience to set grounded and loving intentions for this next cycle of growth.

Try Spring Herbal Tonic Super Infusions!

There are several herbs you can consider here. Super infusion means that you do a long infusion (overnight or at least 8 hours). Through that process one can extract up to 500x more of the mineral content. All of these herbs are really rich in chlorophyll as well which is really cleansing for the blood and lymph. An easy way to do this is to purchase organic herbs either from your local apothecary or natural foods store, or else online from a reputable source and pre-mix a blend so that you can make a new batch every 4 days or so.

SPRINGTIME LIVER AND LYMPH TONIC

• 1 tbsp fresh or dried Organic Nettle Leaf
• 1 tbsp dried Organic Alfalfa Leaf
• 1 tbsp dried Organic Cleavers (Galium) Leaf
• 1 tsp of dried Dandelion Root
• Instructions:
  • The easiest way to make this is in a large glass french press. You can also use a large glass jar.
  • Mix all of the herbs in the bottom of the french press or large glass jar.
  • Boil Filtered water and allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes before pouring over the dried herbs. Place the top on, and if using a french press push the top down halfway. If using a glass jar simply swirl the content.
  • Let this steep either overnight or for at least 8 hours at room temperature.
  • Filter and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• ○ Add splashes of the tea to your water throughout the day, ideally drinking at least a cup of the infusion a day!

Additional Therapies and Practices for the Spring

• Sweat!
  • Start to increase your Exercise and Movement
  • Regular sweating either via exercise (Don’t over do it, it’s important to avoid burnout) or Sauna.
• Castor Oil Packs on the Liver and Gallbladder
• Alternating Hot and Cold Showers to increase Lymphatic Circulation
• Add in some additional Liver Support:
  • Botanicals: Dandelion Root, Schisandra Berry, Milk Thistle, Bitter Herbs like Artichoke Leaf and Gentian, Nettle Leaf
  • Nutrients: B Complex, DIM, Added Antioxidants like Glutathione, Vitamin C
• Microbiome Support: Probiotics, Fermented Foods and Prebiotics!
• Reduce Inflammatory Foods/Drinks: Alcohol, added sugars, fried and processed foods for instance.
• Forgiveness Practices:
  • Often emotional energy and particularly anger can get stuck when we perhaps need to work with the energy of forgiveness, either for ourselves or others, and often both.
  • I encourage you to check out the Webinar “MINDFUL FORGIVENESS WITH DARBY SHERMAN” for an in-depth guided practice around forgiveness.
  • Another of my favorite practices for releasing anger is BREATHWORK, and lastly HO’OPONOPONO, a Hawaiian Forgiveness Prayer which we will go into in another upcoming Webinar.
• Setting Intentions:
  • What intentions do you have for the various areas in your life?
  • It can be quite incredible when we take the time to write and feel into what we wish to manifest, more often than not it will come into being.
  • What do you wish to manifest or embody in regards to your:
    • PHYSICAL HEALTH
    • EMOTIONAL HEALTH
    • RELATIONSHIPS AND LOVE
    • CREATIVITY AND WORK
    • FUN, MAGIC and JOY
• Plant some actual seeds or little plants!
  • Gardening is incredibly therapeutic, so whether you have space for a large garden or even a few pots on a porch, I encourage you to experiment with growing and nurturing some plant friends!

Happy Spring Everyone!