SPRING is the Element of Wood and is a Yang Season a time of upward and outward movement as can be seen in the new growth of buds, plants and trees. A time of birth, creation and development.
According to Chinese Five Element theory the Organs associated with the Wood Element are the Liver and Gall Bladder which carry out essential bodily functions, particularly the digestion and processing of many substances, we take into our bodies. Basically, the Liver functions as the body’s master laboratory cleansing, strengthening and regulating the supply of blood thus maintaining potency for the flow of Qi throughout the body.
Spring is a time filled with inspiration and energy to act upon your ideas. A time to make a fresh new start and allow your dreams to blossom. The Wood Element aids our mental clarity to create, focus, plan and make decisions. The Emotion associated with the Wood Element is anger which needs to be expressed in a safe and constructive manner otherwise suppression can injure the Wood organs.
The Climate for Spring is characterised by Wind which with over exposure can cause symptoms associated with a Wood imbalance such as poor resistance to illnesses and many allergic sensitivities that can affect the eyes, the senses associated with the Liver. If your eyes become overly sensitive, irritated and reddened then drink a bodymindspirit chrysanthemum tea and afterwards place the tea bags over your eyes which will ease the redness and appease the irritation.
According to Traditional Chinese Medical theory the healthiest diet is composed of clear, bland foods consisting mainly of grains, beans including tofu, dark green leafy and red, yellow vegetables and fruits. As these foods are considered highly nutritious and easily digested. Also to include only small amounts of meat, eggs and dairy as these foods though necessary to repair the body can be difficult to digest and can clog the body with dampness and phlegm.
You should avoid fried, roasted, fermented, pickled or hot natured foods as these can be very drying, toxic and create disease. Instead it is best to avoid all raw food and steam, boil or lightly cook, as cooking pre-digests the food into a soup-like consistency which enables better assimilation and digestion and prevents food stagnation / indigestion.
Always eat regularly three times a day, moderate amounts and only when hungry. Be sure to eat slowly, chew thoroughly and avoid distracting thoughts or activity such as reading or watching television as this can effect your appetite and result in poor digestion. Also never prepare or eat food when emotionally upset as this too will impair your digestion. Avoid eating late at night as this disturbs your quality of sleep and leads to unnecessary weight gain.
Avoid iced water and drinks and keep fluid intake to a minimum during meals because their chilled nature reduces your digestive fire. Also an excess of fluids can overburden the kidneys and create unnecessary abundant urination. Ideally fluids are best taken between meals and only when thirsty so as not to overburden the digestive tract and flood the kidneys with too much water. But a hot drink taken after meals will enhance digestion.
A diet should include all the five flavours pertaining to each season but a persistent usage of one of the flavours can cause and imbalance in the organs and so should be avoided.
The Taste/Flavour of Spring is Sour which enters the Liver and Gall Bladder Organs which is dispersing and dispelling in action, so the diet is aimed at nourishing the Liver to reinforce its function. But sour in excess may cause too much retention of moisture. But small amounts of sour flavoured foods can be taken, such as plums and citrus fruits. A safe and delicate daily cleanser for the liver is to cut a slice of lemon and add to hot water and drink upon wakening.
Your diet should include more fresh fruits, fish especially salmon and plenty of green vegetables such as spring greens, asparagus, broccoli, parsley and leeks. as you lighten your diet from the heavier protein heat producing foods recommended for Winter. Other foods that are helpful to move the Liver Qi are chives, carrots, basil, rosemary and marjoram.
Obtain this tea in the form of tea bags, so that after drinking you can use the tea bags as cold compresses to brighten and ease irritation of the eyes.
Pour a very hot bath and add fresh lemon balm leaves placed inside a muslin bag or add drops of the aromatherapy oil. This beautifully fragrant herb calms the nerves, treats over exertion, stress and promotes relaxation. It can also be taken as a tea by adding 1-2 teaspoons of the dried leaves infused in hot water as it is helpful for allergies, digestive disorders and has antiviral and antibacterial properties. This herb is said to ensure longevity and Paracelsus called it the ‘elixir of life’.
Afterwards, rest and relax further to ensure you completely unwind by doing the bodymindspirit breathing.
For those of you suffering from heart problems, high blood pressure, fever or signs of heat then this treatment is inappropriate.
In keeping with the Qi of the Spring Season it is important to rise earlier from sleep and ideally take a bodymindspirit walk
Do not eat immediately prior to sleep as this will affect the quality of your sleep and lead to obesity. Be sure to try to quieten down your activities prior to sleep and therefore your mind in order to maximise a deep restful sleep. Since a large part of our lives are spent sleeping in our bedrooms try to minimalise all electrical appliances such as electric blankets, clocks and telephones etc. as this can interfere with your Qi. Keep your room well ventilated, warm and harmonious without unnecessary clutter.
Jogging as an aerobic exercise is the means by which you get your heart beating 80% faster than its normal rate. It is important to be effective, that you sustain the activity for a continuous 20 minutes. Ideally, you should do some form of aerobic activity three times per week.
Pilates is a very safe way to tone and build physical strength. This a very good method of resistance training where you push against weights to exercise all major muscle groups to build muscular strength which helps to convert fat into muscles without adding bulk to your muscles. This will aid in strengthening and stretching your ligaments (associated with the Wood element) and open up the joints, with a resulting slimmer and fitter body. Isometrics is another good form of resistance training.
Rest lying prone for twenty minutes and create warmth in your hands by rubbing them together then place both your hands just below your navel onto your Dan-Tien (a powerful energy centre of the body). Breathe deeply and slowly into this area while you imagine an hot sun revolving and generating energy from this area to the rest of your body. You can do this anytime to ease stress and fatigue, as it will enhance your energy. If done after meals this breathing technique will also aid digestion.
For your walk set a reasonable brisk pace for yourself and keep to it, empty your mind listen to your breath and breathe in unison with your walking pace. By stopping your thoughts, you will notice the sounds of nature's Spring around you. Become aware and mindful of the beauty of the Spring Season. Do not dawdle but maintain the pace and momentum of your movement especially from your lower abdomen & hip region. Feel yourself grounded in your Dan-Tien and stay present to each moment and your own rhythmic pace. Breath deeply and rhythmically, Do this for at least 20 minutes three times a week in order to increase and improve your lung function and cardiac output.
Thinking is also an activity so it is important to become aware of the excess chatter of your thoughts and try to stem unnecessary excessive thinking which can turn into worry or obsessional thoughts. Apart from various meditation techniques one easy method is to set time aside each day for deep relaxation and either listen to non-lyrical music or a guided relaxation tape. By relaxing the body you can calm and empty your mind inducing necessary quietude. As the mind and body are so interdependent this method of relaxing the body will have a positive impact upon your mind and spirit and enhance body health.
One aspect of Spring is the the increase of light so ideally take your regular daily walk in fresh air after wakening. Do not wear sunglasses as it is important for your health to absorb the sunlight through your eyes.