Seasonal Advice Sheet

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Take a moment next time you are walking in nature. The birds are so excited, and all the spring flowers are bursting with new growth. Spring is the season to sow your own seeds or plans that support your vision of how you’d like your life to be. Plan the things in your life that you want to grow and develop.

Have a spring clean - clearing clutter can do wonderful things to your energy levels!

The organs that are the most active in springtime are the liver and gallbladder. When the liver organ and meridians are working harmoniously, life will flow effortlessly, and we are able to be open and flexible to change around us. When the liver Qi is constrained during times of stress, we feel resentful, angry, irritable and wronged by others. When the gallbladder organ and meridians (still relevant by the way, if you have had a cholecystectomy) are healthy, clear judgments and decisions can be made. When the gallbladder is out of balance, we can become judgmental and critical of others, rather than allowing their differences to give us contrast so that we may make conscious choices in life.

The liver and gallbladder control the muscles and tendons of the body, so this is a good time of year to consider a seasonal tune up with acupuncture, massage or stretching if you suffer from headaches, neck stiffness, or sore and tight ligaments and tendons. The liver also controls the eyes, so beware of dryness or blurred vision.

What can you do?

There are several simple steps that you can take which will help to avoid the above problems:

WEATHER PROTECTION

Keep the head and neck shielded from strong winds

DIET

Avoid sour foods, drink chrysanthemum flower tea. If you are not a vegetarian, you can also add the herb “Ching Po Leung” to chicken or pork soup

SLEEP

Adequate rest and quiet times help soothe an angry liver. Always try to go to bed at least 2 hours before midnight

SPRING REFLECTION

• What is my vision for the future of this coming year?
• What plans can I make to support this vision?
• What decisions do I need to make to support the changes needed?
• What action can I take now to begin to manifest this dream?