According to eastern medicine and philosophy spring is the season for growth and new beginnings. Nature reawakens around us and within us. After this long, cold and snowy winter in the Northeast we are truly ready for this transition. The eastern word for the energy of transition time between seasons is called “Doyo” It refers to the last couple of weeks of one season into the first couple of weeks of the next. As nature shifts your energy also transitions from the internal, yin energy of winter into the expanding energy of spring. Winter is represented by the water element, the kidney and bladder meridians and the energy of restoration. This energy is transitioning into the wood element, the liver and gallbladder meridians, and the energy of expansion and renewed activity in spring.
If you followed the natural flow of nature and took the time to rest and renew the body and mind and restore the adrenals by getting more rest and sleep during the winter this transition will flow smoothly. If you pushed against the natural flow and didn’t allow yourself to replenish this transition can be more challenging. We are part of nature and not separate from it. If you acknowledge and follow nature’s flow it is easier to remain in balance and health.
According to Chinese medicine, spring is the best time for cleansing and the detoxification of the liver. The liver has the extremely important job of regulating the flow of blood and life force, harmonizing digestion, and with your gallbladder’s help, balancing emotions. The Chinese diet for spring includes eating green foods that detoxify and improve the circulation of the liver. This prepares the body for the heat of summer. The diet includes green leafy vegetables, seaweed, spiralina and anything with chlorophyll. You can also nourish your liver by using sour flavors like lemon and vinegar added to your water or food. This is the best time of year to do a vegetable juice cleanse as well. Dandelion tea can be used to cleanse the liver and help release built-up anger. I suggest that you check in with a practitioner of Chinese medicine, a holistic nutritionist or other qualified practitioner to guide you through a cleanse.
Replenish, flush toxins and support your liver with the following spring soup. Make the soup of any or all of the following ingredients: Swiss chard, cabbage, brussel sprouts,, spinach, collards, mustard greens, kale, watercress, seaweed, fennel, dandelion greens, daikon radish and shitake mushrooms. Add the follow herbs and simmer on low heat for up to 2 hours: ginger, garlic, onions, parsley cilantro, and turmeric. You can add miso or a squeeze of lemon directly into the soup before eating. (Do not cook these ingredients as they loose their healing properties)
Enjoy the change in weather. Embrace the expanding energy and I wish you a smooth flow as you transition into spring.
Enjoy the change in weather. Embrace the expanding energy and I wish you a smooth flow as you transition into spring.
