Spring 2017

Welcome to spring! It is a busy time of year, and we all feel energized and awakened after the dark of winter. The sun is up earlier and it stays light longer giving us all a little boost. Spring is the time for change, growth and movement. If you need to make a big change in life, then the energy of the season supports you! 
    Spring is ruled by the wood element. The choice in spring is to harden and become rigid or to be flexible and adaptable. Depending on the situation, either one could be appropriate. The color associated with spring is green, and appropriately so. All around us the trees are budding with new green growth and green shoots are sprouting from the ground. Notice the energy of the plants at this time of year and how that energy supports breakthrough and growth. It is a time to take action, new beginnings and ascension.
    The organs that relate to the wood energy are the Liver (yin) and Gall Bladder (yang). Spring is a good time to cleanse your body, especially the liver. Eat lots of greens, eat lighter and decrease the intake of salty and fatty foods to give your body a break. Sour is the flavor of wood, so enjoy sour foods more. Also, enjoy more sweet and pungent flavors because they have a rising energy mirroring nature at this time. Herbs that support your body in the spring are basil, fennel, bay leaves, dill, marjoram, dill, rosemary, and caraway. It is a good time to increase your intake of complex carbohydrates (legumes and grains). They give quick energy for when you are on the go and they have a sweet nurturing essence for the body. Eat more sprouted and raw foods to help with renewal and reminding the body of growth and youth. Not everyone can handle a lot of raw food, so cook your food for a shorter amount of time.
    Make sure to take good care of your Liver in the spring. In Chinese medicine this means deal with your emotions. Not dealing with emotions can interrupt healthy function of the Liver in Chinese medicine. Spring is the best time for cleansing your body to improve liver function. Exercise is of utmost important to Liver health, so get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather and play!!

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