Now that we are in spring, our diet needs to once again be re-imagined to put us in sync with mother nature. Eating in balance with the seasons promotes digestive health which in turn promotes overall health.
As the trees blossom and create vibrancy and foliage, our diet should be about cleansing to make room for new opportunities! We often do “spring cleaning” of our home. It’s the same idea but for our gut health.
Spring Associations in TCM
Element: Wood
Organs: Liver & Gallbladder
Flavors: Lightly sweet, sour & pungent
Bitter greens have energy that is both cooling and draining. The greens of spring (dandelion or any wild greens) are just what we need to promote Liver health and energy that could have become stuck during winter.
Vegetables for Spring
- Bitter greens (dandelion, wild greens)
- Snow Peas
- String Beans
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Beets
- Legumes
- Watercress
- Sprouts
- Varieties of Lettuce
Fruits, Grains & Herbs
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
- Whole grains
- Seeds
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Garlic & gingers
Tending to Your Emotional Health
During Spring, focusing on emotional health is just as important as physical. One cannot separate mind and body health as one affects the other. If you have chronic pain for example, you will more than likely feel more depressed and anxious. However, if you are optimistic in outlook and emotionally in balance, the likelihood of managing the chronic pain will be easier.
Spring is a great time to look at your life, explore what you are grateful for and work toward emotional healing. Balancing the Liver and Gallbladder energy (chi) will help you relax the rigidity of mind and body and help you use tools for coping easier.
Check out this blog on how Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can help support your mental health during spring.
