Spring Has Sprung: A Season of Growth

As “winter” loosens its grip and the world begins to bloom, spring marks a profound shift - not just in nature, but within our bodies as well. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is a season of renewal, expansion, and upward movement of energy. Understanding this seasonal transition can help us align our habits with the rhythms of nature and support our overall well-being. I put winter in quotation marks because our seasons have been extremely muddled this year. Our winter was barely existent; our spring has almost peaked; our bodies and minds can be equally confused - which makes us move through the days with a little less grounding. 

The Energy of Spring: Rising and Expanding

In TCM, each season corresponds to an element, and spring is governed by the wood element. Wood energy is associated with growth, vision, and flexibility (or lack of) - think of a tree stretching upward toward the sun. This same rising, expansive quality is mirrored in our bodies during springtime.

We’re stretching. We’re overcoming our stiffness. We’re reaching. We’re broadening our minds. But our emotions can get a little caught up if we’re not careful. 

Spring is closely connected to the liver and gallbladder organ systems in Chinese medicine. The liver is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. When this flow is balanced, we feel energized, clear-minded, and emotionally stable.

However, if liver Qi becomes stagnant - something that can happen more easily during seasonal transitions - you might experience symptoms such as:

• Irritability or mood swings (Hi, this is me right now). 

• Tension headaches

• Digestive discomfort

• Tight muscles or stiffness

Emotional Landscape: Anger and Expression

Each season in Chinese medicine is also linked to an emotion. For spring, that emotion is anger - not just in its explosive form, but frustration, resentment, or suppressed feelings.

Rather than viewing anger as purely negative, Chinese medicine sees it as a signal of blocked energy. Healthy expression and movement - whether through conversation, creative outlets, or physical activity - help keep this energy flowing.

The gallbladder, paired with the liver, supports decision-making and courage. Together, these systems help us plan, act, and move forward - perfectly aligned with spring’s theme of new beginnings. On the other side of the coin, stagnant qi in the gallbladder can cause indecision and feelings of depression or fatigue. 

Supporting Your Body in Spring

To harmonize with the season, consider these gentle adjustments:

1. Move More, Stretch Often
Spring favors movement. Activities like walking, yoga, or light exercise help the liver keep Qi flowing smoothly. 

2. Eat for the Season
Incorporate fresh, green foods such as leafy vegetables, sprouts, and herbs. These foods support the liver and reflect the vibrant energy of spring.

3. Simplify and Cleanse
Spring is a natural time for decluttering - both physically and mentally. Lightening your environment can have a direct impact on how you feel internally. Clear some counters off and see how it makes you feel! My goal is always centered around our closets. It does wonders for the psyche! 

4. Go to Bed Earlier, Wake Earlier
Align your sleep with the increasing daylight. This supports the body’s natural circadian rhythms and energy cycles. This is much harder for me as a sleep procrastinator. But if I stay on track, I feel SO much better. 

5. Breathe and Release
Deep breathing, journaling, or mindfulness practices can help release built-up tension and support emotional balance. The Alpenglow team recently went to a sound bath together and it was very therapeutic to have music move the energy for us. Highly recommend trying something like this. 

6. Take Herbs and Get Acupuncture!  

Sometimes it takes something else to move your qi, like acupuncture and herbs. Currently I am living on our “Free and Easy Wanderer” formula in order to make it through some of my days. Mostly fueled by toddler-isms, my frustration can sometimes get the best of me, so I’m working hard to keep myself leveled with herbs and acupuncture. 

Embracing the Season of Growth

Spring invites us to grow - not forcefully, but naturally, like a plant reaching toward the sun. By tuning into the wisdom of TCM, we can better understand how seasonal changes influence our bodies and minds.

As you step into this season, consider what in your life is ready to expand, soften, or take root. With a little awareness and care, spring can be a time of powerful renewal!