Nourishing Practices for Spring

What visions are seeking life? Where do you want to allocate your energy? 

Spring is the time when you ask yourself these questions. After the dreamy Winter months of reflection and restoration, Spring provides the energy and motivation to make plans and set goals; a time for birth and growth. As your energy transitions into Spring, take the time to find what motivates you and what you want to focus on. Here are some ways to help support this growing yang in Spring from the rooted depths of yin Winter.

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Nourishing Practices in Spring

Move Your Body

Moving from the stillness of Winter into the birth of Spring holds the same energetics as a tiny sprout moving up out of the earth into sunlight. This momentum of energy can be gradually supported with movement practices throughout the season. The Liver and Gallbladder organs associated with this season have a tendency to stagnate, so it’s important that we move everyday to activate and circulate our qi. Dance, take a brisk walk in the Spring sunshine, massage your joints, tap your meridians or go for a short run. Do what you enjoy to move your qi and support the rising energy of Spring. Remember to be gradual and rooted as we don’t want to burn through the yang energy too fast. 

Practice Yoga & Qigong

Spring is the time when you can begin to increase the intensity of your Yoga practice. Moving from restorative and yin practices of Winter into a more vigorous Hatha or Vinyasa practice. Keep away from hot yoga classes which can be depleting for some people.

Qigong which means “working with your energy” is my favorite method for both moving and circulating energy but also to ground and center my body-mind. In the Spring, you can engage in some gentle purging type exercises to help shake off the dead leaves of Winter and clear the energy for growth. You can simply shake, jiggle, tap, stretch and gently jump. Spring is represented by young energy, so have fun as a child would! 

Plant and Grow

The theme for Spring is birth and growth. There is no better way to nourish this theme than by planting seeds and watching them sprout and grow into beautiful flowering plants. Get your hands dirty and connect with the energy of this season by growing plants and working in the garden. You can also apply this energy to projects. Spring energy is when all the planning happens. It can be a great time to make a list, gather materials and organize the next steps into manifestation. Remember that you have time, so pace yourself and always return to your body for signals when it’s time to rest or engage. 

Neti Pot Rinses

Seasonal allergies tend to arise in the Springtime and with all of the plant activity, our sinuses tend to be a bit more sensitive. Using a neti pot with warm water and sea salt can be extremely beneficial for your sinuses in these changing times. Make sure to only use warm distilled water and about ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. If you live in a dry climate and you find your sinuses tend to be dry and uncomfortable, rubbing a small amount of sesame oil inside your nostrils after a rinse can help with hydration.

Setting a Bedtime

According to the Chinese Medicine Clock, the liver and gallbladder have the most energy from 11 pm to 3 am. Your qi runs through your body and meridians according to a 24 hour clock. They meet the liver and gallbladder organs around between 11-3am. They do a much better job of cleansing and detoxifying if you’re asleep. Setting a bedtime before 11pm will help these “wood/spring” organs do their job and keep you feeling refreshed and restored.

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Springtime Medicine Cabinet

As the Winter Yin energy decreases and rising Spring Yang becomes dominant, we tend to be a bit more vulnerable to changes in weather and energy storage.

The primary organs in need of support this season are the liver and gallbladder, along with the immune system as your body transitions out of winter. The flavor of Spring is Sour! The sour flavor helps to rinse out winter. Sour stimulates the digestive juices. Incorporate the flavor but use moderation. If you are cold, you can balance it with warming herbs. If you are tired, add in a little sweet and if you feel dry, add in moist foods.

Here are a few herbs and their functions to support you through this season.

Chrysanthemum (ju hua)

These white and golden flowers can be enjoyed as a tea all Spring and Summer. They are cooling and detoxifying to the body. If you have cold patterns, it may be too cooling for you so enjoy sparingly. This herb is often used as a compress for the eyes when they feel overtired, red and itchy. 

Rose (mei gui hua)

Spring is a beautiful season to witness all the growth happening all around you. Rose helps to stimulate your senses with it’s floral fragrance and it helps to lift your spirits. In Chinese Medicine, it is known to move and circulate the qi of the liver. Head over to our blog to learn how to make a delicious Qi-Moving Rose Aperitif to help with digestion and ease stress. 

Burdock (niu bang zi)

The seeds of this plant are used in formulas to help with digestion and skin conditions. It’s root can be cooked or steeped into a tea. It is overall cooling to the body and is not recommended for pregnancy or lactation. 

Dandelion (pu gong ying)

Did you know that all parts of the dandelion can be used in a decoction to support the liver, stomach, kidneys, and digestive system? That’s right! This bitter, tonifying, and astringent herb helps treat UTIs, fatigue, liver disease, loss of appetite, and so much more. 

Hibiscus (mu jin hua)

These beautiful flowers are great in tea and support the lungs, liver, digestive system, and skin. It’s a potent liver cleanser that anchors liver fire blazing and blood stagnation. 

Tangerine (chen pi)

Dried tangerine peel supports the respiratory system, digestive system, liver, and gallbladder. They have a pungent and bitter flavor that can be used for cough, congestion, loss of appetite, fatigue, and loose stools. 

If you’re interested in learning more about leaning into the seasons and fully embracing Spring check out our blog post on Spring: Yang Rising out of Yin.