In Chinese medicine, spring is associated with the Wood element, or Liver and Gallbladder channels. It's a time of rejuvenation, both in nature and within ourselves. One of the fundamental principles of Chinese medicine is the importance of harmonizing our bodies with the changing seasons through diet, lifestyle, and holistic practices. Incorporating season-specific foods into our diet can help us nourish our bodies and promote overall well-being. Here are some key Chinese medicine foods recommended for spring:

Neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage, can be a debilitating and painful experience for those affected. Acupuncture focuses on addressing the root cause to provide relief and improve the quality of life for neuropathy sufferers.

Neuropathy can result from various factors including diabetes, chemotherapy, infections, nerve impingements, and traumatic injuries. It manifests as tingling, numbness, and/or pain along the affected nerve pathway often impacting the ability to perform daily activities comfortably. Conventional treatments typically involve medications to alleviate pain, but they come with side effects and fail to address the underlying cause.

Here we talk about the ways in which acupuncture can help.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), phlegm is considered a pathogenic factor that can significantly impact the body's physical wellness and mental health balance. Phlegm is viewed as more than just the mucus produced by the respiratory system. In TCM, it's a broader concept encompassing various conditions marked by the accumulation of fluids in the body. Excessive phlegm can obstruct the flow of Qi (vital energy) and disrupt the harmonious functioning of organs, leading to imbalances and health issues. 

In the most basic of terms- it gunks up the pipes and makes many bodily systems sluggish. 

In the ideal mental health scenario, our emotions flow freely, are acknowledged, responded to appropriately, and thus processed. However, if the emotional stimuli are too sudden, too strong/excessive, last a long time, or are suppressed, we may become “stuck” in our emotions. This disturbs the mental/physical balance in the body and creates blockages which in turn can result in physical dis-ease or ailments.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the spring season is associated with the liver and gallbladder channels or organ systems. We often think of spring cleaning our homes, but we should cleanse our bodies as well. The liver is our body's most important detoxification organ, and we need to give it an occasional scrub. An annual liver cleanse is a great idea, and spring is the perfect time! 

While we have generally adapted well to life with COVID, some people find themselves dealing with lingering illness after having the virus – so-called “long COVID”. 

The main challenge of these lingering effects is that we are no longer acutely sick, but not fully well either. While this may seem unusual, it’s actually more common than you think. Many familiar viruses have found ways of hiding and staying around long after an initial illness has passed. Some examples include the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes mononucleosis, and the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

Thankfully, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been successfully treating lingering, post-infection symptoms for millennia.

In the United States it is estimated that at least one-third of adults experience insomnia, and its prevalence is only increasing. Sleep issues affect people of all ages and the impact is far-reaching. Deep, restorative sleep is vitally important for a hearty immune system and a calm, balanced state of mind. On the other hand, poor sleep increases the risk of many health problems such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and depression.

Sleep is such an important pillar of health and Chinese Medicine has some tried and true herbal formulas to help you get back into a healthy sleep rhythm.

In preparation for winter, our focus turns to strengthening the water element’s organ system pair, the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder, and practice that which we observe in nature: stillness, conservation, and storage.  

In Chinese Medicine theory, the kidneys are the storehouse of our vital energy (our Qi), and our Jing, or Essence. Jing relates to our genetics and governs growth, reproduction, and how we move through the cycles of life. Our bones, joints, teeth, ears, brain, and marrow are influenced by the kidneys. 

Summer marks the maximum energy, or most yang season in TCM. Peak yang is expressed through growth, vitality, activity, motivation, creativity and joy. Ruled by the element of fire, summer is a time to balance the heat within our bodies. Fire correlates with the Heart and Small Intestine organ channels, and these should be given additional attention during this time.

Spring- an expression of life at its strongest, and time for our energy reserves harnessed in the winter to be put into action.

Element: Wood
Yin Organ: Liver
Yang Organ: Gallbladder
Emotion: Anger, Anxiety, Tension
Color: Green
Taste: Sour
Sense Organs: Eyes
Influences: Tendons, Sinews, Menstrual Blood

Xiao Yao San, or Free and Easy Wanderer, is one of those formulas that never disappoints. From easing stress to offering a modest boost in energy, this formula offers incredible versatility for improved health and wellness. It has been around for centuries and although stressors have changed over time, it has remained a favorite among herbalists and its users.

How you sleep is one of the most important aspects of your health, and is something you should not neglect. My clients that report poor sleep tend to take longer to heal from even minor health issues.

Our bodies require restful sleep to heal. In general, if you have a health condition and poor sleep, fix the sleep first and the other will follow suit much quicker. There are many things which can be done to improve your odds of a better night’s rest.

Try to incorporate some of the tips below to make a positive impact on your slumber.

Element: Water
Yin Organ: Kidneys
Yang Organ: Urinary Bladder
Emotion: Fear
Spirit: Zhi (willpower)
Climate: Cold
Color: Black/Dark Blue
Taste: Salty
Sense Organs: Ears
Tissues: Bone, Marrow
Virtues: Strength, Courage, Wisdom

Element: metal
Yin organ: lungs
Yang organ: large intestine
Emotion: grief/sadness
Climate: dryness
Color: white
Sensory organ: nose, sense of smell
Tissues: skin
Qi: Wei (Immune System)
Yin organ time: 3-5am
Yang organ time: 5-7am
Virtues: purity, self worth, receptivity, inspiration