TCM in Spring: Harnessing Energy and Setting Intentions
Learn how to use the wisdom of TCM in Spring: Harnessing Energy and Setting Intentions to see you through the rest of the season and well into summer. Read on to find my Top Three Tips to help you make the most of the change of season and to embrace the rising yang energy of the wood element.
‘And out of the darkness came the hands that reach thro’ nature, moulding men.’
Alfred Lord Tennyson
This quote makes me think of the way spring slowly begins to creep up on us. As the buds of flowers start to peep up out of the soil from late February, we can sense that a change of season is on the way.
Harnessing Energy and Setting Intentions
Spring brings a sense of optimism as we hope that the warmer and lighter weather will motivate us to get up and out of our comfy and cosy spaces where we’ve been hibernating all winter. There is also the notion that those colds and flus of winter are behind us and as the days lengthen, we can look forward to feeling more invigorated and healthier.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spring is associated with the wood element, taking on its attributes of flexibility, new beginnings with an upward surge of yang energy. Spring is about using the energies we have conserved during the winter season to help propel us to the height of summer.
By being in balance during one season, we can hope to retain this state of equilibrium as the cycle of nature moves on. During winter we were encouraged to mimic nature by slowing down, adopting a more restful and restorative lifestyle and eating foods to warm and soothe the body and mind. The purpose of this time of rest is to allow us to fully embrace the spring season as it emerges, we can slowly cast off the winter fuzziness and begin to head outdoors again.
With the expansive energy of the season, spring is a great time to set some intentions for the year ahead. In fact, it might even be better to spend some time now revisiting any New Year Resolutions, because we have the energy to now see them through.
Welcome to the Wood Element
TCM’s 5-element Theory links the meridians of the liver and gallbladder with the season of spring and the wood element. These meridian lines run throughout the body and we aim to encourage the free flow of energy within them. This is where our yoga practice helps, as we can use specific movements to encourage this flow of qi (energy) encouraging a better health and more optimism.
According to this ancient wisdom the Liver is responsible for strategic planning, this is where making these resolutions comes in. Taking time to visualise what you want can be a powerful way to embrace the energy of the season.
But making a plan is no good unless we have the motivation to see it through to completion. This is where New Year Resolutions fail. In winter, we often lack the drive to start a diet, join a gym, or job hunt. The new moon at spring’s onset is the ideal time to start. The meridians of the season work with us to move forwards in a positive manner. The gallbladder aids us in making smart decisions and take action. The liver and gallbladder meridians team up to help us plan and stay motivated
Top Tips for Spring
- Start meditating. Meditating is a great way to slow down the thoughts in the mind. Regular practice can help you to get clear on your vision of the future. It also helps clearing the mind, sort of like a spring clean. Here’s some more information on meditation to help you get started.
- Tight muscles, especially in the shoulders and neck, can be a sign of stagnate qi within the Gallbladder meridian. Book a massage, try acupuncture or try some at home myofascial release with a tennis ball. This will help release the tension, ease headaches and improve your motivation. Try this short yoga session to ease tightness in the neck and relieve migraine headache symptoms.
- Watch out for anger. Anger can be another sign of qi stagnation within the meridians of the season. Find a way to channel any anger constructively. You could try a boxing class or taking some time away from heated situations to go for a walk. Liver 3, which is an acupressure point on the top of the foot can be stimulated to help release anger.
