SPRING: THE SPIRIT OF RENEWAL

Posted on April 11, 2012 Category : Blog
The Spring season is here!  Winter transforms into spring where seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and the sun warms the earth.  This is a time of positive change that brings renewal of spirit and new life all around. According to Chinese medicine, the universe and in your body, changes occur in five distinct stages, also known as the Five Elements -- wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.  The Five Elements describe the flow of Qi (life energy) and the balance of Yin and Yang as it relates to nature and within your body. This time of year is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being.  Specifically, it is associated with the wood element, the liver organ and its complementary organ, the gall bladder.  Additionally, the wood element is also associated with emotional stress and anxiety. Managing Stress:  The Liver and Wood Element Are you feeling exhausted and stressed making it difficult for you to get through the day? According to the American Psychological Association, three quarters of Americans experience physical symptoms (77%) and psychological symptoms (73%) related to stress in a given month. One-third of Americans feel they are living with extreme stress.  About half of Americans (48%) feel their stress levels have significantly increased over a five-year period. If you experience unhealthy forms of stress, one must nourish the Liver organ and meridian (energy pathway).  When the Liver is imbalanced or in disharmony, anger and irritability manifest especially during times of stress.  According to Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (life energy) throughout the body.  When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity also runs smoothly throughout the body. The Liver has many important functions such as:

• storing the blood
• ensuring the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body
• detoxification
• developing the capacity for recovering energy
• boosting immunity

This is a great time to nourish your liver by cleansing, detoxifying the body, and balancing your mind and spirit. Overcome Your Allergies Are you plagued by chronic allergies that are undermining your health? Nearly 20% of Americans suffer from allergies. Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system where the body's defenses react to a substance in the environment, such as pollen, animal dander, or food. Almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction, which can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening. From an energetic point of view, an allergy is an energy imbalance between your body's electromagnetic energy and the substance causing your unpleasant physical, physiological, and psychological symptoms. Overcome your allergies through non-invasive, drug-free, and natural approaches - such as acupuncture and Chinese medicine, herbs, and mind-body medicine like NAET. Move Your Qi! Here are some additional tips to help you balance your wood element this spring:

• Stretch.  Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine.  Try yoga or tai chi to complement your physical exercise.  The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility.

• Eat Green.  The wood element is also represented by the color green.  To nourish your Liver, green whole foods can help cleanse and detoxify your body to balance your mind and spirit.  It also provides an extraordinary range of vital and essential nutrients the body needs.

• Enjoy The Outdoors!  Breathe outside air to help your liver Qi to flow freely. Take a walk around a lake or park or hike!

• Get Acupuncture and Chinese medicine.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help boost your energy, immunity to overcome allergies, detoxify your liver, and manage healthy stress levels to help your body function optimally!