In East Asian medicine, we consider the seasonal transition from late winter into early spring to be one of the most difficult for the body, as the energy available in nature moves from a deeply internal, yin state to more external, yang one.

As early spring begins to arrive, nascent growth in our surrounding ecosystem begins pushing up on the earth and our bodies. And, our bodies reflect the nature around us. As far north as Minnesota, this whole process can be particularly slow and long. So in the treatment room, we might see this expressed as increased symptoms of pain, chronic tension, and an increased susceptibility to irritability and depression this time of year, especially if there is residual congested energy in the body. For these reasons, late winter/early spring is a good time for a little anticipatory spring cleaning. The primary organs and channels in need of support as we emerge out of winter are the Liver and Gallbladder, along with harmonizing the joints and sinews, digestion, and the immune system.

See below for a few pieces of lifestyle guidance from the perspective of East Asian medicine to help your body, mind, and spirit adapt to the delicate shift of the season.

Harmonizing the Body with the Energy of Early Spring

• Inspiration + Vision: The arrival of the lunisolar new year and soon enough, early springtime, is accompanied by the motivation to start envisioning the year that you would like to have. You may find your dreams and plans beginning to take more shape and a sense of clarity around what you want to focus on.

• Pace + Rhythm: Spring is a season of renewal, not rush. Plan for some extra space in your schedule, allowing for moments of leisure and spontaneity, especially in the morning. Just like indoor seed starts and seedlings, your body is particularly sensitive to the pace of growth you demand from it this time of year. Protect some unhurried pockets of time in your weekly schedule where you can. Leave room to lengthen the exhale. Know that it might be more productive to take short breaksL get up and go for a walk rather than trudge through.

• Nourishment: Gently start to incorporate more leafy greens, sprouts, tender shoots, steamed veggies, and fresh herbs into your diet. Think warmed grains bowls with roasted or steamed vegetables and some leaves. Gradually adding more fresh veggies as the temperature warms up. As temperatures begin to thaw, we no longer need the heaviness or dampness of heavier comfort foods. Steer clear of greasy or fatty foods, too much dairy, or congesting ingredients that contribute to Liver Qi Stagnation.

• Protect Yourself from Wind and Drafts: Cover the back of your neck. As the temperature fluctuates between cold snaps and occasional thaws, pack layers and wear a scarf. All the yang channels coalesce at the back of the neck, so this is a big longevity practice. “Just a quick run out the door . . .”? Protect that yang and wear a scarf.

• The flavor of Spring is Sour: The sour flavor helps to rinse out winter. Sour stimulates the digestive juices. Incorporate lemon juice in water and a bit of lemon zest in foods. Balance with other flavors and use moderation. For more on how to recognize and support liver detoxification, check out this post.

• Acupressure Self Care: Certain points on the Liver and Gallbladder meridians act as gateways to flowing, smooth energy. Try gentle pressure at ‘Cycle Gate’, Liver 14 [Qi Men, 期門]. Steps:

• Lying down flat on your back, you can place your index fingers into the spaces between your fifth and sixth ribs on both sides of the body.  Your contact should be in line with a line that runs through the center of the collarbone and about even with the bottom of the sternum or xiphoid process.

• Gently sink into the tissue between the ribs (sometimes there’ s little divot) and then pull the tissue wide about 1/2 centimeter, dragging towards the outer edges of the body on either side.

• This point tells the Liver to start a process of cleansing itself and moving through stagnation. Liver 14 helps relieve tension and depression, soothe digestion, and alleviates pain and congestion in the upper abdomen.

• Hold gently for about 1-3 minutes. Release.
  

• Tending the Garden of the Mind: As we navigate the final stages of winter, be gentle with your mental and emotional well-being. In East Asian medicine, mental health symptoms are considered inseparable from the physical body, so all of the above tips are good places to spend energy. Special note that depression can reveal itself strongly in March and April; it’s a good time to prioritize self-care and avoid excess self-pressure or rigidity. Emphasize activities that bring joy, and be vocal about the support and vulnerability you may be experiencing.

• Herbs for Ease: A little more herbal tea, a little less coconut latte. Herbs that help vent, soothe, relax, and decongest the body are helpful for this seasonal transition. Get your teapot and get a ritual going with licorice, mint, chamomille, chrysanthemum, nettle, or dandelion tea. (Choose organic looseleaf teas to avoid heavy metals and pesticides; avoid ‘silk’ or plastic tea bags; enjoy ceramic mugs to steer clear of BPA-lined disposable cups.)

• Movement Practices—Soften Your Edges: Like tender shoots navigating around the pebbles and rocks in the first layer of crust in the earth, Wood-like energy needs side-to-side movement to stay flexible and strong. If you do HIIT, weight-lifting, yoga, or running/cycling, for example (linear, angular, forward-and-backward prescribed movement patterns), you might notice a build-up of body tension this time of year (shoulder pain, headaches, overall rigidity). Liver and Gallbladder channels really appreciate a little curvilinear, side-to-side, lateral movement: so throw in the occasional dance party in your kitchen, qi gong or tai qi practice, or shaking practice and your body will thank you.