Welcoming Spring
Embracing Change & Spring in Chinese Medicine
Good Morning!
I thought today is the perfect day to send a little Spring Season inspiration. Yesterday was the closest new moon to the Spring Equinox which is coming up on March 20th, and it feels like the perfect time to be starting new habits and renewing commitments. Even if you don’t have anything major going on in your life at the moment, if you pay close attention I’m certain that a lot is changing. Actually, I feel that this year is bringing a lot of changes for all of us. The world is going through a pivotal shift and what happens on the outside… happens on the inside too.
Q: What sort of changes are occurring in your life?
For some of us, even small changes can be uncomfortable. I used to be the type of person who didn’t like much to change in my daily life, until I would make a big change all at once. This pattern has gone on for quite some time for me —from leaps in development in childhood to all of the various moves in my 20s. I don’t think I learned until around 2021 how good it can feel to be in constant flux. Not to fight change, but to accept it as the only constant.
I may have taken it to an extreme, but not so long after embracing the changes in my surroundings, I ended up going to Costa Rica for an indefinite amount of time, and being in a free-flowing travel lifestyle, which lasted for 6 months.
If you are someone who struggles with changes and unknowns, here are my recommendations:
Have personal care routines that don’t rely on too many external factors. For example, the way you brush your teeth, wash your face, and put on your moisturizer can be a constant in any location or any uncertain day.
Have self care routines that require minimal things. Actually, pretty much since university days when I lived on campus, I have always been able to put my headphones in and do my workout and stretches no matter where I was. Maybe one of the reasons why I love Pilates, yoga flows, and other exercises that require minimal equipment: it’s always there for me.
Find a safe home within. Breathing is talked about a lot, but since it’s something mandatory for life, it’s so easy to ignore. Learning breathing techniques and regulating using breath-work exercises has made me feel more at-home in my body — and it’s one of the few healing tools that we always have with us.
SEASONAL CHANGES
As we approach the Spring Equinox, spring has actually already begun. Even in colder places, we can feel the sun getting stronger and the days getting longer, and hear more birds singing; signs of spring emerging are there if you look closely. The world is coming back alive, from the insects to the animals coming out of hibernation —and you should be feeling it too!
In spring, we need to pay more attention to our diet, exercise, and health habits, because it’s a natural time of renewal. Not only will we really feel it if we don’t —it’s also the perfect time biologically to tend to accumulated toxins, signs of stagnation or depression, and any illnesses or physical discomforts that will hold you back moving forwards.
THE WOOD ELEMENT 木
From Chinese Medicine tradition, Wood is the element of nature that represents spring. When everything comes back alive, it is the “wood” energy of determination and direction that promotes growth and expansion. The organs which are in charge during this season are the Liver and Gallbladder. At this time, our livers and gallbladders specifically go through a renewal process and become stronger. Which means that now is the time to detox if you have any accumulated toxins —and we mostly all do in current times! By supporting the Liver and smooth flow of Qi, we will optimize our health and prepare for the excitement of summertime. We can also nourish and build up Liver Qi with foods, herbs, and movements to maintain good vision, energy levels, and emotional resiliency.
Q: How will you tend to your liver and gallbladder health this season?
If you are in need of SUPPORT during this exciting time, I offer 1:1 Virtual Sessions designed to help you self-heal with the wisdom of holistic health, including Chinese Medicine. Get in touch to book a Free Discovery Call, or follow the Work With Me link to read more.
Thank you for reading, I hope you stay well and embrace change this season!
With love,
— Morven
