As we move out of the winter season and into the warmer days of spring it is important to keep in mind how the seasons can affect our physiology. In TCM the springtime is associated with the Liver organ and diet / lifestyle protocols should be geared to improving and stimulating the circulation of Qi and blood to harmonize the mind / body.
One of the fundamental ideas for improving health in the springtime is related to boosting the efficiency of the digestive system. During the winter season patients often eat a diet heavy on meats, fats, and sweets and this can often cause issues with Liver / Spleen disharmony. These clinical suggestions target a potentially sluggish digestive system related to concepts found within both TCM and fundamental physiological digestive function. If the digestive system is sluggish, patients will often experience symptoms which are related to the TCM concepts of Liver Depression Qi Stagnation and Spleen Qi Vacuity.
Sharpening the Taste Buds
Bitters: This is one of the most important flavors to emphasize during the Spring season. The ideal formula for bitters is balanced with cooling and warming herbs and does not contain stimulant laxatives. These are ideally taken before meals in liquid form and must be tasted for full therapeutic activity. These often come in tinctures and liquid extracts. I often recommend patients use these formulas in the evening five minutes before the evening meal or at least five minutes after the meal. Balanced bitters formulas stimulate all aspects of the digestive system and have a broad range of clinical use due to this systemic activity.
Adding Flavor for Health
Spices: This suggestion is a powerful way for patients to stimulate the digestion system and circulation of Qi and Blood. Spices such as cumin, cardamom, coriander, fennel, ginger and cayenne are important additions to the diet during the spring season. Ideally these spices are added to soups, curries, salads, etc during the spring season to stimulate digestion and prevent stagnation of Qi and Blood. Spices are also very important to take along with tonic herbs to prevent any potential issues of cloying stagnation due to the heavy nature of some tonic herbs. One of my favorite suggestions for patients is cumin / coriander / fennel tea.
An Apple a Day ...
Three organic apples daily: This is one of the most important suggestion I give to patients during the spring season. Apples have a sweet and sour flavor and enter the Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach and Spleen meridians. High in gentle pectin-based fiber, apples help stool transit time without irritating the digestive systems and can help to clear damp-heat from the Spleen and Liver meridians. Rich in nutrients, apples are also an excellent source of fluids, vitamins, mineral and phytonutrients. This nutritious fruit can be eaten raw or baked with spices to enhance its ability to course the Qi and boost the Spleen while simultaneous clearing Damp Heat.
On the Move
Exercise: Spring is the season for getting outside and moving the body after the long months of cold weather. Often during the winter season physical activity levels can drop therefore it's very important to counsel patients on the importance of physical exercise during the spring season. Exercise circulates the Qi and Blood and can help ameliorate the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder in many patients. This can be as simple as walking one hour daily, taking Tai Chi classes, joining a running group, taking martial arts classes, or weight training. In my clinical experience, the ideal combination is weight training combined with walking / running.
These four simple suggestions are inexpensive and can make a significant impact on health in the springtime season particularly used in conjunction with acupuncture. The suggestions are easy to add to almost any clinical protocol and do not require complicated instructions or lifestyle upheaval, therefore are easy for patients to implement. Always remember that the daily lifestyle choices of patients is deeply connected to the influence of the seasons and their reaction to acupuncture / prescribed TCM herbal medicines. Use this spring season as a time to inspire patients to move out of the hibernation of the winter months and into new goals for health and vitality!
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