-
Spring Has Sprung
"People are born soft and supple;
dead, they are stiff and hard.
Plants are born tender and pliant;
dead, they are brittle and dry.
The hard and stiff will be broken.
The soft and pliant will prevail."
(from the Tao Te Ching)
Chinese medicine is a system that evolved over thousands of years by observing the workings of nature. We human beings are part of nature; we are a microcosm of the macrocosm. By observing the cycles and seasons of nature we can learn to live harmoniously with the world around us. Chinese medicine offers us a lens to see our place in the world more clearly. According to Chinese medicine, springtime is related to the element of wood. Plants "spring" to life, and we feel our "sap begin to flow." Like a seed that has been dormant through the winter, our energy begins to grow and expand. Spring is also associated with the liver organ system, which is responsible for the smooth flow of qi and blood in our bodies. When this smooth flow is interrupted stagnation results, causing physical problems like aches and pains and emotional symptoms like frustration, depression and anger. We can think of the liver and its corresponding element of wood as similar to bamboo or a young sapling. When healthy, it is supple and we are able to bend gracefully with the wind. When it gets dry and brittle, we can snap.
The body tissues associated with the liver are the tendons and muscles. It's not uncommon to experience tension or soreness in the spring as we start to become more active. Pain such as sciatica, neck or shoulder pain, flank pain, joint pain and so on are associated with the liver or gall bladder meridians. Acupuncture and exercise like Qi Gong can alleviate these problems by facilitating the smooth flow of energy.
Women are especially affected by imbalances in liver qi, as the menstrual cycle is closely associated with the liver and its function of regulating the blood. Dysmenorhea, PMS and other menstrual disorders are viewed as imbalances associated with the liver. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs correct these imbalances by relieving liver tension and restoring harmony.
If you're ready to spring into spring, stop by the Heaven and Earth Clinic at 337 West Portal Avenue and sample the Spring Tea mix. Ask about the Tuesday night Qi Gong class. Try an acupuncture "tune–up." Spring is a great time to learn more about how we can use Chinese medicine to become more flexible and develop greater harmony between our body, mind and spirit.
© 2000 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
Back to Article Topics
