Spring signals new beginnings, opportunities, optimism, vision, and flexibility – time to activate go-mode now!
Photograph: Unsplash
Text: Lyndsay Jensen
As the heavy chill of winter begins to lift, the days become longer, and our activity naturally increases. New shoots sprout from the ground, new buds on trees, and feelings of lightness, freshness, and renewal prevail. The liver and gall bladder are the organs of focus during spring. In oriental medicine, the element is wood, and the liver is seen as the emperor of the body setting the standard for the body to follow. A healthy liver means a healthy reference point for the whole body. Time for spring cleaning inside and out! Focus on detoxifying, cleansing and doing whatever makes you feel light, happier, and flexible.
Problems associated with imbalances in the body:
Joint and muscle tension
Headaches, generally on the side of the head or back of the eyes
Irritability and outbursts of anger
Eye and visual disturbances
Allergies
Steps to keeping healthy and joyful during spring:
Move
You need movement, so get out, take long walks in nature, observe the changes around you, and invite change in. If you’re not into going to the gym, join a yoga class - stretching will improve your flexibility and give you that light, open feeling.
Spring clean
Go through your home, office, and car and remove stuff you don’t need. Allow new things into your life. Imagine what you would like to create in your life and make plans to actuate these dreams.
Let go of old resentments and start fresh
Grudges and resentments are indigestible and can damage not only the mind but also the body.
"Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be." - ourmindfullife.com
Practice forgiveness
Take a risk and try something new. Think of something you’d like to try. Now is the time to do it!
Spring foods
Spring is the time to embrace healthier food choices and flush out the toxins so that the liver can do its job more effectively. Begin by eliminating foods that stress the liver, such as fried or fatty foods. Sugar and white flour should be eliminated or minimised, and foods with chemical preservatives and food colouring should be avoided. Instead, make stir-fries and steamed vegetables. Try to eat slowly and enjoy the abundance of plant-based foods – fresh leafy greens, sprouts, asian greens, peas, and green beans – that can improve the liver’s overall function.
Add lemon slices to your drinking water, and use vinegar, lemon juice and good olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of pickle. Try replacing one coffee a week with dandelion tea.
Eye exercises
Although all the organs have some connection to your eye health, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a screen and do eye exercises.
So Spring into Spring, rise early, try something new, revitalise and attune yourself to the energy of this exciting season. ENJOY!