SEASONS IN CHINESE MEDICINE: SUMMER
Spring
Written by Lucinda Curran (c) 2012 Initially published in Seven Canaries
SPRING IS A MAGICAL TIME, MARKING THE END OF THE COLD MONTHS OF WINTER AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CYCLE OF LIFE. YOU CAN FEEL A SHIFT IN ENERGY AS EACH DAY THE WORLD SEEMS TO UNFOLD AS IF IT IS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR.
The air is alive with the buzz of the season, and in the garden you can see new growth, the emergence of small leaves and the bounty of flowers.
The air is alive with the buzz of the season, and in the garden you can see new growth, the emergence of small leaves and the bounty of flowers.
Spring is when animals emerge from hibernation and there is an explosion of vegetation for them to enjoy. The sky is bluer, and it feels like there could never be grey, cloudy days again!
Chinese medicine appreciates all of these changes, recognising and honouring the cycles of nature.
Moving Upwards
Spring is associated with the Wood element, which relates to the organs of the Liver and Gall Bladder.
The Wood element represents an upward movement, somewhat like the actions of a spring – full of potential when it is compressed and when it is released, it leaps into the air. After the quiet time of winter we too are ready to literally “spring into action” with the feeling that we are embarking on a fresh “new year.”
What have you been contemplating over winter? What changes would you like to make? What would you like to try? Now is the time to do this – or at the very least, put the wheels in motion. Book that adventure, enroll in that course, join a new group, do something new and different – and surprise yourself!
The Wood element is like a plant that sends its roots down deep (a Winter task) and then throws out branches, leaves, flowers and fruit in Spring. This is a time for growth and reaching new heights. If you are unsure of your next step, reach into your roots, which are the source of your nourishment, and choose something. If you have so many options that you don’t know which way to go, then simply select one possibility and take action, but don’t forget to keep a list of all of your ideas so that you can come back to them later.
Between Yin and Yang
Spring is the changeover point between the Yin of Winter and the Yang of Summer. Early in the season is the time to sow your seeds, and as the Yang builds momentum, the fruits of your labour begin to appear.
It may be that you need to build your momentum slowly – like taking a big stretch, breathing and rising gently from a long and deep sleep, instead of leaping out of bed because of the incessant buzzing of your alarm clock. Find the rhythm that works for you.
A seed offers the perfect analogy for this season. A seed has vast potential. A seed can grow into a towering tree that is hundreds of years old; it can grow into a tomato plant and yield 10 kg of fruit (all containing new seeds), it also has the potential to lay dormant for decades before growing into a beautiful oak tree.
Spend time reflecting on the seeds you would like to plant. Bear in mind that what you sow now is what shapes the future.
The Spring Diet
Sour is the flavour associated with Spring. Some foods to include are lemons, limes, vinegar, hawthorn berries, pickles and golden berries (also known as Inca berries).
Sour foods need to be eaten in moderation to be effective and will help to nourish and soften the Liver. As well, the sour flavour astringes, which is helpful when the spring winds pick up. Sour is an especially useful flavour in times of stress or anger.
Other foods that are good in Spring are those that move upwards and are warming – again imitating the actions of a plant. Examples include cabbage, sweet potato, yam, carrot, beetroot, peas, sunflower seeds, shitake mushrooms, pine nuts, and of course culinary herbs.
As always, eat what is locally produced and in season – if you could grow it in your backyard right now, then enjoy it.
Wind
The wind becomes active in Spring, stirring everything up, spreading the seeds and enlivening the world. It appears suddenly, changes direction quickly, and is unpredictable – sometimes being a light wind, other times being gale-force.
The wind can be unsettling, however, as it directly impacts upon the liver, which is related to anger, frustration, jealousy, stress and resentment. If there is an excess of these emotions, it can throw things out of balance. However, for others it is cleansing. These people will find decision-making easy, their temper will be even and their mood calm.
Regardless of whether there is a light breeze or a strong wind, spring is the season to always remember your scarf!
Wake from the slumber of winter to the new spring day. Stretch, rise, sow your seeds, nurture them, and watch them grow!
Mimic the actions of a plant, reach for the Heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars – move upwards, leap into life, SHINE AND SUCCEED!
