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Spring In Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine each season is associated with one of the five elements. Spring is paired with the wood element. This is not surprising as plants and trees start showing signs of new life.
Wood represents the energy of growth, change, and pushing through obstacles. wood energy is a very active energy that allows a lot of movement and progress, both internally and externally. When wood energy is constrained it can be the energy of frustration,anger, and stress.
The organ system that represents wood is the Liver . The Liver governs the muscles and tendons , the eyes, the fingernails, and plays a key role in the way the reproductive system functions. The Liver is responsible for the flow of mental and physical energy and assists the other organs in functioning properly. Liver qi allows the movement of our emotions and is strongly connected to feelings of anger and frustration.
As Liver qi begins to flow more easily in the spring we may notice that problems that bothered us in the winter begin to feel better and we have more energy and a sense of vigor.
Springtime can also be just the opposite if your Liver qi is stagnated. You may notice depression, muscle tightness and pain as well as digestive disorders as a result of qi stagnation.
The Gallbladder is the Yang organ match of the Liver. The Gallbladder is the organ in charge of a persons decision making capabilities.
Spring is a good time to work with the Liver as the patterns are most accessible and responsive to lasting change during this season.It is a great time to work with these blockages and get things moving so that we can tap into our energy.
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" The physician who knows how to harmonize the liver knows how to treat the hundred diseases" From Zhou Xuchai, Reflections Upon Reading the Medical classics. Qing dynasty.
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Health Tips From Dr. Shih
- EAT GREEN Green is the color of springtime and the liver. Eating plants such as fresh leafy greens, sprouts and grasses will improve the overall function of the liver and aid in the movement of qi.
- TASTE SOUR Food and drinks with sour taste stimulate the liver's qi.
- DO MORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Outside air helps liver qi flow. if you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to get rid of that liver qi stagnation
- EYE EXERCISES While all of our organs have a connection to the health of our eyes in one way or another,the liver is connected to proper eye function.Take a break when looking at anything for extended periods of time.
- STRETCH The liver stores blood during periods of rest then releases it to the tendons during active periods. This maintains tendon health. Try a morning stretch. Incorporate tai qi or yoga into your routine.
- GO SLOW
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When You Set Your Clocks Ahead Reset Your Internal Clock and Reclaim Your Rhythm!
Here are some suggestions for some steps that you can take day and night to get restful sleep and renew your vitality! Daytime
- Alarms Try not to use an alarm clock. Using a dawn-stimulating lamp that gradually lights the room gets you up gently.
- Breaks Take 5 minute breaks throughout the day and focus on your breath.
- Sunlight we need it to produce hormones that encourage good mood, sleep, and slow aging.
- Exercise Avoid it close to bedtime.
- Caffeine Not to much, and not past early afternoon.
- Elimination Diet Don't eat sugar, processed foods, refined grains, dairy or wheat for 2 weeks.
- Body Rhythm Eating Most of the day's food should be eaten by lunch since metabolism drops after that. Save complex carbs for dinner, and eat no later than 3 hours before bed.
- Medications Be aware of how you react to them. Some may cause drowsiness, some sleeplessness.
Evening
- Shutdown The Machines By 10pm, turn off your electronics, including the TV, cell phone and computer. They inhibit the release of sleep neurotransmitters.
- Ritual For Sleep Dim the lights, take a bath, listen to calming music.
- Relaxation Routine Do some breathing exercises or brief meditation to shift your routine before bed. Try to go to bed at the same time even on weekends when possible.
- Dark Room Keep the bedroom dark in order to produce melatonin, an important sleep hormone.
- Keep It Cool and Quiet Turn down the thermostat and use earplugs or a noise machine.
- Skip the Pills and Alcohol Sleeping pills don't address the cause of insomnia.Alcohol may put you to sleep but it disrupts the sleep cycle by causing waking later on.
- Herbs That Calm Some calming herbs are lemon balm, passionflower,chamomile, magnolia, or valerian root
All of these suggestions may not be right for everyone. If you have questions about which ones are the best to incorporate into your wellness routine do not hesitate to discuss them with Dr. Shih.
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Essential Oils for Allergy Season
When fighting allergies and relieving symptoms, using essential oils can help you avoid the side effects of traditional allergy medications and shots. They can also boost your overall health and well being without the drowsiness associated with allergy medication. Some of the essential oils associated with allergy relief are:
- Eucalyptus- helps to fight symptoms such as congestion, headaches and respiratory conditions. It is anti-inflammatory, disinfectant , and expectorant. When mixed with a carrier oil it can be topically applied to chest and throat areas
- Lavender- anti-inflammatory, builds immunity, relives headaches and acts as a natural antihistamine. It has a very soothing and calming aroma.
- Lemon- protects immunity and relives respiratory issues. it is an excellent antibacterial agent which makes it perfectly suited for respiratory inflammation.
- Peppermint- helps to improve breathing by opening sinuses and airways and has anti-inflammatory properties. Apply to temples for headache pain.
To relive allergy symptoms combine 2 drops each of Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon in a small amount of water. Swish inside mouth for 10-20 seconds then swallow.This can also be put in a gel or added to a spoonful of locally made honey.
For congestion combine 1 or 2 drops each of Eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon in a bowl with hot water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel close your eyes and inhale deeply.
Even though Spring and other things are in the air, there is no need to suffer from allergy symptoms or the side effects of over the counter medications. |
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Seasonal Vegetarian Cooking & Seasonal Qigong for Spring
When : March 17,2013
Where : Chinese Healing Arts Center 73-3 Great Plain Road , Danbury CT.
Seasonal Cooking for Liver and Gallbladder Health (10 am-1pm)
Qigong for Liver and Gallbladder Health ( 1-3 pm)
Courses are with Tai Chi Chuan Master Wendy Shih
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We hope you enjoyed our spring issue and remember to check your inbox . Dr Shih will have more great tips. If you have any questions or require further information on anything mentioned in this newsletter or have any comments you would like to share don't hesitate to contact us by phone at (845)338-6045 or email at qihealer@aol.com.
Don't forget to GO SLOW and enjoy what is around you!
Sincerely, Dr. Shih and Staff The Chinese Healing Arts Center |
