Marking a time of reemergence, growth, and transformation, the energy of Spring (re)kindles all that has been dormant beneath the surface during the fertile depths of Winter. As hidden seeds are nurtured by rising Yang to bloom and be revealed, it’s a potent time to not only welcome the new but release accumulations that could otherwise weigh us down or hold us back. As our focus shifts from substance to energy, we can experience a certain lightness of being made possible by engaging with TCM wisdom that supports the natural processes of clarification and purification associated with this season.
The Five Elements framework is a rich and foundational component of TCM that highlights the vast interconnections at play between our internal and external worlds. Each element has correspondences that interact to form complex relationships informed by the phases of life’s cycles, with implications for each person’s individual constitution, the connections between mind-body-spirit, and even the energetic qualities of every tonic herb. Spring corresponds to the Liver organ system, which is our most important detoxification pathway on several levels—cleansing toxins, regulating Qi and Blood, and even helping to balance our emotions.
Seasonal eating is one of the best ways we can support our inherent physiological intelligence in aligning with nature’s rhythms. During Spring, we tend to Liver health with the fresh, leafy vegetables that are bursting forth from the earth, progressively increasing the consumption of raw foods as Yang energy builds internally and externally. Make it a ritual by foraging for wild greens like stinging nettles and making this pesto that not only celebrates the bounty of Spring, but also deeply supports optimal Liver function. You can also ritualize the intention for nutritional presence by visiting your local farmer’s market to discover an herb you’ve never tried before, and incorporating it into your culinary creations to add a fresh twist.
The flavor associated with Spring is sour, which holds an astringent quality that helps to relieve Dampness and counteract the fatty foods we may have relied on during Winter. As we are at the tail end of a long citrus season, we can harmonize our transition to Spring by truly savoring every piece of citrus we are able to enjoy at its peak potency. Make it a ritual by prioritizing a warm cup of water with freshly squeezed lemon juice first thing in the morning, taking some time to sit with yourself and feel it moving through your body. Alternatively, incorporate Schizandra into your daily regimen as we settle into Spring; this herb is one of the best for helping us feel well-adapted during times of transition, has hepatoprotective qualities, and stimulates our elimination pathways. One of the most pleasant ways to enjoy this sour and pungent-tasting herb is by mixing it with orange juice. Extract the juice of 2-3 oranges or use 1.5 cups of store-bought and use a handheld frother to integrate half a teaspoon of this powerful herb!
On a spiritual level, the Hun (Ethereal Soul) is the Spirit of Wood that resides in the Liver, overseeing intuition, inspiration, life visions, and ideas. Because the Hun is ethereal in nature, it depends upon the health of the Liver to stay rooted in our bodies—otherwise, it can actually float away. Said to wander at night and bestow us with guidance from dreams, it deeply enriches our layers of consciousness and imparts to us the highest blessings of the Wood element, allowing us to walk with purpose on our unique journeys. Make it a ritual by practicing good sleep hygiene paying attention to your dreams, including by recording them in a journal or incorporating herbal support for dream enhancement, like Mugwort or our Shen or Glycine Sleep Support blends.
TCM teaches us that the internal mirrors the external, but that doesn’t only relate to nature’s cycles. Indeed, clutter of the spaces we inhabit is often seen as a reflection of internal stagnation, adding yet another layer to the cleansing available to us this season. Spring cleaning is an excellent way to ritualize TCM wisdom for seasonal attunement, taking a practical action that can symbolically support the free flow of Qi. By decluttering, deep cleaning and refreshing our home or even workplace, we welcome fresh energy. Make it a ritual by lighting a candle or burning cleansing herbs, listening to music, and envisioning what you are calling in.
Integrating TCM wisdom into our daily lives doesn’t necessarily require drastic changes—it’s really all about the small, intentional shifts that build on each other to powerfully align our bodies with Spring’s natural energetics. By practicing seasonal eating, incorporating tonic herbs, tending to our sleep habits, and creating the type of spaces we’d like to inhabit, we can welcome the season with presence, balance, and strength.
