LaPlata Acupuncture and Healing Arts
203 Centennial Street
107
La Plata, MD 20677
More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Spring Through the Eyes Of Chinese Medicine
With the bursting of spring energy in nature, comes the bursting of spring energy in us. Even before the buds pop out, there is this feeling of “on your mark, get set…” The trees are whispering and our bodies are on the ready.
So, the sudden motion of spring can have a bit of tension in it. Along with the animals, humans are moving, and moving quickly. With all of its beauty of rebirth and green, spring can bring this tension. At its peak, this constrained energy becomes anger. Healthy wood (spring) energy is assertive and charges through to accomplish its goals. It is much like the blade of grass pushing against the concrete push, push against unbeatable odds, and then finally finding a way around the obstacles. The acupuncture point Happy Calm, on the liver meridian, soothes the tension in navigating obstacles.
The liver meridian in the wood element is about planning and creating a vision for the future. Great Esteem is an acupuncture point on the liver meridian that is about taking up your space, standing on your own, and pulling back when needed. It's about taking responsibility for yourself and doing it with majesty and esteem like a huge tree in the forest.
The gallbladder meridian, the other wood meridian, is about carrying out the plans, making decisions and using determination to follow through and get the job done. Tom Hanks' character in Saving Private Ryan has been said to represent this gallbladder energy. Decision after decision had to be made; there was no choice in the matter.
So, how can we use this to further our health? Below are some hints for living life fully with the spring time.
Start a new project.
Begin an exercise program.
Eat cleansing foods lemons, spring onions, greens (leaf lettuce, spinach).
Notice frustration can you navigate around the obstacles?
Notice your ability to bend and be pliable, as well as to stand tall and firm.
Start a garden think about the unique potential of each seed as you plant it.
Explore your creativity write a poem or short story, draw a picture, paint and decorate a room.
Take a Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or Yoga class keep muscles supple and flexible.
Make a plan, set goals and time to accomplish them.
