Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physicians advise adjusting diets and lifestyles to harmonize with spring’s energetic shift.
Seasonal Health Priorities
“Spring corresponds to the wood element and liver function in TCM theory,” explains Dr. Xiao Xiao, a gynecologist at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. “This period demands special liver care through emotional balance and proper nourishment.”
Key recommendations include:
- Sleep before 11 PM to align with the liver’s peak detoxification hours
- Gradual wardrobe changes, retaining winter layers for lower-body warmth (“spring covering” principle)
- Reducing sour foods (vinegar, citrus) that overstimulate liver qi
- Increasing sweet flavors (dates, yam, pumpkin) to strengthen the spleen
Dietary Adjustments
The “reduce sour, increase sweet” philosophy aims to:
- Soothe the liver: Consume celery, shepherd’s purse, and pear
- Boost yang energy: Prioritize leeks, bamboo shoots, and sprouted vegetables
- Avoid triggers: Minimize spicy, greasy, or overly acidic foods
Preventive Measures
With temperature fluctuations increasing cold and flu risks, Dr. Xiao suggests:
- Moxibustion at Dazhui (GV14) and Feishu (BL13) acupoints to enhance immunity
- Gentle exercises like Tai Chi or Baduanjin to regulate qi flow
- Massaging Taichong (LV3) acupoint to release emotional tension
“Spring’s rising liver energy can cause irritability if unbalanced,” she cautions, emphasizing outdoor activities to channel emotional vitality positively.
As pollen counts rise with the warming climate, these TCM-backed practices offer a holistic approach to transitioning smoothly into spring’s vibrant energy.
