5 Ways Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help You Thrive this Spring!
Spring is the perfect time to start fresh and get rid of anything that might be holding you back. And what better way to do that than with Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?
TCM is a form of holistic medicine that takes into account the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in order to achieve optimal health and wellness. It is based on the belief that everything is interconnected and that imbalances in one area can lead to problems in another.
There are a number of ways in which TCM can help you thrive this spring – from detoxing your body to releasing emotions that might be holding you back. Keep reading to learn more about these 5 ways!
1. Move your QI
In TCM, the concept of “Qi” refers to the body’s energy or life force. Qi flows through the body along pathways known as meridians. When Qi is flowing smoothly, we feel healthy and energized. But when Qi becomes stagnant or blocked, we can feel tired, sluggish, or even ill. Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, and it’s the perfect time to move your Qi and get your energy flowing. Some ways to do this include practicing qigong, a slow and gentle form of exercise that focuses on breathing and movement, or getting a TCM massage or acupuncture treatment, which can help release blockages and improve circulation. Check Portal's YouTube for Spring (Liver/Gallbladder) Qi flow practices.
2. TCM and the Five Elements
In TCM, the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – are the building blocks of everything in the universe, including the human body. Each element corresponds to specific organs, emotions, and seasons. Spring is associated with the wood element, which corresponds to the liver and gallbladder. When these organs are imbalanced, we can experience symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, headaches, and digestive issues. To support your liver and gallbladder this spring, try eating foods that are good for the liver, such as leafy greens and beets, and avoid foods that are hard on the liver, such as alcohol and fatty or fried foods. You can also have some light lemon water or Apple Cider Vinegar in water before meals to stimulate Qi flow. Less is more here, no need for a whole lemon in one glass!
3. Springtime is a fine time to focus on your emotions
Spring is a time of renewal and growth, but it can also be a time of stress and overwhelm. In TCM, the liver is responsible for regulating emotions and ensuring that Qi flows smoothly throughout the body. When the liver is imbalanced, we can experience emotions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety. We may also experience physical symptoms such as tightness in the chest or throat, or digestive issues such as bloating or constipation. To support your liver this spring, try incorporating stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your daily routine. You can also try acupuncture or TCM herbs that are specifically designed to calm the liver and promote emotional balance. Metta or forgiveness practices are the counterbalance for stagnant Qi in the Liver.
Metta meditation resources (2)
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4. Don't forget to cleanse your gut
In TCM, the gut is often referred to as the “second brain.” It’s responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. When the gut is imbalanced, we may experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Spring is a great time to focus on cleansing and supporting your gut. Try incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods into your diet to promote healthy gut bacteria. You can also try drinking herbal teas that are specifically designed to support gut health. Again, The RENEW PORTAL is a great place to transform your relationship with food and improve your gut health, registration is still open for this gut changing program!
5. Get acupuncture to help with seasonal allergies
Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for many people, it also means seasonal allergies. In TCM, allergies are seen as imbalances in the body’s immune system or as a result of stagnation or blockages in the body’s Qi. Acupuncture is a tried-and-true TCM treatment that can help alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, itching, and sneezing. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can help regulate the body’s immune response and reduce inflammation. To book with me, click here
In conclusion, Traditional Chinese medicine offers a unique and holistic approach to health and wellness. By incorporating these 5 TCM practices into your spring routine, you can support your body’s natural healing processes and emerge refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for the new season!
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