Spring is in the Air
Every year, I’m surprised by the energy of spring when it finally hits me. I hear the birds chirping—louder for a few days—the snow still on the ground, and then, suddenly, the air smells different. The snow starts to melt, the sun feels more promising, and the frozen stream bubbles with joy. That’s when I realize: Winter has lasted a long, long time. But now, it’s time to wake up and rejoice in the dream of Spring. My heart feels lighter, and I’m more hopeful and energized.
But Spring comes with a price—especially if you have a "woody personality" like me!
In Chinese Medicine, Spring is associated with the Wood element, the organs of the liver and gallbladder, the sour taste, the color green (and blue-green), the eyes, dreams, and aspirations. But it is also linked to the emotions of anger and frustration. Wood energy thrives on growth and movement—like a stream flowing happily, cracking through blocks and rocks on its way. It is pure Yang energy, waiting beneath the surface all winter, ready to burst forth with excitement. If something restrains it—like rigid schedules or obstacles—it can turn into irritation and frustration.
Have you ever seen people standing in long lines in NYC? Their frustration builds when the line isn’t moving fast enough—that’s the liver energy feeling constrained! If you’ve been sighing more than usual or feeling tightness in your chest or ribcage when you take a deep breath, those are signs of “Liver Qi Stagnation” in Chinese Medicine.
If the liver’s energy stays stagnant, it generates heat in the body. Heat rises, making us feel thirsty, restless at night, and prone to dry mouth and a flushed face. In more severe cases, it can contribute to high blood pressure, dizziness, panic attacks, palpitations (affecting the heart), or acid reflux (affecting the stomach). When excess heat combines with the wind element in the body, it can lead to rashes, itching, or, in extreme cases, neurological symptoms like tremors, seizures, or even strokes.
The liver is a powerful organ, often referred to as "the general" in charge of distributing Qi throughout the body. It also stores blood at night and plays a key role in detoxification. That’s why Spring is the perfect time for a liver cleanse! Additionally, since the liver governs menstrual flow, keeping its energy happy and relaxed can lead to smoother periods.
A simple liver cleanse can start with a glass of warm water with lemon in the morning. Another great option is the juice of one lemon mixed with a tablespoon of olive oil. In the Spring, I sometimes begin my day with celery juice. I also incorporate more Wood-element foods—anything green or blue-green, including leafy greens, stems, stalks, and sprouts. Adding sour fruits and other tangy flavors to your meals further supports liver health.
According to the Huang Di Nei Jing, in Chapter 2: The Great Treatise on Regulation of Spirit in Harmony with the Climates of Four Seasons:
“The three months of spring are the period in which things begin to grow and display. Heaven begins to generate warm energy, and Earth begins to develop, so that everything flourishes. It is desirable to sleep at night, get up early in the morning, take a walk in the yard, to loosen up hair and relax the body. The spring possesses the will to grow, and after things have grown, do not destroy them. In spring, one should assist instead of taking away. One should praise instead of punishing. This is the way of nourishing life in response to the spring. To act to the contrary will cause injuries to the liver, leading to cold disease in the summer.”
There is profound wisdom in this passage—it teaches us to protect our liver from the harm of anger and frustration. Our ancestors observed nature and learned from its rhythms. Since Spring unleashes a powerful surge of energy, we must learn how to channel and balance it. By honoring the natural flow of the season, we can protect both ourselves and those around us.