Ease into Spring with These TCM-Based Wellness Tips

By Dr. Erin Compton DACM, L.Ac.

Colorado sure has seen a cold and snowy winter season; but March is here and that means warm weather is just around the corner! The Vernal Equinox, which marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, falls on March 20th.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is governed by the Wood element which embodies the energy of birth and new beginnings. As the trees begin to bud and the flowers start to bloom, many of us recognize a similar feeling of subtle expansion within our own bodies. In TCM, humans are not seen as separate from nature, but rather as an integral part of it. Therefore, as the seasons change, our lifestyles should also reflect that.

Here are a few tips for supporting your body during the transition:

• Eat your greens: Each season is associated with a color, and green is the color of Spring! This is a good time to start incorporating leafy greens and other fresh produce into your diet. In general, foods that are lighter and cooler in nature are beneficial as we head into the warmer months. It is also helpful to reduce the intake of things that burden the Liver, such as alcohol and fatty or fried foods.

• Gently move and stretch your body: Inviting movement into your body through activities like walking, yoga, or Tai Chi is great for circulating the Qi and keeping the tendons healthy.

• Practice diaphragmatic breathing: Breathing is one of the best ways to cleanse the body of toxins. Take a few moments to practice inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, allowing the ribcage and belly to rise and fall.

• Get some sunshine: As the days grow longer, it is the perfect time to get outside and soak up some sun! Natural sunlight is important for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, and it helps our body create Vitamin D, which has several health benefits, such as strengthening the immune system and boosting the mood.

• Find healthy ways to release emotions: Try journaling, talking to friends, creating art, or whatever else allows you to express yourself and move through your feelings.

• And last but certainly not least… schedule yourself for some acupuncture! Whether you are looking for general support through the change of the season, or you have a more specific health concern, our team of practitioners at Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic in Fort Collins, CO, can help.