Spring is in the air and we feel it!

The metereological Spring season starts on March 21st. So why is it that we already get this spring feeling? Why do we suddenly have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning? Why do we seem to be more sensitive to stress. Why do we feel the need to detox?

We can find the answer in the Traditional Chinese Philosophy of the five phases or five 'elements'. Around the time of the Chinese New Year in early february, there's a shift in energy that we can all feel.  The Winter which is YIN in nature (dark, silent, cold, stagnant) dissolves because of a sudden burst of YANG energy (light, movement, heat, new life). This is what we call the start of the WOOD season or the Energetic Spring.  It's this energy that stirrs in the ground and wakes up the forest to start growing new buds.  We hear the bird's song in the morning and there's likely some sunny winter days ahead.  We're still a while of before the green season returns, but inside every living thing there's a new energy flowing, giving us a desire for new beginnings, inspiriation and confidence.  

The downside of this process is that the pair of organs associated with the WOOD element are more sensitive that usual.  This is the Liver and the Galbladder.  The Liver has many functions, but you can see it as a filter, detoxifying our system and providing a good energetic circulation.  The Galbladder breaks down fats, so has an important function in our digestive system.  Both of these organs hold the key to the emotions of anger, agression and stress.  These emotions have more of a free reign in the energetic Spring.We can support our liver & galbladder this season by eating the right kind of food.  Sour is the taste of the WOOD element and green is its colour. Try to eat some lime, orange, kiwi, rhubarb or fermented foods.  Have vegetables like gurkins, sprouts, corn salad, broccoli (basically any green vegetables will do).  If you like to eat meat go for chicken and duck.

Aside from food, it's very important you adjust your lifestyle to reduce complaints linked to this season, take the time for relaxing activities, meditate daily and learn to express your emotions in a calm serene way.