Spirit of Renewal: Chinese Medicine Tips for a Healthy Spring

Spring is already starting to show its vibrant colors here in the Bay Area! This is a time of regeneration and renewal, a good time to cleanse, expand and
become more active, as the weather warms up and the days get longer.

In Chinese Medicine, the Spring season is associated with the element/energy of Wood - think living, growing, plants, leaves, saplings, sprouts and shoots.
Spring is a good time to give extra care to your liver and its partner organ, the gallbladder. In Chinese Medicine, the liver is like an army general or a really good manager - always trying to regulate the flow and activity of the whole body. When the liver functions smoothly, we experience physical and emotional well-being.

Here are a few tips to help you balance your body through the change of seasons.

1. Stretch and Move:
Healthy wood element is flexible, and strong, like the willow or bamboo. In Chinese medicine, the liver organ nourishes our tendons and ligaments, so reinvigorate your liver and help increase circulation with more outdoor activity, Yoga, Qi-gong, tai chi. Try incorporating a gentle stretching session into your daily routine. Dance in the garden! Enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors this Spring season.

2. Give Your Liver a Break:
The liver works hard to cleanse toxins from our body. Give it a well-deserved break in the Spring by cutting down on processed foods, caffeine, soft drinks and alcohol. Emphasize whole foods in your diet, organic whenever possible. Hydrate well, especially with increased activity. You may notice that you have more energy - that's your liver thanking you for the good care!

3. Green Up:
Green is the color of the liver and of springtime. Eating young plants—fresh, leafy greens and sprouts—can help cleanse and rejuvenate the liver. Visit your local farmers market or plant your own! If you do not have a garden, sprouting is easy and a great and inexpensive way to get some live green food into your diet.

4. Try Something Sour:
Sour flavor is associated with liver in Chinese Medicine and is said to stimulate the liver's qi (vital energy). Try some lemon slices in your drinking water, use a bit of vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Make some sauerkraut!

5. Get Regular Acupuncture:
Acupuncture can help you transition through the change of seasons in good health. It can assist in relieving stress, re-balancing your energy, boosting your immune function, relaxing and detoxifying your liver. Do you get Spring allergies? Acupuncture can help, so you do not have to miss out on the glorious weather we are having.

Sarana Community Acupuncture turns 4 years old on March 18, 2012. To celebrate the Spring and our 4-year anniversary we are offering $10 acupuncture treatments the week of March 18th - 24th (additional $10 paperwork fee for new clients, but they will also get a free second visit within two weeks of their first).

For more details see our . Appointments can be booked online or by calling the clinic: 510-526-5056. We look forward to seeing you!

For a nation-wide listing of affordable accessible community acupuncture clinics check out this website.