TCM Basics for Spring Health

Written By Darla Chenin

Hello Spring!

As the days are getting longer and warmer, I thought it might resonate to share a little spring post from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.

Spring is a season of growth, renewal, and movement. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Liver is the organ most connected to this time of year, and the wood element predominates. This means energy in the body naturally expands and grows, but if it becomes stagnant, it can show up as frustration, tension, or irritability. Below are some correspondences of the element wood and spring in TCM.

Spring TCM Associations:

  • East

  • Birth

  • Wheat

  • Fish

  • Sheep

  • Jupiter

  • Wood

  • Liver & Gall Bladder (the vital substance associated with the Liver happens to be blood!)

  • Eyes

  • Wind

  • Anger

  • Shouting

  • Sour

  • Sinews (i.e. tendons, ligaments; similar to muscles but different — muscles are actually associated with earth & Spleen)

Everyone is Unique — TCM is Not One-Size-Fits-All

I’ve included some TCM spring health tips for educational purposes. Everyone’s body is unique. Your constitution and current patterns determine how much activity, rest, or supportive therapies you need. That’s why working with a licensed practitioner can help you create a plan that truly fits you.

Eat green: fresh, light, green foods like leafy greens, scallions, and sprouts help support Liver in encouraging the free flow of Qi.

Exercise mindfully: after winter, it’s a good time to gently increase physical activity, but be mindful to avoid overexertion. Balancing movement with rest supports the Liver and overall spring energy.

Protect yourself from wind: wind is the predominant element of spring in TCM. 🌬️ Dressing appropriately and being mindful of drafts can help support your system and prevent imbalance.

Credentials: Licensed Acupuncturist in California | Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine | Nationally Board Certified

Spring is a great time to receive acupuncture and begin TCM care. I’d love to support you this season. 🌲

Warmly,

Dr. Darla Chenin, LAc, DAcHM, Dipl. Ac. (NCBAHM)™

📍Santa Cruz, California

Online booking available! Visit the Patient Portal page of my website. 🍃

Lady Banks’ Rose / Banks’ Rose / Rosa banksia

Native to central and western China

Photographed in Soquel, California

Darla Chenin
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