TCM Foods To Eat During the Spring Season
Spring represents the season of growth, renewal and regeneration. It’s within this time of year when we witness animals waking up from their long winters slumber. The days become slightly longer and sprinkled with sunshine while energetically, we’re ramping up. The slow yin energy of winter begins to wane and the growing bud of the yang season starts to flourish.
One of the ways we prepare for the onset of the spring season is by stocking our shelves with seasonal foods that nourish the liver. Because we’re transitioning from a slower, restful season to a brighter, more active season, it’s in our best interest to take in foods that help increase and sustain the natural Qi energy, or life force, in your body. The liver is the organ that’s responsible for regulating the Qi in your body which is why it’s so crucial to eat foods that support it.
When Qi gets stuck in your body, it can show up in the following ways:
Neck and shoulder tension
Digestive issues
Anger and irritability
Insomnia
Chest tightness
Impatience
To support the liver so that stagnation or the ‘stuck Qi’ feeling is regulated, we’ll mainly focus on eating foods that are green, sour and bitter.
Recommended foods to eat throughout the spring season
Sprouted Greens:
Wheat grass
Kale
Collard greens
Spirulina
Chlorella
Parsley
Bitter Greens:
Arugula
Spinach
Radicchio
Mustard greens
Dandelion greens
Sour Citrus:
Grapefruit
Lemon
Lime
Further Spring Support + Resources
If you’re finding the transition from winter to spring to be difficult, we’re here to support you. One of the most effective ways to regulate your Qi is through acupuncture. You can book your session here. Another way we can help is through our online telehealth services. Book a session with one of our Master Herbalists to receive your own personalized recommendations and guidance. Finally, if you’re interested in learning more about healing your body through the natural elements, take our quiz to find out what your element type is.