Springtime is upon us!  

Spring is in fact a brilliant season for us all, and I'd like to share with you my top tips for getting the most out of it!

1. Get outside. Outdoor air helps the qi flow, as does exercise. If you find yourself feeling irritable, lethargic, or stuck, find some time for an outdoor activity. Hiking, gardening, golf, bicycling – whatever suits you!
   

2. Eat Green. Not surprisingly, green is the colour that goes with Spring, wood, and the liver. Green, leafy foods are especially helpful to the liver qi. If you can find in-season baby greens, they're the best (spinach, fiddle ferns, wild leeks, watercress, sprouts) - all can improve the liver's overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.

3. Express yourself and Envision Possibility!  Dancing, cooking, writing, making art or music… See your life growing beyond present obstacles. Write your goals and dreams, take one step at a time. Take this season as an opportunity to examine what you would like to change in your life. Make a plan and start putting the steps in action and walk steadily towards your north star. Any form of creative expression helps nourish and channel Wood energy in a healthy way.

4. Taste Sour. Sour foods also help soothe and smooth the liver qi, and can ease the transition into Spring. Add lemon to your water, pickles to your sandwich, vinegar and olive oil dressings to your salad. 

5. If you have allergies, take care of them. Allergy symptoms can make an otherwise lovely time of year quite unpleasant. Acupuncture is great for helping with this. 

6. Stretch. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during rest and releases it to the tendons and muscles in times of activity. Taking a few minutes to stretch or do yoga in the morning can help you move more fluidly through the day. 

7. Be Gentle. The Wood element in Chinese Medicine has a tendency towards frustration and impatience, so acknowledge yourself for your efforts, and kindly give yourself some time and space to get to where you're going. 

8. Get a seasonal acupuncture “tune-up”. Even if you only have acupuncture a few times a year, the change of seasons is a good time to do it. Treatments are designed to harmonize your body, or internal environment, with the season, or external environment. Especially if you are feeling stress, anger, or frustration, which are associated with liver disharmony, just one session can help you start the season out right.

Have an enjoyable Spring with boundless energy!