In Harmony With the Seasons: Understanding Spring & the Liver Wood Element within your body
Spring signifies rebirth, a new beginning as we begin the slow and gentle unfurling towards the Yang of Summer. The energy of the Wood element wants to rise up with the sun, celebrating the longer days, and the renewal of energy and creativity that has been cultivating within the depths of Winter.
An expression of life at its most fertile, this energy brings life to our own visions, providing the motivation and inspiration to bring these dreams to fruition.
Teaching us the wisdom of flexibility and adaptability.
Spring is a time of sudden growth and rapid expansion. During this transition from the Yin into the Yang, there is a sense of shedding as we initiate the process of release and rebirth, stepping out of the watery depths of Winter, feeling rested and replenished, ready for a new cycle.
The Spring season is associated with the Liver/Gallbladder meridian system, and together these two organs ensure that there is a smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body, which in turn has a regulating effect on the emotions.
We invite you to welcome in a season of creative potential, of expansion, growth and renewal. Feel the gentle lifting energy of Spring, for the seeds you sowed over Autumn and Winter can now begin to sprout and flourish in alignment with that of the natural world around you. It is through the constant observance and mirroring of nature, her cycles and seasons, that we are able to feel into our most aligned and vibrant selves.
The Liver & Gallbladder
Chinese medicine follows cyclical patterns, both physically, and in accordance with the natural world. The Body-Energy Clock is therefore built upon the concept of the cyclical ebb and flow of energy/Qi throughout the body. During a 24-hour period, Qi moves in two-hour intervals through each of the organ systems within the body.
Qi flows through the Gallbladder from 11pm1am and the Liver from 1am3am. Resting your body in a deep state of sleep during this timeframe, allows these organ systems to regenerate and strengthen.
In Classical Chinese and Taoist medicine, the Liver
Stores and purifies Blood
Regulates the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body
Controls the peripheral nervous system
Regulates muscle tension
Opens into the eyes and controls vision
Nourishes the tendons and ligaments
Nourishes the nails
Manifests as creativity, ambition and motivation
Promotes digestion and absorption
Supports reproductive function
Houses the Ethereal Soul (Hun)
The Gallbladder is the Yang organ to the Liver’s Yin and is responsible for the storing and excretion of bile that has been produced in the Liver.
The Gallbladder also works to distribute Qi through the Liver and into the body, so when we introduce any form of Taoist practice, whether that be tonic herbalism, Qigong, Yoga or any form of movement that affects the body in a deep and meaningful way, it is the Liver/ Gallbladder that processes these emotions and toxins.
If there is any disharmony present within this organ system pair, or the toxic load is greater than the function, a ‘bottleneck’ effect can occur, manifesting as pent up energy and emotion.
Lifestyle Practices for Spring
Just as the Wood element begins to extend its energy upwards and outwards within the plant kingdom during Spring, we too can nourish and support this energetic shift within ourselves.
As a time of renewal, growth, envisioning and outward expression, we want to take advantage of this new burst of life and begin to gently and slowly move out of the darker, more Yin months of the year and begin our ascension into the Yang. These are some of our favourite practices to transition into Spring, and embrace the transformative energy this special season has to offer, as it accumulates in the Liver/Gallbladder system.
Practitioner Tips
Journaling, mind mapping and manifestation work
Meditation
Move stuck energy with physical movement - go for walks, stretch, practice yoga or any form of exercise that feels most aligned with your needs
Get outside and spend time in nature
Wind occurs in every season but is most potent during Spring, which is also when the Liver is most vulnerable and the meridians along the neck and shoulders can be most affected by ‘invading wind’. Do your best to keep your neck and shoulders covered on windy days.
Get to sleep before 11pm (the beginning of Liver/ Gallbladder time on the Taoist Organ Clock)
Declutter and reset your space - go through your home and throw out or donate what no longer serves you, making space for the new. Reducing physical clutter creates space in the mind, freeing it up to create.
Practice forgiveness, process and let go of any resentment or frustration that may be draining your Liver Qi
Begin a consistent dry body brushing and/or Gua Sha practice
Stay hydrated with filtered or spring water, making sure you are supporting the body’s detoxification pathways and nourishing yourself on a cellular level, for extra points add in freshly squeezed lemon juice and some tonic herbs.
Get some form of bodywork, whether that be acupuncture, cupping or lymphatic drainage/remedial/relaxation massages etc.
Want to learn more about how you can sync yourself naturally to the seasons of nature? Download our entire Align with the Seasons Ebook.
Clare Lucas
Founder State of Balance