Welcome Spring!

According to the Chinese, Spring begins way before we see the first green shoot or blossom, or sneeze from the first emergence of pollen. It begins in the deep of February, when under the earth living things start to move toward the light. Above the ground the light brightens just a bit, and the birds begin to sing a new song, even while we may still have snow on the ground and a chilling wind blowing. Spring has sprung!

It is the season of the Wood energy…the Wood represents new life pushing up through the Earth, no matter what…the forceful energy that raises growing things to meet the strengthening sunlight.

The Chinese associate this forcefulness with the emotion of anger.  Just like the plants and new shoots, we, too, are getting ready to burst out of our Winter cocoons, throw off our too-heavy clothing, and get into our gardening, home projects and other activities.  To do this, we need to feel strong and flexible…to stretch our muscles and tendons which have, perhaps, not been too active over the winter, or which perhaps have been strained by too much snow shoveling.  We need to release the rising energy that has been building all Winter and stretch ourselves toward the sun.  This is a time of creativity and making plans, of new beginnings and hope for the future.  Those “New Year’s resolutions” which have, once again failed to come to fruition, might have a better chance in the Spring when new life and plans come to be born.

So, how do we take care of ourselves during this season in order to stay healthy?  Here are some suggestions:

• begin some exercise, using ligaments, tendons and muscles to keep them strong
• buy a planner, and plan in some fun time to enjoy the season;
• express your feelings and ideas; know your boundaries and your goals, and present them clearly;
• begin to think about your future; are you doing what you need to be doing to reach your goals?  What do you see for yourself in 5 years?
• Go outside – take a walk; look at nature bursting forth; notice how the tiniest seedlings and grasses, push up through anything, even rocks and sidewalks, and grow around any obstacle;
• If you haven’t yet done so, begin acupuncture treatment, or schedule your next appointment…it’s a good idea to come in at each change of season to keep well-balanced and to make a smooth transition.

Kate Carter, M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.

Wellness, Healing, and Transformation through Acupuncture and the Bio-Mat. Learn more...