You know that sudden urge to clean the house, start a new project, or take long walks when the days get warmer? You are not imagining it. In Eastern medicine and in many traditional cultures, spring is the season of awakening.
Just like the buds on a tree, your energy is meant to rise, expand, and reach for the light. If your body is not ready for that upward, outward shift, spring can bring less-than-pleasant symptoms such as irritability, allergies, headaches, joint pain, or that restless “can’t sit still but can’t focus” feeling.
In this guide, we will unpack:
- Why spring actually starts now (and it is not about the date on your wall calendar)
- The common spring health issues we see in clinic and what causes them
- Practical, natural tips to feel energized, clear, and ready for the months ahead
When Does Spring Really Start?
Forget the official September 1st start date. In Eastern medicine and seasonal living, spring begins when the sun’s position changes in the sky. In the Southern Hemisphere, that shift usually happens around the start of August. This is not just theory. We see it in the clinic every year.
As soon as the sun’s movement changes, more people come in for treatment, symptoms shift, and you can feel that subtle buzz of upward-moving energy.
In many Asian traditions, the new year starts on the first new moon after this seasonal change. This makes early spring a powerful time to set intentions and begin new projects.
Spring in Eastern Medicine: The Liver, Growth and Energy Flow
In Eastern medicine, each season is linked to an organ and an element. Spring belongs to the Liver and the Wood element, which are all about growth, movement, and expansion.
The Liver’s role in spring:
- Governs the tendons, joints, and sinews
- Manages the smooth flow of Qi (energy) through the body
- Supports the eyes and vision both physically and for planning your life’s direction
- Is connected to the emotion anger (and its cousins frustration, resentment, and irritation)
When your Liver is balanced, spring energy inspires action, creativity, and forward movement. When it is stuck or under-nourished, it can show up as:
- Headaches (especially at the temples)
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Allergies, hay fever, and itchy eyes
- Restlessness or irritability
Why Symptoms Flare Up in Spring
Spring’s energy moves upward and outward. If your body is in balance, this feels energizing. If not, that energy can get “bottled up” and cause pressure, much like steam in a kettle.
Here is what often happens:
- If the Kidneys were not nourished in winter, the Liver will not have the reserves it needs in spring.
- If the Liver is not nourished now, your Heart will not be supported in summer.
- Spring winds can carry allergens and pathogens. If your Lungs (spring’s “opposite” organ) were not strengthened in autumn, your immune system may be more vulnerable.
This is why we see more hay fever, headaches, and immune issues at this time of year.
Natural Spring Health Tips From the Clinic
You do not have to just put up with spring symptoms. Here are our favourite Eastern medicine-approved, immune-friendly tips for this season.
1. Drink Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea
Chrysanthemum helps clear “wind heat” such as allergies, red eyes, and headaches. It supports the upper body including the lungs, eyes, and face. Goji berries nourish the Liver and eyes. Together, they make a delicious, therapeutic spring tonic.
2. Try Light Body Tapping
Gently tap over your chest, arms, and legs to stimulate your Wei Qi (defensive energy). Keep it light. The softer the tapping, the more it boosts your immune response.
3. Guard Against Wind
Keep your neck, lower back, and knees covered on windy days, even if the sun is out. Wind can carry allergens and aggravate pain or immune issues, especially in kids, older adults, or anyone run-down.
4. Massage Key Points
For temple headaches, try Gallbladder 41 (on the side of the foot) and Gallbladder 34 (just below the knee on the side of the leg). Gentle massage down the sides of the legs can also help relieve tension.
5. Release Emotional Tension
Spring’s Liver energy can stir up unresolved frustration. Try breathwork, a good shout into a pillow, or even an underwater scream in the ocean to move stagnant emotions.
The Emotional and Lifestyle Reset of Spring
Spring is nature’s built-in reset button. It is the perfect time to:
- Declutter your home and workspace
- Set fresh goals for the year
- Start new routines for movement and nourishment
- Let go of emotional baggage
Think of it as spring cleaning for your body, mind, and energy. Aligning yourself with the season means you will head into summer, the time of celebration and achievement, feeling stronger and more vibrant.
Feeling Stuck? It Could Be Seasonal Stagnation
If you are reading this and thinking, “But I do not feel that spring energy at all”, it could be a sign of stagnation. This may be blocked energy, unresolved stress, or old injuries and illnesses still in the system.
This is where acupuncture, herbal medicine, and seasonal lifestyle tweaks can help you realign and get things moving again.
Ready to harness the season’s energy?
Book a spring tune-up at Sun Med, brew your chrysanthemum tea, and let us get your Liver and your life moving forward.
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