Spring—the first season of the year—is already making itself felt in anticipation of the spring solstice on 21st March.

In Chinese medicine, spring is a time of renewal. It marks the rise of yang energy and offers an opportunity for fresh beginnings. The organs that dominate this season are the liver and gallbladder. These are the meridians to focus on, as they influence your health most over the next three months.

Why Spring Can Be Challenging

The transition from winter to spring can be demanding on the body—especially if nature’s laws were neglected during winter.

  • Winter is a yin time: it calls for slowing down, resting, keeping warm, and gathering energy.
  • In today’s busy world, slowing down can be difficult.
  • If you skipped winter’s rest, you may feel more tired than usual as spring’s yang energy rises.
  • The Chinese Classics warn that being too busy in winter can lead to colds, headaches, and low energy in spring.

But there’s good news—spring is also the perfect time to reset, renew, and support your liver and gallbladder.

10 Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Spring

Keep your liver and gallbladder meridians happy with these simple practices:

1) Rise Early with the Sun

Spring is a yang season, and early rising aligns with this energy. The liver thrives on early mornings—especially if you step into natural light. This resets your body’s circadian rhythm and uplifts your mood.

2) Move Your Body Regularly

  • Walk in nature, especially among trees (symbolic of wood energy).
  • Try yoga, tai chi, qigong, or stretching—activities that promote flow and flexibility.
  • If you feel stuck or stagnant, get moving! Exercise helps liver qi flow smoothly.

3) Eat Clean and Seasonal

  • Choose light, fresh, green foods that nourish the liver and support detoxification.
  • Eat lightly and consider an occasional fast to cleanse the body of winter’s heavy foods.

Spring-friendly foods:

  • Leafy greens: Swiss chard, spinach, kale
  • Sprouts: alfalfa, mung bean, broccoli
  • Hydrating foods: celery, cucumbers
  • Sour/fermented foods: lemons, limes, apple cider vinegar, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha
  • Light proteins: legumes (lentils, chickpeas, aduki beans), white fish, poultry, tofu, tempeh
  • Whole grains: quinoa, brown rice, barley, amaranth, millet
  • Pungent foods: radishes, garlic, onions, turmeric, ginger, rocket
  • Fruits: berries, apples, pears

4) Limit Heavy Foods

Avoid foods that strain digestion:

  • Fried foods
  • Excess dairy
  • Over-salty foods
  • Too much red meat (better suited for autumn and winter), which can cause heat and sluggishness in spring.

5) Express Yourself and Release Frustration

The liver governs emotions—especially anger and frustration.

  • Bottling these emotions can lead to tension.
  • Release them constructively through:
    • Talking
    • Journaling
    • Art
    • Movement
  • Working on forgiveness also soothes the liver.

6) Make Plans and Take Action

The wood element (liver and gallbladder) thrives on purpose and direction.

  • Set clear goals.
  • Take steps toward them—spring is a time for action!

7) Learn Something New

Trying new things supports wood energy and keeps it strong.

  • Learn a skill.
  • Embrace personal growth.
  • Keep expanding your horizons.

8) Declutter Your Space and Mind

  • Spring cleaning is wood energy in action.
  • Declutter your home and workspace to help qi move freely.
  • Organise for clarity and focus.
  • Let go of limiting beliefs and mental clutter.
  • Practice mindfulness or meditation for inner clarity.

9) Breathe Deeply and Stretch Often

  • Deep breathing moves stagnant qi.
  • Stretch the sides of your body—this targets the liver and gallbladder meridians.
  • Regular stretching relieves tension and promotes flow.

10) Embrace Adventure and Creativity

The wood element loves growth, vision, and creativity.

  • Explore new hobbies, art, or travel.
  • Engage in brainstorming and problem-solving.
  • Nurture your innovative side.

Move Forward with a Spring in Your Step

Incorporating these habits into your life—especially in spring—will help your liver qi flow freely, prevent stagnation, and leave you feeling more energised, focused, and balanced.

Time to embrace spring’s energy and move forward with vitality!

Elaine.

Photo by Nita