Spring is here!

Spring is a time for rejuvenation, renewal and growth. The emotion associated with spring is anger, the associated flavor is sour and the element is wood. According to Chinese medicine, the organ systems most active during this time of the year are the Liver and Gall Bladder. As the temperatures warm up, which for us in Routt County is not usually until May, it is a good time to do a gentle internal cleanse to help replenish these organs. In Chinese medicine we recommend mild cleanses such as eating only steamed vegetables, brown rice and herb teas for a couple of days. Squeezing fresh lemon juice in room temperature water and drinking this throughout the day is another simple, gentle way to cleanse the Liver and Gall Bladder. These types of cleanses don’t shock the body and allow one to still get enough calories to remain energetic. When the Liver is irritated, which can easily happen during the springtime, the Liver Qi becomes stagnant and people tend to feel frustrated and angry, prone to outbursts.  This is a very important time of year to keep the Liver Qi moving freely, and this can be easily done with regular exercise, preferably in the outdoors.