Spring Forward: How Chinese Medicine Helps You Align with the Season
By Stella Parker, BHealthSc (TCM)
“The flower does not dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.” – Chinese Proverb
Spring has a way of waking us up. Can you feel it yet? After the stillness of winter, longer days, fresh air, and new growth call us to shake off the heaviness and start moving again. But while nature shifts easily, our bodies sometimes need a little help keeping up.
This is where Chinese medicine shines. By tuning into the natural rhythms of the seasons, acupuncture, herbs, and simple lifestyle practices can help us feel more balanced, energised, and connected.
Why Spring Energy Matters
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is linked with the Wood element and the Liver and Gallbladder organs. These systems are all about movement, vision, and flexibility.
When they’re flowing well, we feel motivated, creative, and resilient. When they’re blocked, honestly, we feel it. We’re cranky, we have mood swings, perhaps there’s tension headaches or tight shoulders, and bloating or digestive upsets are the norm. Even things as simple as indecisiveness can be a sign that our Liver or Gallbladder needs a hand.
Think of it like a garden hose: if the flow of water (Qi) is smooth, everything thrives. If there’s a kink, pressure builds up.
How Acupuncture Supports Seasonal Balance
Spring is the perfect time for a seasonal acupuncture “tune-up.” Treatments can:
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Release built-up stress and tension
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Smooth the flow of Qi through the Liver and Gallbladder
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Ease hay fever and Spring allergies
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Boost energy levels without overstimulation (important!)
Think of it like an internal ‘Spring-clean’ for your body and mind!
Eating with Spring in Mind
What we put on our plates can either support or block the natural upward movement of spring Qi. TCM dietary therapy suggests:
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Fresh greens: spinach, rocket, sprouts, asparagus
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A touch of sour: lemon, grapefruit, fermented foods
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Light cooking: steaming, sautéing, stir-frying rather than baking or roasting
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Less heaviness: cut back on overly greasy or rich foods
This is absolutely not about a strict “diet,” but about choosing foods that help us feel in step with the season—fresh, light, and alive.
Spring Recipe: Spring Vegetable & Tofu Stir-Fry
Light, energising, and Liver-friendly – a vibrant way to eat in tune with the season (and ready in 15 minutes)
Serves: 2 | Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
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1 tbsp sesame or olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
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1 small bunch asparagus, cut into 3 cm pieces
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1 cup snow peas
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1 small carrot, thinly sliced
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200g firm tofu, cubed
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1–2 tsp tamari or light soy sauce
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1 tsp sesame seeds
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Fresh coriander or chives to garnish
Method:
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Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté 1–2 minutes.
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Add carrot and asparagus, stir-fry for 3 minutes.
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Toss in snow peas and tofu, stir-fry another 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
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Drizzle with tamari, toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
Why it works in TCM:
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Asparagus & snow peas: support Liver Qi and promote energy flow
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Ginger & garlic: warm the middle, support digestion, and prevent stagnation
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Tofu: gently nourishes Yin and provides plant protein without heaviness
Simple Ways to Live With Spring Energy
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Move daily: a walk, yoga, or gentle stretches support the body’s rising Qi
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Spend time outside: sunlight and fresh air naturally lift the spirit
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Declutter your space: & clear stagnant Qi within
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Check in with yourself: notice if you’re pushing too hard. Growth should feel steady, not forced.
“When one is in harmony with the Dao, the world unfolds effortlessly.” – Ancient Saying
Spring is nature’s reminder that change doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be gradual, gentle, and joyful. By embracing acupuncture, seasonal foods, and mindful routines, you can align yourself with spring’s energy and move into the months ahead with clarity and vitality. Bliss!
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