Awakening with Spring through the lenses of Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, the Spring season brings up a type of energy which is focused into growth, life creation, development. Warmth starts to be part of our days, moisture fills the air and fertility is all around us. Nature starts to change colours, flowers start to bloom, birds enter the breeding season.
This is the "Wood" type of energy. It's something that moves up carrying all promises and potentialities with it. It's the sap rising in the tree, it's the movement of the plants growing again, it's the sprouting and blooming forces. If we take this as a metaphor for our lives, this season awakens our inner potential and brings us the drive to grow and evolve, to move towards our goals.
According to TCM, the Liver is associated with Spring and the Wood element, symbolising our vision, planning and this forward movement in life. Therefore, the Liver represents the general in charge of defending our bodies and supporting us reaching our innate potential.
In order for your bodies to achieve this potential, it has to be properly energised and nourished by Chi and Blood, respectively. For TCM, Chi carries the quality of life that is dynamic and transformative (Yang) and Blood carries the opposite characteristics of acceptance, effortlessness, softness, and nourishment (Yin). The Liver is the one responsible for tempering the Chi and Blood, ensuring a smooth movement of these two to all other organs. This way, a Liver functioning properly will support the inner potential to come to life!
Besides that, TCM considers the Liver as the storage place of the Hun (Ethereal/Non-corporeal Soul), associated with our dreams and vision, spiritual vitality and self-awareness, also to the good deeds or acts of kindness that leave a positive impact in the world. When the Liver is hurt or injured, the Hun will be affected.
When the Hun is intact, kindness, benevolence and compassion will flow easily towards oneself and others. In this flow, we can distinguish right from wrong and get aligned with our inner goals, use our imagination and creativity, keep the pace towards our dreams. If under disturbance or imbalance, unkind acts and anger can be directed to oneself or the others around, leading to feelings of envy, jealousy, hatred.
Spring and Massage, Bodywork sessions
During the Spring season I like to support my clients by including some work on the Liver meridian, which runs from the big toe, up through the legs, abdomen, moving to the liver, chest and ending by the eyes/forehead.
When stimulating the flow of Blood and Chi in this channel we are supporting all the points mentioned above.
Looking forward to support you synching with the Spring season vibes of growth! Book your next session here.
With love,
Tarsi.