How to stay healthy in Spring

Now that the cold of winter is beginning to lessen, the days are getting longer and warmer Spring is definitely in the air. The unsettled and changing nature of Spring is fraught with health challenges, so we need to learn how to stay healthy in Spring.

During winter energy is deep within the earth and our body. In Chinese Medicine philosophy Winter relates to the Kidneys and the Water element. As the universal Qi begins to stir and rise and expand the Wood element is awoken and Spring starts.

Spring relates to the Wood element and all things that grow and expand in nature. In Chinese Medicine the Liver and Gall Bladder are governed by the wood element and can be challenged during this season.

Spring is the time to cleanse, detoxify and eliminate the clutter of Winter. Looking after your Kidney Qi in Winter by being more introverted, going to bed early (before 10pm), eating warming easy to digest foods and avoiding cold food helps build Kidney Qi which directly nourishes the wood element your Liver Qi.

Life’s stresses and strains, poor diet, excess alcohol, sugar, prescription and recreational drugs all contribute to stress and pressure on the Liver system. During Spring some conditions related to a disturbed Liver can rise up causing us distress. With the increase in windy weather you may find yourself a little more irritable and sensitive to the many changes taking place.

Spring can often see an increase in the following health conditions.

• Hay fever
• Tendonitis
• Dry sore eyes or watery eyes
• Neck, back, rib tightness
• Wry neck
• Increased Anger, irritability, frustration or depression
• Menstrual irregularities and PMS
• Headaches/migraines
• Nausea
• Dry weak nails
• Constipation or IBS

If you suffer from any of these you may certainly benefit from a good detox removing sugar, saturated fats, alcohol, refined foods and gluten from your diet for a few weeks. This assists in reducing your systemic inflammation, helps cleanse the blood and may reduce your symptoms.

Acupuncture can also assist in transitioning through Spring helping improve your energy and mood, reduce hay fever and reduce pain.

Healing foods to increase are

• All fresh veggies and fruit
• Watercress
• Pine Nuts
• Herbs like Rosemary, Marjoram, Basil, Turmeric
• Lemon Balm
• Fennel
• Beans
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Lemons

Also super important is to maintain regular hydration by consuming at lease 2L of water daily. The rule of thumb is 33ml per kg of body weight.

However, detoxes are not a one size fits all process. Detoxes are great if you have a strong constitution and a healthy digestive system, but there are some people who shouldn’t detox as they may not be strong enough to manage on their own or those who need more support with gut health. It is always best practice to make an appointment with your Naturopath or Chinese Medicine practitioner so they can best asses your health and give you the appropriate course of treatment.

At Shine Health our practitioners Marta, Melita and Trish are all trained in Naturopathic, Herbal and Nutritional medicine and can assist you with your diet, lifestyle and health concerns. Marta and Trish are also qualified Acupuncturists and can support your health from both a Naturopathic and a Chinese Medicine point of view.

Click here to book an appointment and support your healthy during Spring today.

 

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