Spring Is Here!
Yes of course this is Melbourne, and the weather is changeable but if the increase of patients into the clinic with Hayfever are anything to go by, Spring has sprung! As mentioned in our previous Article ‘Chinese medicine tips for Autumn’, historically recommendations for each of the seasons were made in the Huang Di Nei Jing Suwen (AKA Yellow Emperor's Internal Canon or the Su Wen).
The three months of spring,
they denote effusion and spreading.
Heaven and earth together generate life;
the myriad beings flourish.
Go to rest late at night and rise early.
Move through the courtyard with long strides.
Dishevel the hair and relax the physical appearance,
thereby cause the mind [to orient itself on] life.
Give life and do not kill.
Give and do not take.
Reward and do not punish.
This is correspondence with the qi of spring and
it is the Way to nourish life.
Opposing it harms the liver.
In summer, this causes changes to cold, and
there is little to support growth.
— (Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen Ch. 2)
Chinese Medicine Tips for Spring
The above quote from the Su Wen provides advice of how to live in accordance with Spring. It advises us that unlike in winter we can go to bed a bit later and rise earlier and begin going outside and move around.
We should consider starting some gentle exercise such as walking, bending and stretching. Yoga is a great example of an activity that would be appropriate. In winter we rug up to protect us from the bitter cold but as the season changes to spring the weather begins to warm and we can begin wearing looser clothing.
In addition to the suggested physical activity, we should also be mindful of our emotions and avoid anger and conflict, we should let things go and avoid holding onto bitterness and resentment.
Common Illnesses in Spring
Historically, Chinese medicine considers the weather a possible disease causing agent, and the change of seasons was typically thought of as a possible cause of illness. A commonly experienced spring illness is of course seasonal Hayfever (Allergic Rhinitis). Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture, can be a useful and effective treatment for the management of the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis.
Other illness typically associated with the disease causing wind of spring are bells palsy, stroke, headache and even the common cold, (typically the warm type). If you are experiencing illness and discomfort and you are looking for a natural option give us a call and we can have a quick chat or even book an appointment using the tab below.