Integrative Health Blog

Chinese Medicine and the "Spring Tune-Up"

Posted by admin on Wed, Apr 25, 2012

Nicholas Buscemi MSOM, LAc

chinese_medicineThe relationship between our health and the seasons is well documented in medical literature.  From Seasonal Affective Disorder to allergies to the fluctuation in the severity of symptoms associated with most diseases, the ebb and flow of the seasons plays a major role in our health.  The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine states, “Those who knew the way of keeping in good health in ancient times, always kept their behavior in daily life in accordance with nature.” As society has modernized away from the agrarian lifestyle our bodies have lost the ability to adapt as readily to the effects of the changes in season.

Follow the Cycle of Nature

So how can we keep in accordance with nature?  Of course, a diet based on seasonal crops, regular sleep patterns, and exercise are all important but so is a mind/body tune up. Chinese Medicine takes into account each person’s strengths and weaknesses and how those are affected by the changing season in establishing a treatment protocol.

What Does Chinese Medicine say about Springtime?

Here we are in spring and as it is stated in the classical texts of Chinese Medicine, this is the time where the wood element flourishes in nature.  The liver and gallbladder are related to the wood element.  Therefore spring is said to be governed by the liver and the gallbladder energy.  If there are weaknesses in your physiological liver/gallbladder or in the liver/gallbladder meridians, there will be health issues associated in the spring.  Examples may include joint pain, fatigue, depression, circulation issues, lack in motivation, eyes itching and vision issues, hair thinning and many other associated symptoms.    It is important to note that since there is such a dynamic interconnectedness between the physiology of each of the organ systems in the body that we will each respond uniquely to the seasons.   As such, it is very important to be aware of our particular strengths and weaknesses and address them in the context of the seasons.

Set up an appointment to prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the spring season and beyond.  Remember that preventative care is a long term solution!

 

 

 

Nicholas Buscemi MSOM, LAc is a practitioner at National Integrative Health Associates, NIHA, an integrative medicine and dental center serving the Washington DC, Maryland and Viginia metro area. Under the tutelage of masters, Nicholas has devoted himself to immersion in the classical method of Acupuncture, Classical Chinese Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi.

Topics: chinese medicine, integrative health, allergies, liver