04/20/2026
Springtime is a time of celebration, the end of the long winter season and the excitement of longer and warmer days and the growth of new things. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is an important season of nurturing your life force, cleaning out the old and bringing in the new.
In the TCM Five Elements framework, the ancient practitioners said that all changes in the universe and the body happen in five stages, each tied to a season, a natural element, and organ pairs. These connections help explain how the body, nature, and our health are all linked. As acupuncturists we use these principles to diagnose and treat, connecting foods, herbs, and acupuncture to restore balance and Qi.
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water with each having its own unique set of characteristics and correspondences. The Wood element corresponds to the Spring season and the following:
Organs: Liver and Gall Bladder
Color: Green
Sense Organ: Eyes
Emotion: Anger
Tissue: Tendons
Climate: Wind
Taste: Sour
The liver and gallbladder are central to spring. According to TCM theory the Liver’s function is to keep Qi moving smoothly, ensuring the smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the body. Liver is also responsible for storing the blood and it is said that Liver rules the tendons, muscles and ligaments. We know the Liver is sensitive to emotional upset, a stressful lifestyle, and pathogenic wind. In Chinese medicine wind is one of the external causes of illness. Wind symptoms are more common in the spring but can occur at any time of year.
When Liver qi and blood are imbalanced you might experience muscle tension or pain, headaches, frustration, anxiety, or insomnia. Or you may also have digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and belching. The Liver governs the eyes so when Liver qi and blood are out of balance one may experience blurred vision, dry or itchy eyes. The taste associated with the Liver is sour. If you're craving sour foods this could be a sign that your Liver needs a little help. Anger is the emotion associated with the Liver. If you often feel irritable, frustrated, or angry these can all be signs that your Liver qi is not flowing properly.
As we naturally feel inspired to declutter and refresh our homes during the spring season, this is also an ideal time to support the body’s internal “spring cleaning.” In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with renewal and movement, making it the perfect opportunity to gently detoxify, support the Liver’s function, and release what no longer serves us—both physically and emotionally. Just as stagnant Qi can contribute to physical symptoms, unprocessed emotions may create internal tension and imbalance. Taking time to clear the mind, manage stress, and cultivate emotional clarity can help restore the smooth flow of Qi, leaving you feeling lighter, more focused, and aligned with the energy of the season.
Seeing your acupuncturist in the Spring season can help correct imbalances to liver qi flow and function and relieve stress and frustration linked to liver Qi issues as well as improving your overall health and sense of wellbeing. We are here for you and look forward to seeing you at Serenity Health Clinic.
Fatima, Jenna and Laura
Quick Tips for Springtime Wellness
• Stretch and Get Moving: If you want to feel your best this season, focus on moving your Qi. The liver supports tendon health. Stretch in the morning, try yoga or tai chi. These exercises can also help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost mood.
• Go Outside: Fresh air helps liver Qi flow. Outdoor activities like hiking or golf can or a long walk can ease irritability.
• Eat Your Greens: Green foods like leafy greens and sprouts help the liver and promote Qi flow.
• Eye Care: The liver is connected to the eyes. Take screen breaks and do basic eye exercises adjusting your focus from long range to close up and back again.
• Add Sour Foods to your Diet: Sour flavors, such as lemon, vinegar, and pickles, stimulate liver Qi. Other sour foods that soothe the Liver include plum, lemon, apple, orange, kiwi, cranberry, and tangerine.
• Talk with our naturopaths about supplements for liver support
• Get acupuncture: Acupuncture can improve liver health and relieve stress and frustration linked to liver Qi issues.
