This year, the lunar new year falls on Saturday, February 10th, with celebrations lasting for up to two weeks (ending with the Lantern Festival on the 24th). Celebrated by more than two billion people worldwide, this is a time for hope and optimism, renewal and rebirth, and the beginning of a new cycle. Traditionally, spring is a crucial time for agriculture in China. It signifies the start of the farming season when farmers prepare their fields for planting.
The warming temperatures and increased daylight hours provide favorable conditions for crops to grow. It may seem surprising that we consider this date the start of spring when so much of the globe is still feeling the chills of winter (and may continue to do so for some time). It might be more helpful to think of this time as the start of the transition from winter into spring. Plants that were dormant begin awakening with life, and though it might not yet be apparent, they have also begun to grow.
Our bodies are very similar in how they respond to the changing seasons (and climactic factors). As we move into spring, the Wood system awakens in the body, and imbalances of the Wood organs (Gallbladder and Liver) can become exacerbated. This can often manifest as an emotional imbalance ranging from increased irritability, mood swings, frustration, resentment, and even the ability to make decisive choices (and take forward action). Tendon and musculoskeletal issues may come into play because of the Liver’s relationship to the tendons and sinews and the Gallbladder’s governance over the sides of our body, including the head (temples), neck, and shoulders. Eye diseases are also more common since the Liver opens to the eyes as a sense organ and can present as dry eyes, blurry vision, and eye strain. So what are we to do?
Wood is healthiest when it is supple and has room to grow. In some cases, that means ingesting foods and herbs that can help nourish the Wood and prevent dryness; in other cases, that means helping to remove constraints so that the Wood can grow. And in some cases it’s a matter of controlling Wood so as not to create additional disharmonies with the other elements and systems of the body. Common formulas that may be prescribed during this time are Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) or Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill) to help nourish and tonify, Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) to help regulate and address symptoms of stagnation, or Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction) to harmonize other Wood activities. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycium Fruit, Chrysanthemum and Rehmannia Pill) might also be prescribed when we see more symptoms directly related to the eye (note: while several of the formulas mentioned are available as over-the-counter products, you should consult with a trained professional before use and only use as directed).
Above are just a few of the formulas that your acupuncturist or herbalist might recommend, but there are also plenty of foods and activities that we can incorporate into our regular routine to help during this transition period (and with the Wood system in general). Seasonal foods are often the best, regardless of the time of year—seasonal and local are even better.
Leafy greens and vegetables: leafy greens such as spinach, kale, swiss chard, and bok choy are all great for the Wood system and help promote the smooth flow of qi. Dandelion greens, milk thistle, beets, and carrots are likewise good options and provide other nutrients for the body to use.
Sprouts and young greens: sprouts and young greens are believed to have a fresh, invigorating energy that helps revitalize the body and are considered particularly beneficial during the transition from winter to spring.
Lighter proteins: as the weather warms up, it's beneficial to transition from heavier, warming proteins to lighter options. Opt for lean proteins such as fish, poultry, tofu, and legumes, which are easier to digest and less likely to burden the Liver and Gallbladder.
Herbs and spices: certain herbs and spices are believed to have warming and invigorating properties that are beneficial as we transition into spring. Ginger, garlic, scallions, and onions are commonly used to promote circulation and dispel cold from the body.
Fresh fruits: incorporate seasonal fruits such as berries (if applicable), apples, pears, and citrus fruits into your diet.
Sour flavors: sour-flavored foods can help tonify the Liver in East Asian medicine. Foods like lemons, limes, vinegar, pickled vegetables, and to some extent, sourdough bread are considered beneficial for the Wood element and can support the Liver’s function.
It’s important during this time to stay well hydrated. Just like the plants, crops, and trees found in nature, the Wood system inside your body needs ample water to remain healthy. Aside from water, teas or infusions made from herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, and chamomile can help support and soothe the Wood system. A favorite, simple recommendation of mine is chrysanthemum tea. Steeped with goji berries and served with a little bit of fat (such as butter on toast at breakfast), these two herbs are a good combination to help nourish the Liver and soothe dry eyes.
Outside of food (herbs included), we can prepare for the transition into spring by becoming slightly more active. Gentle practices such as qigong, tai chi, yoga, stretching, and even walking in nature can help invigorate the body, reduce stagnation, and improve the flow of blood and qi in our body. That said, we still need plenty of rest. Rest and relaxation are essential for any type of growth, physical, mental, or spiritual, and allows our body to the pause we need to rejuvenate and replenish ourselves with energy. Given the Wood element’s association with emotions, practicing emotional awareness and being attentive to emotional needs are crucial at this time. Imbalances of the Liver often manifest in emotions such as anger, frustration, and resentment—more accurately, we look at the smooth flow of emotions when speaking about the Liver, but anger is often what comes up initially when emotions are unable to move freely.
While most of these recommendations can be explored from the comfort of our own home, acupuncture is another great tool East Asian Medicine has that can help you prepare for seasonal transitions (or any type of transition, really). Working with your local practitioner both before and after February 10th can help your body prepare for the upcoming season and get your new year off to the right start.
Written by Jonathan Bench - Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist
Jonathan works at Zen Den on Wednesdays 3pm-7pm and Thursdays 9am-12pm