Hey there, spring lovers!

The days are getting longer, flowers are blooming, and there’s a sense of renewal in the air. Up here in the Rocky Mountains we have seen the first pasqueflowers, baby moose with their mamas, whistling flybys of hummingbirds and hints of aspen buds. If you have been feeling the itch to declutter your home or start fresh with your health, you’re not alone—all of nature has this energy! In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is the season of growth, movement, and new beginnings—so your instincts are spot on!

Let’s chat about how to align your body and mind with the energy of spring using some simple tips from TCM and acupuncture.

Spring = Liver Season
In TCM, each season is connected to a specific organ system. For spring, it’s all about the Liver. But don’t worry, we’re not talking about liver tests from your doctor—this is more about the energetic system the Liver represents.

The Liver in TCM is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and emotions. It’s like the body’s traffic controller—when it’s working well, everything flows. But if Liver Qi gets stuck (which can happen with stress, overwork, or even eating too heavy in winter), you might feel irritable, bloated, or just “off.”

How to Support Your Liver This Spring
Here are a few easy ways to show your Liver some love:

1. Move Your Body
The Liver loves movement. Try walking, stretching, or gentle yoga in the morning. A daily brisk stroll (or dog walk!) in the fresh spring air helps move your Qi and clear your head.

2. Eat Green, Eat Light
Spring foods should be fresh, light, and green. Think leafy greens, sprouts, celery, and herbs like mint or cilantro. These help cleanse and nourish the Liver. It’s nature’s detox season!
Avoid super greasy or heavy foods—those bog down your Liver and can make you feel sluggish.
To help you get started, I’ve included a couple of quick and easy plant-based spring recipes at the end of this article.

3. Let It Go (Emotionally)
The Liver is linked to anger and frustration. If you’ve been snapping more than usual, it might be your Liver talking. Journaling, talking to a friend, hugging a pet or simply deep breathing can help you let go of pent-up emotions.

Spring corresponds to the Wood element in TCM, which is associated with growth, vision, and direction. Try this short “Meditation with the Wood Element” to balance Liver energy:

Sit comfortably in a quiet space. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths. Visualize a strong, tall tree rooted in the earth, gently swaying in the wind. Imagine yourself growing with it—calm, flexible, and grounded. Breathe in fresh spring air and breathe out any tension or stuck feelings. Do this for 5–10 minutes each morning to start your day with clarity and flow.

This helps smooth out Qi and emotions and supports your body’s natural rhythm during this season of change.

Acupuncture: Your Spring Reset Button
Spring is the perfect time to reset—and acupuncture is like hitting the refresh button for your whole system. Just like nature is waking up, acupuncture can help awaken your body’s own healing energy.

In TCM, acupuncture is used to balance the flow of Qi, especially when it’s stuck, sluggish, or overactive—common issues during seasonal transitions. Since the Liver is the star organ of spring, and it’s especially sensitive to stress, acupuncture is a gentle yet powerful way to bring it back into harmony.

Here’s how acupuncture can support you this season:

1. Clears Stagnation and Boosts Energy
Feel like you’ve got the spring blahs instead of spring fever? That could be Liver Qi stagnation. Acupuncture encourages movement and flow—helping you shake off sluggishness and feel more energized and clear.

2. Calms Irritability and Emotional Swings
Spring can stir up strong emotions—especially anger, frustration, or impatience (all linked to the Liver in TCM). Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system and stabilize mood, so you can feel emotionally grounded even as the world speeds up.

3. Reduces Seasonal Allergies
Runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing fits? Spring allergies are often caused by external wind and internal imbalances in Qi. Acupuncture strengthens your immune system and helps reduce inflammation, making allergy season much more bearable.

4. Supports Better Sleep
Spring’s lighter mornings can interfere with your sleep routine. If you’re tossing and turning or waking too early, acupuncture can help reset your sleep cycle by calming the mind and supporting deeper, more restful sleep.

5. Eases Muscle Tension and Headaches
Tension headaches and tight shoulders are classic signs of stuck Liver energy. Acupuncture releases physical tension and promotes circulation—especially helpful if you’re transitioning from winter hibernation mode.

6. Supports Detox and Digestion
With all the green foods and new routines, your digestive system might be adjusting. Acupuncture helps support healthy digestion and Liver function, which is essential for natural detoxification in spring.

How often should you go to acupuncture? You don’t need to go weekly unless you have a chronic issue—even 1–3 sessions in spring can work wonders. Think of it like seasonal maintenance: just like changing your wardrobe or cleaning out your home, your body deserves the same reset.

Pro Tip: Pair your acupuncture with gentle movement, meditation, and green foods for the ultimate seasonal harmony.

Bonus: Spring Lifestyle Habits
• Wake up earlier with the sun—your body will thank you
• Open the windows—get some fresh Qi in your home (pine-scented up here in the mountains!)
• Declutter your space—it helps declutter your mind, too, and invites in fresh opportunities for health, wellbeing and prosperity
• Spend time outdoors and garden—In TCM, connecting with nature harmonizes your Qi. Whether it’s a walk in in town or on mountain trails, planting herbs, or digging in the soil, you’re syncing up with the earth’s energy. Gardening is especially therapeutic for the Liver—it grounds stress, promotes patience, and surrounds you with the green color associated with spring renewal.

In a Nutshell…
Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s grow!” So if you’re feeling a little stir-crazy or like you’re ready to burst into something new—lean into it. With some TCM wisdom, green plant-based meals, meditation, outdoor time, and acupuncture, you can harness spring’s vibrant energy and feel your best.

Here’s to blooming from the inside out!

And here’s those spring green recipes to get you started!
Spring Green Stir-Fry with Ginger & Garlic
Ingredients:
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup bok choy or spinach
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp tamari or coconut aminos

Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and ginger, then toss in your veggies. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes. Finish with tamari. Enjoy with brown rice or quinoa!

Detox Greens Smoothie
Ingredients:
• 1 handful spinach or kale
• 1 green apple, chopped
• 1/2 cucumber
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 cup coconut water

Blend everything until smooth. This smoothie helps hydrate and flush out stagnant energy and supports your Liver’s natural detox process.