The Ancient Secret To Detoxing Your Body For Spring

These recommendations are largely from my studies but can be referenced in almost any book on traditional Chinese medicine. (This is one of my favorites.) Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. In Chinese medicine, each season has an element, color, nature, organ, and emotion associated with it. There are also certain common symptoms that arise in each season as well. These tools are used for proper navigation and preparation through the season and prior seasons:

Symptoms: You may experience headaches, irritability, migraines, muscle/tendon issues, blood pressure issues, menstrual issues, visual issues, and sinus issues. These often arise during springtime because of its nature and energy.

In the afternoon, enjoy your heartiest meal! In the springtime the energy is very vibrant, so make sure your biggest meal is in the middle of the day in order for your body to digest everything before the evening time. This time of year, I suggest roasted veggies with blackened salmon to my clients. In the evening, take in less food to allow the nervous system to focus on healing instead of digesting. My recommendation is a soup filled with pureed veggies for a bowl of creamy deliciousness.

Spring corresponds to the "wood" element, which in turn is conceptually related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of energy throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. To assist your body this season, have a nice brisk walk, turn on some music and dance your butt off for 15 minutes, play your favorite Drake songs and make up a dance like he does, or even start a system of three reps of situps, wall-sits, high-jumps (or any combination of your three favorite exercises). Anything to add that little extra spring to your day.

The liver also has a very important function of storing blood. There are periods of rest, which is during your night’s sleep, so make sure you're in bed by 11 p.m. at the latest. This is the time of day when the liver works its best, and you want to get out of its way! When you wake up the liver in the morning, it likes to replenish the tendons in your body, so if you're a little achy in the mornings, it may be because you have given proper rest to your liver. So wake up and move, flow, or stretch! Activity is important in maintaining flexibility and is very important in keeping things flowing and moving properly throughout your body and nervous system. Blood flow helps keep your mind at peace. Keep it moving however you like best: swimming, dancing, running, or even a weekly acupuncture session.

One way to stay healthy and joyful is with acupuncture treatments—acupuncture and oriental medicine helps improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, frustration, irritability, anger, pain, and so much more, which are often associated with liver chi disharmony. Yoga, massage, acupressure, and tai chi move chi well, too.

Winter. Eat more roasted nuts and meats; stay in and sleep more; consume dark leafy greens and nourishing stews and soups.