Birch Center Newsletter, April 2008

Happy Spring!

Spring and Traditional Chinese Medicine Adapted from: Acufinder Magazine

Spring: As the season changes from winter to spring, seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and the sun warms the earth. There is a sense of renewal and new life all around.

While winter was a time to conserve energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and a renewal of spirit.

The Principle of the Five Elements

The five elements refer to wood, fire, earth, metal, and water in Eastern philosophy. The Principle of the Five Elements describes the flow of Qi and the balance of yin and yang.

According to the principle, all change - in the universe and in your body - occurs in five distinct stages. Each of these stages is associated with a particular time of year, a specific element in nature, and a pair of organs in the body. Change links together the seasons of the year, aspects of nature, and your body's organs and bodily processes. A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine uses this principle to diagnose and treat health problems.

SPRING:

Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. As spring is represented by the wood element and includes the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder, these two organs are usually the primary targets for springtime cleansing and health regimens.

* Element: Wood
* Color: Green
* Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
* Emotion: Anger

Spring corresponds to the "Wood" element, which is related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health this spring, move your Qi!

• Stretch - The liver controls the tendons and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai chi.
• Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes, and is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time.
• Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver and of springtime. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the liver's overall functions and aid in the movement of qi. Read more about incorporating green into your diet in The Birch Center's May newsletter.
• Taste Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar or lemon and olive oil for your salad dressing.
• Get outdoors - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or walk outside in nature.
• Enjoy wild dandelion greens and/or milk thistle tea - Dandelion greens are everywhere this time of year! If your yard hasn't been sprayed and the dandelion flowers have yet to bloom, now is the perfect time to harvest and eat the greens. Chop them small to eat fresh in salads (they do taste bitter), or steam or saute lightly with garlic and lemon juice.
  Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
• Acupuncture - Acupuncture can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.

Seasonal acupuncture treatments just four times a year can serve to stregthen the organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems. Call The Birch Center today at (412) 381-0116 to see how acupuncture can help you stay healthy this spring!

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