Spring has come again. And along with it, a pushing up from the inside. As the warm winds stir, they invite cold held deeply during winter to surface and transform into heat: a fresh clean surge that is seen most clearly by the verdant growth all around us. So how do we follow this way?

            In terms of food, the focus shifts to spicy, bitter, and cooling fare. Examples include shoots like asparagus, tender bitter greens like romaine and dandelion, aromatic cooling herbs and spices like mint and cumin, and light grains and legumes like quinoa and mung beans. In any case, the heavy warming foods of winter are curtailed (but not altogether abandoned!). In terms of motion, the body becomes more lively: the chest opens, the arms reach up and out, and the legs stride freely. 

            Now, if these things happen in a gradual manner, the cleansing will likewise be gradual, and acute illness avoided. On the other hand, sickness at this time may be a sign of trouble transitioning between the seasons. Perhaps diet and/or movement do not change enough – or change too rapidly! For example, the temptation to shed the hat and open the coat upon the first warm breeze can prematurely invite the cold out, overwhelming the defenses.

            Sick or no, traditional Chinese herbs (or any herbs prescribed by a knowledgeable practitioner) are very useful to stimulate change from the inside. The herbs are concentrated food sources where spicy bitter tastes and cooling natures can be accentuated well beyond what is normally found at the table. For example, a therapeutic dosage of mint tea would be 8-12 tea bags!

            Acupuncture (or similar bodywork) is useful to regulate the motion of the body and thereby encourage smooth change from the outside. It can ease areas of restriction, tone weakness, and harmonize one part to another. Specific movements done by the client at home may be prescribed to complement this treatment.

            The key is to promote the natural movement inherent in the seasonal change, and to avoid things that suppress that motion. Most drugs work by suppression, as inferred by their names: anti-biotics, anti-histamines, anti-inflammatories, ant-acids, etc.. These things are best reserved for urgent situations. Professional herbs and bodywork are sufficient to handle most acute disease, and in any case help smooth the transition into the new season. Enjoy!