Spring is when our yang qi starts to emerge. Our bodies and the environment are transitioning from the deep, hibernating, storage quality of yin, to the light, warm, floating quality of yang. Harmony is about paying attention to what your body is already doing and supporting that process. In the winter, I always stress warm soups, stews, and roasting vegetables. All of that energetically brings more warmth into your body. Now that’s no longer needed. Bring on the salads and fresh leafy greens! If you find it difficult to get all of your vegetables in, try juicing or making smoothies. The emphasis would be on leafy greens. You can toss in berries, pears, or green apples for sweetness. If you’re finding it hard to digest, avoid frozen fruits add fresh ginger to taste.
Get out and move your qi! The energy of the season is to move everything up and out. Staying sedentary causes stagnation that will manifest as aches, pains, stiffness, headaches, fatigue, and depression. Find an activity that you enjoy start moving now!
This is the time for seasonal allergies. Focus on prevention. Get your body in its best shape before your allergy season starts. Here are some tips:
- Irrigate your sinuses with a neti pot.
- Wash off the day’s pollen that has collected on you. Shower before going to bed.
- Stay hydrated. Drink chrysanthemum tea. It has a cooling effect on the eyes.
- Avoid dairy and sugar It doesn’t have to be forever. Just for now. Here some foods to eat to help with allergies.
Make time to schedule your acupuncture appointments. They will help to strengthen your immune system before those allergens attack. If your allergy season has already started treatments will still be helpful in addressing your symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, foggy head, and fatigue. Relieving those symptoms will help you enjoy those May flowers even more!