Inappropriate Spring Chinese Medicine Style
I thought we had better cover the subject of Spring immediately since it only lasts one week in New York and already it feels like summer.
This past week, my kids brought up some very important things all relating to Spring! If only we all saw the world through kids’ eyes.
Last weekend my son and I were taking a walk while the weather was really nice and this guy came strutting by us in a wife beater shirt that barely covered his nipples. My son asked, “why is that man wearing such a small girl shirt?” I started to laugh because this lovely, very very petite shirt was really not a good look. My son had only seen a shirt like this worn by girls and believed, as I do, that that’s how it should stay. I explained very nicely that this guy had large muscles and he thinks that the ladies think he looks really cool in this shirt. I could see my son’s brain working and he said, “Daddy, I’m not going to ever wear one of those shirts.” To which I responded, “I think that’s a solid decision and something you should stick with your whole life.”
I told my other son that he was starting to smell after coming back from basketball, and that he needs to shower every day right after sports. I informed him that soon he will go through puberty. He asked, “what is puberty?” I thought good times are about to start as I try to explain puberty!! Well, first you will grow body hair. He said, “gross!!” Then you will start to smell. He said, “that sounds horrible!!” And you and your penis will get larger. His response: “I’m really into that!!”
So, you might be asking, how do wife beaters and a larger penis relate to Spring in Chinese medicine?” Spring begins the Yang time of year and you will probably be seeing more of both, so let’s get into Spring and how it relates to Chinese medicine.
Spring is the time to cleanse and detoxify. The season relates to the liver which deals with stagnant energy and the smooth flow of blood. We are leaving Winter which is the time for hibernation, eating root vegetables and being more inward. Now we are all about growth, movement, and looking to the future. Emotionally we are at a point where we need to clear the old and start fresh.
In terms of food I always eat what’s in season. Spring relates to sour and the color green. Go to the farmers market and take a look. I will put foods and their nutritional quality on my Instagram @sheracupuncture. Stay away from and cut down on sugars, caffeine, excess alcohol, fried foods and processed foods. Start incorporating fresh green produce like mint, kale, parsley, sprouts and asparagus, as well as seaweed, green tea, cherry, lemon and grapefruit.
Move Move Move. Start a workout routine. Get your body moving. If you haven’t worked out since 1982, then go slow. Not grandma-slow. Get outside and start moving your tush.
Acupuncture is amazing at getting the blood and qi moving. One of the best times to get acupuncture is during the spring. The combination of acupuncture and herbs help to clear out the liver, manage allergies, move blood and qi and get your body ready for the wife beaters and larger genitals. Hallelujah.