It is amazing to think this year has passed by so quickly and Spring has marked its arrival with the Spring equinox! In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Spring is related to the Wood element, an energetic element tied to our liver and gall bladder energy channels (meridians in TCM) flowing through the body. The taste 'sour' is also associated with Spring and Wood; this is the time sour can be better appreciated and well received. Sour food function is similar to astringents used for the skin (such as witch hazel), and the way our mouths pucker with lemons and limes. It lifts and gathers in that which has begun to sag or is too dispersed. It pulls together to prepare for the blossoming period that marks the season of Spring. The blueprint and plan-of-action for all those seeds that have been in hibernation to finally wake up, make their debut, and start the germination process.
The other interesting aspect of the Wood element is that it rules the emotion of anger. When you're "seeing red", or so furious it seems to overwhelm the body and perspective, that is the emotion anger out of balance. Anger energy naturally rises and follows the path to the head and eyes, since that is the natural energy pathway of the liver and gallbladder meridians. But it is important to note that anger is not to be looked on as exclusively negative. That same emotion and energy we qualify as 'anger' is the same energy that allows that seed to sprout in nature. Imagine how hard it is to push through the tough kernel or shell of a seed and you get an idea of what anger energy is meant for. It is meant to push forward with our ideas and plans. All those wonderful projects that we think up could get a boost during this time naturally by tapping into the natural energy that the Season Spring brings with the Wood element. And to help us utilize that energy, our food choices can make an impact and that is why it would be best to incorporate a few sour food items here or there. Unless you find yourself falling into the overwhelmed state of angry energy; then you may consider something bitter or pungent to help. That includes mint, spices, light food choices, such as salads, smoothies, light and cool soups, fresh and local whole food choices.
However it is important to note that there is another element highlighted during this time - the Earth Element, which governs the transition phase of every equinox and solstice period. This transition phase lasts for about 15 days total, or 7.5 days before and after the equinox or solstice peaks. This provides a safe space to adjust to the change of seasons and the shift of energy between the elements. Here, we are letting go of winter - cool, calm, contemplative, burrowed and focused on within. Also the highlighted foods were more comforting and hearty, with soups, casseroles and richer dishes. Earth element governs the spleen and stomach energy meridians. It also rules the sweet taste that is naturally present in most grains and fruits. Those are the foods highlighted during this element's time. The emotion to balance with the Earth element is worry. Worry can easily destabilize this element, since it is meant to be a grounding energy linking all the elements together. It is meant to be the diplomat and peace-bringer; when we worry, that energy can displace that peaceful serenity. The natural linkage can drop, and this can lead to a feeling of displacement as the seasons pass, and even cause personal illness such as anxiety, gastrointestinal discomfort, seasonal allergies, common colds, flu, and muscular aches & pains. It is partially why we reach for sweet tasting foods for comfort and ease our emotional ills. Sweet taste can be harmonizing and grounding as well.
No matter where you live, we are affected by the changing seasons, and the cycles of nature can be reflected in the foods we eat and the energy meridians that run throughout the body and nourish our organ systems. May you have a lovely start to your Spring!
