Spring into Action
Spring is the season of activity and movement. Just as flowers start to bloom, shrubs and trees start budding, it is the start for all things to loosen up, begin to sprout, and move up and out. Spring is the time to fortify and nurture the yang energy. Our bodies shift from trying to store and conserve more energy with the colder months to a time of new growth and birth.
There is an old Chinese proverb: chun wu qiu dong （春捂秋凍）which means to “bundle up in spring and autumn freezing (or stay cool in autumn).” Although spring is when the yang energy rises and gradually builds, it is also the season when we’re susceptible to cold. Our internal yang is still weak and is affected by the external environment. Hence it is important to “bundle or cover up” during spring to preserve our yang energy for the warmer summer months to come.
What foods should we eat during spring?
Generally, we should consume foods that are warm, sweet, and pungent as it facilitates the liver to regulate qi. Pungent foods help disperse and promote circulation of qi and blood and guides energy up and out. Sweet foods generally tonify, harmonize, and moisten the body.
Food recommendations:
Onions, Fennel, Rosemary, Oregano, Grains, Legumes, Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts from seeds, Leeks, Yams, Spinach, Green leafy vegetables, Cabbage, Carrot, Dates, Ginger, Horseradish, Cilantro
It is important to eat green seasonal vegetables that sprout because it nourishes the liver and preserves the yang. Green is the color of the wood element that is associated with the liver and spring.
Asparagus and Plum Vinegar Recipe:
Wash a plentiful amount of asparagus spears and remove parts of the stems
Chop up the asparagus and lightly steam them until they’re bright green and tender (don’t steam too long)
Mix virgin olive oil and plum vinegar (2 parts olive oil to 1 part plum vinegar)
Pour the dressing on top of the steamed asparagus and serve
Mint tea with honey is great for spring. It’s gently warming, disperses and encourages the upward movement of qi. Ginger tea is also great for spring time consumption as it eliminates wind (a strong pathogen during spring) and warms the yang.
Have a healthy, abundant and beautiful spring!