Living with the Seasons: Springtime Wellbeing Tips from Traditional Chinese Medicine

As nature begins to bloom, spring invites us to renew and realign. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is all about movement, growth, and cleansing — and it's deeply connected to the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. These organs govern the smooth flow of Qi (energy), emotional balance, and decision-making.

When Liver energy is out of balance, we may feel irritable, experience tension headaches, digestive issues, or emotional stagnation. The good news? Spring is the perfect time to support and rebalance this system with gentle, intentional practices.

Here are 5 simple and natural ways to harmonise with the energy of the season:

1. Move Gently, Move Often

Gentle movement helps free up stagnant energy. Go for a walk in nature, stretch first thing in the morning, or join a yoga class that balances strength and softness. My Yin-Yang Slow Flow Yoga class is designed with this in mind, blending mindful movement with restful postures to support your posture and your energies.

2. Eat with the Season

Dark leafy greens,  particularly the bitter varieties like dandelion, rocket and kale, naturally support the Liver’s detox process. Add a splash of lemon or a dash of apple cider vinegar to your meals — sour flavours gently stimulate Liver energy and aid digestion.  Too much spice like hot chilli, greasy foods, alcohol and caffeine can cause havoc with the liver energies- so be mindful!

I love to make juices, try this recipe to get your qi flowing smoothly! - you don't need to buy a fancy juicer, you can just blend and strain with a sieve or muslin cloth to get rid of the pulp.

• 2 green apples

• half a cucumber

• 3 stalks of celery

• half a lemon 

• 1 inch of ginger

• a handful of mint or parsley 

  
  

(optional- I love to add coconut water for added electrolytes and hydration)

3. Breathe Deeply

Inhale... and exhale fully. Deep belly breathing or simple pranayama practices like alternate nostril breathing help soothe emotional stress and regulate the flow of Qi. Even five mindful minutes each morning can reset your nervous system.

4. Try Acupressure and Self-Massage

Stimulate energy flow with gentle self-massage along your rib cage and side body, where the Liver meridian flows. A great point to press is Liver 3 (Tai Chong) — located on the top of the foot, between the big toe and second toe. It’s known to reduce tension, calm the mind, and support emotional release and so much more!

For deeper support, bodywork that focuses on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles can be especially helpful. As a massage therapist trained in techniques like Tui Na and acupressure, my treatments work with the meridians and acupressure points to release stagnation, ease muscular tension, and rebalance the body’s energy.

5. Reflect and Reset

Spring is a season of fresh starts. Take time to journal, meditate, or simply sit in stillness. Ask yourself: What am I ready to grow into? What can I release? Aligning with the season helps us find clarity, courage, and calm direction.

Feeling inspired to reconnect this spring?

Join me every Thursday at Sensate Spa & Studios for a calming Yin-Yang yoga class designed to restore balance and support your seasonal wellness.

Or, if your body is calling for deeper rest and release, my massage therapy treatments work with both physical and energetic imbalances to help you feel lighter, clearer, and more in tune with yourself.

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