Spring in the East Bay has a particular rhythm.
Mornings still carry a chill. Afternoons stretch toward warmth. Hills turn green almost overnight, as if the land has decided—quietly, that it’s time.
In Chinese Medicine, this moment matters.
April marks the true energetic shift from winter storage to spring movement. What was held, conserved, and incubated now wants circulation and movement. Stagnant energy begins to feel uncomfortable. Forward motion becomes necessary—not rushed, but intentional.
The Rhythm of Spring in Chinese Medicine
Spring is governed by the Wood element, associated with growth, flexibility, vision, and direction. It’s the phase of the year that asks one essential question:
Where am I headed?
This is not about reinvention. It’s about alignment.
The Liver & Gallbladder: Spring’s Command Center
In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the body. The Gallbladder supports decisiveness, courage, and the ability to act on what the Liver envisions.
Together, they govern:
Planning and direction
Emotional regulation and flexibility
Tendons, ligaments, and muscular ease
The ability to start and follow through
When these systems are functioning well, people often feel:
Clear-minded and focused
Motivated without strain
Emotionally responsive rather than reactive
Physically loose and adaptable
Subtle Signs the Liver & Gallbladder May Be Out of Balance
Spring often reveals imbalances that were tolerable during winter but no longer feel sustainable.
Common signs of Liver or Gallbladder disharmony include:
Irritability, impatience, or feeling “on edge”
Tightness in the neck, shoulders, hips, or jaw
Headaches, especially around the temples
Digestive irregularity or bloating
Frequent sighing or a sense of frustration without a clear cause
- Difficulty making decisions or feeling stuck despite wanting change
These are not random symptoms. They are signals that movement is needed— energetic, emotional, or physical.
This is why spring is often one of the most effective times to support the body with acupuncture: it restores flow and moves the stagnation of winter.
Living in Rhythm with Spring
Here’s some supportive practices for this season:
- Light, warming meals with plenty of greens (the color of the Liver and Gall Bladder)
Gentle sour flavors (lemon, fermented foods) to support Liver function
Regular movement—walking, cycling, stretching, yoga
Spending time outdoors, especially in the morning
- Creating structure without rigidity
Think circulation, not exhaustion. Flow, not force.
From Winter to Spring: A Moment of Reflection
In Chinese Medicine, winter belongs to the Water element—rest, conservation, and storage. It is the season of protecting energy and letting things gestate beneath the surface.
Spring brings something very different.
Before rushing forward, take a moment to pause. You might even sit down—feet on the floor, breath steady—and see what comes up; images, words, sensations:
What did I nurture or protect during winter?
What seeds did I begin to plant?
What now needs movement, expression, or commitment?
What wants to grow now?
- What is waiting for me this Spring or this year?
Be curious. Be open. Spring invites us to move with intention, restore flow, and allow what’s been waiting to finally take shape.
Happy Spring!