Blog

Feeling wired, irritable or tight as the weather warms? A whole-person look at spring through the lens of Chinese medicine theory, with gentle questions to ask yourself.

When new energy feels like too much

Spring is meant to be uplifting, yet many people notice a less comfortable side to it: a restless mind, a shorter temper or a body that will not quite relax. From a whole-person perspective, those experiences are worth listening to. Chinese medicine theory offers one way to make sense of them, and it begins with the idea that every season has its own kind of energy.

The spring personality in Chinese medicine

Traditional theory links spring with the liver, whose energy is described as driven, decisive and forward-moving. When it flows well, tradition says, we feel motivated and ready to act on our plans. When it is held back, that same drive can turn into frustration and tension. Many people find this a helpful metaphor for the push-and-pull of the season.

A gentle self-check

You might reflect on the following questions. They are not a diagnosis, simply prompts drawn from traditional theory.

• Mood: Am I more irritable, restless or quick to anger than usual?
• Body tension: Are my shoulders rising, my neck stiff, or am I clenching my jaw or grinding my teeth?
• Head: Have I had headaches at the top of my head, perhaps worse on days I barely move?
• Eyes: Are they red, itchy or irritated, or watery and itchy with seasonal allergies?
• Digestion: Am I bloated, or swinging between constipation and loose stools, or noticing hard, stony stools?
• Cycle: For women, has premenstrual bloating, breast tenderness or sensitivity increased, or have periods become more painful or clotted?

Chinese medicine theory groups all of these under the liver. Western medicine would look at each one separately, which is why your GP should always be your first stop for anything new, ongoing or worsening.

Supporting yourself through the season

A mind-body approach sees mood, tension and daily habits as connected. Regular movement gives spring energy somewhere to go, which suits the traditional idea that the liver dislikes stagnation. Time outdoors, a little journalling about what is frustrating you, and softening the jaw and shoulders a few times a day are simple places to start.

Some people in Lane Cove also choose acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine during spring as part of caring for their overall wellbeing. If you do, use it as a complement to medical care and keep your GP informed.