Traditional Chinese medicine works on the five element theory. This theory is based on an observation of the natural cycles and relationships of life, both in ourselves and in the environment that surrounds us.

The five elements are fire, earth, metal, wood and water. Each of the elements has a corresponding internal organ. Each element is also associated with a different season.

They each also have both direct and indirect interactions. Something that affects one element and therefore a specific organ will have an effect on other organs and elements within the body. The point of traditional Chinese medicine is to achieve a balance within the body.

Spring is the season associated with wood. This element is the one that is associated with the liver and gall bladder. Since the wind has a tendency to blow in spring and wind strengthens the liver the spleen will also be affected. This can cause a disharmony which can present with problems like stomach pain, acid regurgitation, stomach distension and diarrhea. If the imbalance also affects the lungs then you will find that you suffer from all the classic signs of allergies.

If you are suffering from these kinds of problems in the spring then you can turn to the traditional Chinese medicinal disciplines of acupuncture and herbal medicine to help you get your body back into balance.

Herbal medicine and diet

In spring it is considered important to eat green leafy vegetables. These vegetables cleanse and freshen the body. It is recommended that you eat things like dandelion as a cleanser and drink juices from citrus fruits, pear and apple as well as celery and carrot. You can also add some sprouts to your diet, this would include things like beans, mung and radish sprouts.

Acupuncture

The first thing that has to be done when undergoing an acupuncture treatment is to identify and release any blockages in your system. The main blocks will be internal and external blockages, aggressive energy and entry exit blocks. It is the entry and exit blocks that relate directly to the organs affected by the elements.

Once the blocks have been cleared the next step is to plan what spirit points to open to help the patient to recover and rediscover their joy in life. The last step would be to treat the problem or imbalance directly through the use of command points. The command points are all directly related to the five elements. Thus in spring the most commonly treated command points would be the wood points.

As you can see, traditional Chinese medicine and spring, and the other seasons, are intricately related. The treatment that you receive will depend on the season and how that season is affecting your body and the balance within your body.

Many of my patients come in for seasonal treatments to enhance and optimize good health and to keep their immune systems strong.

Wendy
604-839-9789