February 3rd is the start of Spring in the Traditional Chinese Calendar. 立春 And while the weather still seems like winter, there is a subtle warmth in the air. So let’s just claim it – Spring is here!
Good Foods For Spring
These are good foods to eat to nourish our bodies for this season:
Chives (韭菜), Coriander (芫荽), Bean sprouts, Shepherd’s purse (荠菜), Radish — 萝卜 (luóbo), Spring bamboo shoots –春笋 (chūnsǔn), Garland chrysanthemum (a leafy green vegetable) — 茼蒿 (tónghāo).
Avoid sour foods because a sour taste draws energy inward. In springtime, we want the energy to spread out and flow freely.
Spring is the Wood Element
In the Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Spring is associated with the Wood element, which is the Liver system, and the taste of sour. According to TCM principles, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body and is especially active during the Spring. And because Spring is here, we must be mindful of our Livers.
Since sour is the flavor associated with the Liver, a moderate amount of sour flavor can be beneficial to the Liver, but excessive consumption of sour foods has an astringent and contracting effect, which I call “draws the energy in.” This can hinder the Liver’s function of promoting the free flow of Qi. Since Spring is a time of germination and growth, as we see in nature during this time, consuming too many sour foods could counteract this natural outward movement and lead to stagnation or constraint of Qi.
Don’t Eat Sour Foods
Also, since sour is the flavor of the Liver system, eating sour food strengthens the energy of the Liver system. But since the Liver system’s energy is already strong in Spring, adding more energy to it by eating sour food can be problematic. It can lead to the Liver system overacting on the digestive system and causing digestive issues. This is called “Liver overacting on Spleen” in TCM.
Instead, Eat Sweet & Pungent Foods
Instead, since Spring is here, TCM recommends eating more pungent and naturally sweet food to support the Liver’s function of promoting the smooth flow of Qi and strengthening the digestive system. In addition, pungent flavors help move Qi outward and upward, which aligns with the expansive energy of Spring. Foods with these flavors include green onions, garlic, ginger, and various leafy greens. Sweet flavors, in moderation, nourish and harmonize the body and strengthen the digestive system. But we have to be careful not to eat too much sweet food. A side note about the sweet flavor of TMC: rice is considered a sweet food.
About Raleigh Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. Our practice is guided by a belief in compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life, creating a warm and inclusive environment where healing and holistic wellness are our top priorities. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and top-tier medical care come together for the well-being of every patient. Happy day, Spring is here!
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