“Spring awakens the hundred flowers, and the heart opens with them.”
– Chinese saying
Spring is here – the air feels lighter, the days stretch longer, and we finally get that little nudge to shake off the heaviness of Winter. In Chinese medicine, Spring belongs to the Wood element, which is all about growth, movement, and renewal. Just like the trees sending out fresh shoots, our energy (Qi) wants to rise and expand, too. Have you felt it already?
But if that upward energy gets stuck, it can feel like tension, irritability, headaches, or digestive wobbles. That’s where acupuncture and seasonal eating come in – they help smooth things out so we can actually enjoy the season instead of feeling like we’re wound too tight.
The Liver, Gallbladder & Spring Flow
The Liver and Gallbladder are the organs tied to Spring. When they’re in balance, we feel flexible, decisive, and clear-headed – like we’re able to achieve anything! When they’re not… let’s just say Liver Qi stagnation is basically code for being prickly, sluggish, or stuck in a rut.
That’s why acupuncture is brilliant for this time of year – it helps release that pent-up energy, supports digestion, calms hay fever, and gives you a sense of clarity. Patients often remark that Spring treatments feel like an internal reset, like their body remembers how to move again. And that sounds as good as it feels!
Eating with the Season
When we allow them to be, our bodies are incredibly intuitive. When we connect, we instinctively feel that Spring is not the time for heavy, slow-cooked meals. Instead, we want things fresh, green, and light:
Leafy greens (spinach, rocket, broccolini) to get Qi moving
A touch of sour (lemon, apple cider vinegar, pickles) to gently support the Liver
Quick cooking – steamed, stir-fried, lightly sautéed – keeps the energy fresh
Go easy on greasy, rich foods that weigh you down
Spring also invites us to reconnect with ourselves in small, mindful ways. Sip warm water in the morning, notice the light changing throughout the day, or pause for a moment of deep breathing while you step outside. Even tiny shifts like these can help the Liver Qi flow more smoothly, supporting not just your body, but your mind and mood too.
Recipe: Lemon & Ginger Spring Greens
This is my go-to quick stir-fry when I want something light but still grounding.
You’ll need:
1 bunch broccolini, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
2 cups baby spinach or rocket
A handful of bean sprouts
1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely sliced (or more to taste)
1 tbsp olive or sesame oil
Juice of ½ lemon
A splash of tamari or light soy
How to make it:
Heat oil in a pan, add ginger, and cook until fragrant.
Toss in broccolini and zucchini – stir-fry a few minutes until just tender.
Add spinach, rocket, and bean sprouts, cook briefly until wilted.
Finish with lemon juice and tamari.
Serve with rice or quinoa, and perhaps some grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. It’s simple, quick, and feels like eating a plate of sunshine.
Little Spring Rituals
With the extra sunlight and upward energy Spring provides, it’s an inspiring time to dive into some beautiful, new, simple and sustainable rituals:
Stretch when you wake up – open the sides of your body and let your energy flow
Spend time outdoors – soak up the fresh air and new growth
Book a seasonal acupuncture session – just a couple of treatments can set the tone for a smooth Spring
Choose colourful, light meals that echo what’s happening in nature
Take a mindful moment to check in with your energy each week – notice what lifts you and what weighs you down. Adjusting small habits seasonally helps us stay aligned with the natural rhythm of our bodies
This is seasonal living (living with The Dao) in action.
“When Qi flows freely, there is no pain. When Qi is blocked, there is no ease.” – TCM principle
Spring is a season of new beginnings, but it doesn’t mean pushing or rushing. It’s about giving yourself space to unfurl slowly – just like the blossoms. With a few small tweaks – acupuncture, fresh foods, and gentle daily rituals – you can flow with the season and feel renewed from the inside out.
By Stella Parker (as published on The Dao website)