3 Ways to Kick-Start your Spring

Spring is a time of new growth and regeneration.   In traditional chinese medicine spring is related to the Wood element:  everything warms up, grows, multiplies and expands.   It becomes easier to get up early in the morning, or to start planting the garden, spring cleaning our houses and start exercising again.  It’s natural to feel this rise of energy bubbling up through our bodies – even our sexual energy gets turned on!     
 
Here’s 3 ways to kick-start your spring.
 
1.  Spring clean!
The Wood element is related to the liver, gallbladder, eyes, nervous system and brain. The liver’s role in our body is to metabolise the chemicals we take into our bodies via food and drink, and then to eliminate them.  When our liver is over-burdened with toxins (emotional or chemical) it’s common to get cranky, over-think and also to lose sleep! For women it
particularly affects our hormonal balance.
 
In springtime our liver and gall bladder have extra energy, making this the best time of the year to cleanse the liver.  You could begin by using a liver cleansing diet. Alternatively you could start a liver cleanse by taking some bitter herbs (please get advice first from your natural health professional/herbalist/naturopath or health food shop).  A good cleanse should be gentle and slow over a period of 6 weeks to 3 months.  Avoid or limit alcohol at this time, as it stops the detoxification process.  You may get the odd day when you feel really tired several weeks into the detox – this is because your body is using all its energy to get rid of waste.  Don’t worry, rest up, it will pass: it’s a good sign.
 
2.   Make plans!
The Wood element is also connected with our mind, thinking and nerves. This element helps us get organised to do our heart’s desires – and spring is a time to start planning! When we are in the flow and getting things done we feel generous, abundant, have clarity of thought.  We can allow others points of view, it’s fun to research, gather information, plan, scheme and strategise.  
 
However if we get too calculating, or our rigid plans don’t work out, we feel frustrated, angry, jealous, envious, aggressive and bad tempered.  We no longer want to share or co-operate. Mentally we lose our power of focus and become confused, impulsive and obsessive. Our rationality disappears.
 
When you make plans, give them space for flexibility and change. Rest the mind often (this is good for the creative juices).  Be
in allowance of other people’s ideas.   Think outside the square through imagination, creativity: “what else is possible?”.  This brings wisdom to your plans.
 
3.   Balance the mind!
If you mind is “over-busy”, take time to rest it by changing activities: gardening, walking, make something, learn music or dancing. The mind gets it’s “rest” when you focus on a completely different and absorbing activity.  It brings about a sense of balance.  
 
References:  
Marin Gilles (1999): Healing from Within with Chi Nei Tsang. Published by North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California
Marin Gilles (2006):  Five Elements Six Conditions: A Taoist Approach to Emotional Healing, Psychology, and Internal
Alchemy.  Published by North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California
 
Massage special offer
I have a special offer of $50 (reduced from $70) for a one hour massage or healing session during the month of
October.   To see types of massage available or to make a booking click here
 
Courses coming up

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Women's Chi Kung Class - Put the sparkle back into your life
If you experience:-
Period pain
Mood swings
Breast tenderness and lumps
Irregular periods
Menopausal problems
Lower back pain
Urinary leaking
Menstrual problems
Weak pelvic floor
Low/high libido
Then this class is for you!     They are relaxing, fun and good for your health.

Every Thursday night starting 24th October
Tahunanui Primary School, Main Hall, Muritai Street, Tahunanui, Nelson
6.45 - 8.45 p.m.  (please come at 6.30 p.m. if this is your first time)
$30 for 6 weeks or $8.00 casual

For further details click
here

Care for your Back Class
If you want to be free of back pain without having to go to the gym, then this class is for you!   Elayne is an experienced teacher and massage therapist who has intimate knowledge of back issues.  This course is designed specifically for office workers, people with repetitive jobs or who have on-going back pain.   View full information here.

Monday nights (seven weeks) starting 21st October
7.30 - 9 p.m
Nayland College - through the Community Education programme
Cost $80
Book here