Have you noticed the longer days? The smell of that last rainstorm? Those early floral blooms starting to pop up?
In Chinese Medicine spring correlates to the wood element and is all about renewal, planting seeds, and new growth. Energetically it’s a good time to take inventory, sift through things, and set goals and intentions for the rest of the year.
When it comes to fertility, people often ask me when the best time to come in for acupuncture during their cycle is, and while each phase can benefit tremendously from acupuncture, I often explain that the beginning of the cycle just after your period has ended is ideal because it represents our “inner spring” and is crucial for laying the foundation for the entire cycle to come.
Internally, wood is represented by the liver system which plays an important role in the production of those early hormones (primarily estrogen) that support the building of the endometrial lining. During this phase liver qi and blood ensure proper filling of the ren and chong vessels, the two major channels directly connected to the uterus, and we focus on nourishing qi and blood with acupuncture and herbs.
Here are a few simple tips you can also incorporate at home to support your body’s inner spring:
Eat plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, chard, dandelion greens, seaweeds
Get plenty of fiber - try adding beans, legumes, nuts and seeds to your diet
Get adequate sleep, ideally before 10pm to ensure enough dreaming time.
Get creative! Try journaling, painting, or drawing.
Start a new project, set some new intentions or goals
Connect with nature- go for a walk, reflect/meditate, explore new places
Keep up with acupuncture and herbs at the start of each cycle to set the stage for the upcoming weeks!