SEASONAL SHIFTS: HOW TO SUPPORT YOURSELF BETWEEN WINTER + SPRING
As February fades into March, we find ourselves in a liminal space — not fully winter, not quite spring. The energy of deep winter, slow and introspective, is beginning to lift, making way for the first stirrings of Yang energy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this transition is significant: the stillness of winter is giving way to movement, growth, and renewal.
This is a time to gently wake up the body. Just as nature begins to stir beneath the surface, we, too, should shift with intention — incorporating warming yet light foods, gentle movement, and mindful detoxification to prepare for the expansiveness of spring.
ELEMENT: Wood (emerging from Water)
COLOR: Green
EMOTION: Patience + planning (to counteract frustration or stagnation)
FLAVOR: Slightly sour (to gently support the Liver)
ORGAN: Liver (transitioning from Kidney’s winter dominance)
to consume
LEAFY GREENS + SPROUTS
As nature begins to green again, so should your plate. Fresh greens like kale, dandelion greens, chard, and microgreens help support the Liver’s natural detoxification process and introduce lightness back into your meals.
SOUR + FERMENTED FOODS
A small amount of sour flavor stimulates Liver Qi, helping things move smoothly. Try incorporating:
Lemon + lime in water or as a finishing squeeze on top of your meals.
My fermented oats! So good for a nourishing breakfast or lunch.
Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, or miso for gut health and digestion.
Cookma’s Kitchari or Mung Bean Soup – a nourishing, grounding yet detoxifying way to reset.
ENERGIZING YET STABILIZING PROTEINS
Your body still craves warm, nourishing foods but benefits from lighter, easy-to-digest proteins like:
Lentils, mung beans, and chickpeas
Bone broth-based soups for deep nourishment
Sprouted nuts + seeds for an energy boost without stagnation
TO PRACTICE
GENTLE MOVEMENT + FLOWING EXERCISE
Late winter calls for intentional movement. Your body may feel stiff or stagnant from the slower pace of deep winter, so now is the time for:
Qigong + Tai Chi – Movements that activate circulation and flexibility while keeping you grounded.
Brisk walks – Getting outside, especially with the sun shifting, helps wake up the Liver and regulate mood.
Stretching + twisting – The Liver, which governs the tendons, benefits from gentle twists and side-body stretches.
HYDRATION + DETOX SUPPORT
Water is still key in this transition. Keep supporting your body’s natural detox pathways by:
Drinking warm lemon water in the morning to aid digestion.
Incorporating teas like dandelion, nettle, and ginger to gently move stagnation.
Dry brushing + Gua Sha to promote lymphatic movement and circulation. We use this dry brush and this gua sha.
EMOTIONAL ALIGNMENT
Late winter can bring impatience, frustration, and mental fog as we yearn for spring’s arrival. Support your emotional well-being by:
Journaling intentions for spring. Reflect on what you’re ready to leave behind and what you want to cultivate.
Breathwork + meditation to counteract any restlessness.
Acupressure for balance. Pressing Liver 3 (Taichong) between the first and second toes can ease stress and move stagnant energy.
This in-between season is all about balance. You don’t need to rush into spring’s energy just yet — honor winter’s last quiet moments, but begin to wake up. Move gently, nourish your body with intention, and flow with nature rather than forcing the shift.
Until next month, take care and stay well.
xx Dr. Sam