SPRING IS STIRRING: A GUIDE TO THE EARLY SEASON
The earliest signs of spring are subtle - the quality of light begins to shift, the ground softens, buds hint at what's coming next. We’re not fully out of winter, but something inside is starting to stretch and wake up. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is the season governed by the Liver - the organ of movement, vision, and growth. The Liver’s role is to ensure smooth flow throughout the body. This includes the flow of qi, blood, digestion, emotions, and ideas. When we support the Liver, we give ourselves space to move into this new season with more ease and clarity.
After months of stillness, this is not the time to leap into action too fast. Early spring invites us to warm up slowly, stay intentional, and make small adjustments that support bigger change. Below, you’ll find some ways to align your body and daily rhythms with what early spring has to offer.
ORGAN: Liver
ELEMENT: Wood
EMOTION: Anger or frustration
COLOR: Green
TASTE: Sour
TO PRACTICE
The Liver thrives on movement. When qi becomes stuck, we may feel irritability, heaviness, brain fog, or fatigue. In early spring, choose movement that’s rhythmic and gently energizing to support qi flow without overexerting the body.
+ MORNING WALKS in fresh air to sync with the rising sun.
+ TWISTING YOGA POSTURES like seated spinal twist, revolved triangle, or supine twist to stimulate Liver qi.
+ QIGONG MOVES focused on the Liver meridian; here’s a Qi Break from Kate Patterson that is perfect for just this.
+ BOUNCING on a mini trampoline to move lymph and clear stagnation.
+ DANCING to music that makes you feel expansive.
+ TAI CHI for calming the nervous system and improving circulation.
+ GUA SHA OR DRY BRUSHING to move lymphatic fluid and encourage detox.
Start simple. Twenty minutes a day is plenty. The point isn’t to exhaust yourself, it’s to reintroduce motion and create internal momentum.
+ BREATHWORK + MIND CLARITY
The Liver is also tied to our ability to plan, dream, and make decisions. When the qi of this organ is constrained, we can feel stuck, indecisive, or overwhelmed. Support your mental and emotional clarity by:
Taking five deep belly breaths each morning before looking at your phone
Practicing alternate nostril breathing to create calm and focus
Journaling freely for five to ten minutes to release mental clutter
Creating space in your home by decluttering one small corner each week
Small acts of clarity support the Liver's larger role in vision and forward movement.
TO CONSUME
What we eat in early spring can either support the Liver or make its job harder. This is the time to move away from heavy, dense winter foods and incorporate lighter meals that help the body feel clear, grounded, and nourished.
+ LEAFY GREENS: Dandelion, mustard greens, arugula, and beet greens gently support detoxification and qi flow
+ SOUR FOODS: Lemon, kimchi, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, and sumac stimulate bile production and promote digestion
+ BRASSICA VEGGIES: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and bok choy support liver function and hormone balance
+ SPRING HERBS: Parsley, cilantro, nettle, and chives offer mineral support and help move heat out of the body
+ HYDRATION: Warm water with lemon or fresh herbs, nettle tea, and bone broth to keep digestion strong and clear
This is the season of potential. Not everything is in bloom, but it's on the way. The work of early spring is quiet and foundational —moving out what no longer serves us and laying the groundwork for the growth ahead.
Take it slow. Let your body shake off the stillness of winter on its own time. With movement, fresh foods, and attention to breath and space, your system will know exactly what to do.
Here's to the stretch, the clearing, and the return of light.
xx Dr. Sam