Acupuncture forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient form of medicine that has developed over several thousand years. Before the development of TCM the concept of the Five Elements looked at people’s constitutions and the effect of the seasons on emotions and specific organs. Each of the Five Elements is said to represent a different quality in a person – the elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
Each Element is associated with a different season, organ of the body and even colour and taste. The Wood element is associated with Spring, the Liver, and green and sour-tasting foods. Wood is said to open the eyes.
There is a shift in Spring from the Yin of Winter towards the full Yang of Summer. Evidence of this is all around us in nature. For many people, Spring is a favourite time of year. We all love seeing crocuses and daffodils pushing their way up through the soil and the gradual regreening of the New Forest as leaves appear on the trees.
However, this seasonal shift from Winter towards Summer can be challenging for some people. There is a corresponding shift in Yang energy in the body which can lead to symptoms such as headaches and migraines as Yang rises up the body. The Yang energy can also affect the Liver, causing dryness in the body, particularly in the eyes and nails.
Some patients come to acupuncturists for seasonal treatments as they recognise that they are affected by changes at particular times of the year.
If you recognise that you are affected by the change from Winter to Spring or would like to understand more about how acupuncture could help you, then please contact Amanda Caspari, our licensed acupuncturist – 07876 343821, [email protected].
