In Traditional Chinese Medicine, springtime associates itself with the emotion of anger. Most of us regard anger as a negative emotion, something to evade or eliminate. So, why does TCM shed light on it?

Well, we don’t inherently classify emotions as good or bad. It’s our handling of challenging emotions that can ultimately harm ourselves or our loved ones.

TCM describes springtime as a highly yang period, brimming with new energy and natural growth, both within nature and within ourselves. In human experiences, growth or change typically arises from a catalyst—a dissatisfaction or inspiration compelling enough to prompt action.

Anger can serve as a potent catalyst. When directed into action, it wields great power. Hence, TCM links the heightened energy and potential growth of spring with anger, recognizing it as a robust catalyst if acknowledged and channeled effectively.

However, it’s not guaranteed that when we experience anger, we’ll utilize it to instigate significant change or even comprehend its source. Excessive anger can also detrimentally affect the physical body over time.

According to TCM, one prevalent cause of anger is chronic or acute stress, resulting in energy stagnation, particularly in the liver. The liver facilitates the healthy circulation of qi throughout the body. When qi stagnates, emotions can similarly stagnate, becoming difficult to express or even identify.

TCM offers various modalities to aid the flow of qi and emotions within our bodies.

  1. Acupuncture is a great modality for supporting the healthy flow of qi through the liver.
  2. Stretching helps release blood and qi through the body and into the tendons, maintaining a healthy physical body.
  3. Eye exercises help support the health of the liver and vice versa. The liver is partly responsible for the function of the eyes. Remember to take breaks from looking at computer or phone screens throughout the day.
  4. Eating greens helps maintain healthy liver function and the movement of qi.
  5. Spending time outside, especially combined with exercise, helps qi movement and overall mental health.

Qi stagnation is very common, especially in springtime as we move out of the lower energy of winter. But when qi is flowing smoothly, we can fully engage with all the opportunities springtime can provide. Getting seasonal acupuncture tune-ups is a great way to stay healthy all year long. Call me today for an appointment!