Seasons Are Changing, Spring Is On Its Way

In Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with the wood element. In our bodies the wood element relates to the liver and gallbladder. This is the season that if our liver is strained or out of balance, we may experience symptoms related to the liver:

• anger
• headaches
• dizziness
• aches and pains
• digestive complaints
• menstrual complaints
• insomnia
• depression
• mood swings
• jaundice
• hepatitis
• a feeling of "stuck-ness", not moving forward with life goals
• a groggy feeling in the morning

Acupuncture at the Birch Center is a wonderful way to balance the liver energy. There are powerful points such as Liver 3 on the foot and Liver 8 near the knee which move and smooth the energy of the body. Gall bladder points on the back of the head and neck can ease headaches and help us sleep more soundly.

There is also a wonderful point combination: Liver 3 on the foot and Large Instestine 4 on the hand, which when paired are called The Four Gates. This treatment gently yet powerfully allows the energy in the entire body to flow freely.

At the Birch Center we carry Chinese herbal formulas such as Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder) which help move liver energy, easing menstrual complaints as well as elevating the mood. Western herbs such as dandelion, burdock, milk thistle and motherwort can also work on balancing the liver and often grow wild all around the United States. 
The spring has a lot of wonderful energy too: growth, green-ness, creativity, movement!

Spring is an excellent time to come in for acupuncture. Acupuncture helps keeps us strong and balanced, especially during the change of seasons when we are most vulnerable to finding ourselves off balance, run down, and coming down with something. 

In fact, I have heard the Stomach Flu is going around again. If you haven't seen it, check out What to Do if the Stomach Bug Gets You, which I wrote this past winter for ways to speed recovery from the stomach bug.

In health and joy,

David and Melissa Sokulski

Licensed Acupuncturists


Read these articles by Melissa Sokulski, L.Ac. in Natural News for more information:

• Cinnamon, Ginger, and Onions Strongly Protect Us From Cold and Flu

• Easy To Make Fermented Vegetables Boost Immunity and Improve Health 

• Rejuvenate Your Liver This Spring With Dandelions