Traditional Chinese Medicine in Spring: Seasonal Health & Wellbeing
As winter begins to loosen its grip and the longer days return, we start to notice a change in the environment around us. Here on the Gold Coast, August can already bring warmer, brighter days — but also sudden changes back to cool temperatures at night.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these transitions between seasons have long been considered important times to pay attention to our health.
Spring: a time of expansion and movement
Within traditional Chinese medicine theory, spring is associated with the Liver system, the Wood element, and a natural movement of energy upwards and outwards.
Classical Chinese medicine describes this seasonal quality through the idea of fā (发 / 發) — to issue, unfold, develop or bring forth. We can see this reflected in nature: plants begin to grow, days become warmer and activity increases.
From a TCM perspective, the same seasonal movement is considered when assessing changes in the body.
Why can the transition from winter feel uncomfortable?
Traditional Chinese medicine has historically placed considerable importance on protecting the body from climatic influences such as Wind and Cold. This is one reason traditional seasonal health practices recommend adapting clothing to the conditions rather than dressing for summer as soon as the first warm days arrive.
The Liver, tendons and the spring season
In Chinese medicine theory, the Liver is traditionally said to “govern the tendons” and is associated with the smooth movement of Qi throughout the body. Pains and aches can be a manifestation of a stagnated Qi movement, typical for this season.
The pulse traditionally associated with spring is described as becoming somewhat more wiry (弦, xián). Importantly, this is a concept from the traditional Chinese diagnostic system and should not be interpreted in the same way as a biomedical cardiovascular measurement.
During this season, a Chinese medicine practitioner may therefore pay particular attention to signs of tension, stiffness or restriction when forming an individual TCM pattern diagnosis.
What about mood, anxiety and blood pressure?
Traditional Chinese medicine also associates the Liver system with emotional regulation, particularly frustration, irritability and the ability of Qi to move freely.
For this reason, practitioners traditionally pay attention to changes in mood, agitation, sleep and feelings of tension during the transition toward spring.
However, TCM seasonal theory should not be interpreted to mean that spring itself causes anxiety or high blood pressure, but the expansive movement of Spring affect us in every aspect of our lives.
Working with the season
Seasonal self-care does not need to be complicated.
As the weather begins to change:
• Dress for changing temperatures, particularly during cooler mornings and evenings.
• Keep moving — walking, this is a good time to travel and expand yourself in every aspect.
• This is the only season when TCM recommends to eat some sweets, make the most of it!.
• Notice persistent or unusual changes in your physical or emotional health rather than assuming they are simply “seasonal”.
• Seek appropriate healthcare assessment when symptoms are persistent, severe or concerning.
If you are interested in understanding how Chinese medicine approaches seasonal health and your individual pattern, you are welcome to speak with our practitioners or book an appointment at the clinic.
This information describes concepts within traditional Chinese medicine and is provided for general educational purposes. Traditional Chinese medicine terminology and diagnostic concepts are not equivalent to biomedical diagnoses. Individual assessment is required to
