In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the Wood element and the Liver and Gall Bladder systems. It is traditionally considered a time of movement, change and increased activity.
From a TCM perspective, seasonal change can be a time when existing patterns become more noticeable. For some people, this may coincide with allergies, sinus congestion, rhinitis, headaches, neck and shoulder tension, bloating or IBS symptoms.
Chinese Medicine offers ways to help alleviate and reduce the severity of these symptoms. They’re actually what we commonly see in clinic but particularly in Spring.
Spring, the Wood Element and the influence of Wind
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the Wood element and the Liver and Gall Bladder systems. Spring is also considered a season when Wind becomes particularly active.
Wind is one of the six external influences described in Chinese Medicine. It is considered light, mobile and changeable, which is why symptoms associated with Wind can appear suddenly, move from one area to another, or change in intensity.
From a TCM perspective, Wind can affect different areas of the body and may contribute to a range of familiar springtime complaints.
Wind affecting the upper respiratory system may be associated with symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy or runny nose, sinus congestion and other hay fever or rhinitis-type symptoms. Spring pollen and changing weather conditions can coincide with these symptoms, while in TCM they may be understood through the concept of Wind entering or affecting the upper respiratory system.
Wind affecting the Liver and Gall Bladder channels may be associated with tension, stiffness and pain, particularly around the neck, shoulders, upper back and sides of the body. These symptoms can feel changeable or move between different areas. In TCM, the Liver and Gall Bladder channels travel through these regions, so practitioners may consider the Wood element and Wind when assessing this type of presentation.
Spring allergies, sinus and rhinitis
Acupuncture may be used as an adjunct to conventional allergy management, with clinical research suggesting it may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for some people with allergic rhinitis.
Chinese herbs may also be prescribed according to the individual presentation. Rather than using the same formula for everyone, a qualified TCM Practitioner considers the person’s symptoms and traditional TCM pattern when selecting herbs.
Headaches, neck and shoulder tension
The Gall Bladder channel covers the back of the neck and upper back – our prime area for treatment. Acupuncture is commonly used for headache and musculoskeletal pain, while techniques such as cupping and gua sha may be incorporated to give a deep release to the upper back and neck. You can make an Acupuncture + Cupping combo appointment here.
Bloating and IBS symptoms
Digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits can also become more noticeable during periods of stress, dietary change or disruption to routine.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine views IBS as a dynamic between stuck Liver Qi and deficient Spleen Qi. One of our favourite formulas to use for IBS and bloating is Xiao Yao San – a combination of Liver Qi moving herbs and Spleen tonics.
Supporting your body through seasonal change
Spring doesn’t mean you have to simply put up with intense symptoms. If you experience recurring hay fever, sinus symptoms, headaches, neck and shoulder tension or digestive complaints, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be considered as part of a broader care plan.
A qualified Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner can assess your individual presentation and determine whether acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping or other TCM techniques are appropriate. It’s all about getting the qi moving again and overcoming sluggishness after a cold Winter and leaving the lurgies behind!
If Spring consistently brings sneezing and sinus congestion, headaches and shoulder tension, or bloating and digestive changes, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our TCM practitioners to look at your symptoms as a pattern and considering what additional support could be appropriate.
