Midwest Acupuncture Clinic

Spring 2025

Wood

Liver / Gall Bladder

Compassion

Green

Tendons

Renewal and Growth

The Plants and Flowers by Ryokan

The plants and flowers

I raised about my hut

I now surrender

To the will

Of the wind.

How can we ever lose interest in life?

Spring has come again

And Cherry trees bloom in the mountains.

As nature awakens and the days grow longer, spring is a time for renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is the perfect season for detoxification, emotional balance, and physical revitalization. The Wood element governs in this season, and it’s a time when the Liver and Gallbladder are at their most active. Understanding how spring affects our bodies and aligning with this energy can help us tap into a more vibrant, balanced version of ourselves.

Spring is the Season of the Liver

In TCM, the Liver is the organ that corresponds to spring. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and the regulation of emotions. During spring, we can experience an increase in Liver energy, which can cause frustration, irritability, or anger if the Liver Qi is not flowing smoothly. TCM Tip: Chai Hu! Forest bathing and meditating on green scenery naturally smoothes the Liver energy and brings about harmony.

Detoxification and Cleansing

Spring is traditionally a time for detoxification in TCM. The Liver works hard to cleanse the body, and the energy of spring supports this natural process. Cleansing is not just about physical detox; it’s also an opportunity to release emotional stagnation and mental clutter. TCM Tip: Incorporate fresh greens like dandelion greens, leeks, and spinach into your diet. These bitter foods support the Liver and help purify the blood. Acupuncture and herbal remedies can also assist in supporting the Liver’s detox function.

The Power of Qi Flow

The Liver, associated with the Wood element, is all about movement and growth. You may have observed the incredible shapes and contortions Wood can embody as it finds creative ways to grow in this world. This same energy is manifest in our bodies in this season. In spring, we are encouraged to move forward, let go of old habits, and open ourselves to new possibilities. This is a time of expansion and renewal in both physical and emotional terms and all of nature is supporting this inner transformation.

TCM Tip: Pay attention to how you feel emotionally in spring. If you feel stuck or angry, it might be a sign that your Liver Qi is stagnant. There are famous herbal formulas that can help to guide Liver Qi to harmony.

Emotional Balance

In TCM, each season is also linked to a specific emotion. Spring is associated with the emotion of anger or frustration, often due to stagnant Qi. If your Qi isn’t flowing freely, it can lead to irritability, mood swings, or feeling “stuck.” However, when Liver Qi is flowing smoothly, it promotes compassion, creativity, inspiration, and profound insight.

TCM Tip: To prevent emotional imbalance, practice Hugging the Tree Qi Gong meditation. Stand shoulder width apart and extend your arms as if you are hugging a tree. Breathe into this posture and hold it for 5 to 60 minutes in the morning and observe what comes up in your body.

Wind: The Dominant Element of Spring

Spring is characterized by the Wind element, and it’s the most active environmental factor during this season. Wind is associated with the movement of energy and the potential to bring about both new opportunities and challenges. In TCM, Wind can also trigger external conditions like allergies or skin rashes.

TCM Tip: Protect your body from Wind by keeping your neck and back covered when outdoors, and maintaining balance in your diet. Wind can also exacerbate conditions like joint stiffness or muscle tension, so regular acupuncture or self-acupressure can keep your body in balance.

Dandelion Leek Miso Ramen

We love incorporating our South River Miso for easy and quick meals. The one used in this recipe is Dandelion Leek because it embodies the essence of renewal and cleansing, making it a perfect addition to seasonal dishes, including soups, salads and toasts. This unique miso was even gifted to the Empress of Japan, a testament to its exceptional quality and rich, nourishing flavor.

Enjoy its deep umami taste in this Spring Detox Ramen, a dish designed to support Liver health, Qi flow, and overall vitality in alignment with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

•6 cups filtered water or vegetable broth

•2 tbsp South River Dandelion Leek Miso (stirred in at the end for probiotic benefits)

•1 tbsp sesame oil or avocado oil

•2 leeks, sliced thin

•1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced

•1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

•2 cloves garlic, minced

•1 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos

•1 tsp rice vinegar (supports gentle detox)

•2 servings brown rice or buckwheat ramen noodles

•1 cup baby bok choy (mild bitterness supports the Liver)

•½ cup daikon radish, julienned

•1 tbsp scallions, chopped

•1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or nori strips (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add leeks, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Simmer the Broth: Add water or broth, tamari, and rice vinegar. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, prepare the ramen noodles as directed. Drain and set aside.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in daikon radish and bok choy. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant.
5. Incorporate Miso: Turn off the heat. In a small bowl, mix South River Dandelion Leek Miso with a ladleful of warm broth until dissolved, then stir back into the soup. (Do not boil miso to preserve its probiotic benefits.)
6. Assemble & Serve: Divide noodles into bowls, pour the miso-infused broth over them, and garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and nori strips.

TCM Benefits

South River Dandelion Leek Miso – Supports digestion, detoxification, and Liver health

Wild Leeks – Moves Qi, aids digestion, and warms the body

Dandelion Greens – Bitter and cooling, helps cleanse the Liver and support detox

Shiitake Mushrooms – Strengthen Qi and immunity

Daikon Radish – Helps digestion and clears stagnation

Bok Choy – Mild bitterness nourishes the Liver without being too cooling

Midwest Acupuncture Clinic