Welcome to Spring – Flowers are blooming, birds are nesting and wind, rain and sunshine abound!

The first few weeks of the season are very much a transition time, both externally in our environment and internally in our bodies as well.

As we emerge from the chilliness of Winter, we may find some sluggishness and lingering health issues left over from the colder months

For many, this can be the start of hay-fever. Acupuncture can be very effective in addressing hay fever symptoms. For links to research, click here to read my post on Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) and Acupuncture.

Whilst tempting to launch headlong into new and vigorous health programs to throw off the Winter, we need to be mindful that the weather can still be chilly and unpredictable. Therefore it is important to dress warmly and still include some nourishing and warming foods in the diet.

In Chinese medicine, the energy of our bodies starts to move up and out in Spring, ready for more activity and expansion. The organ of focus at this time is the liver.

Eating foods to support our system at this time, can help with immunity, allergies, hormone levels and digestive function.

Start to shake off the sluggishness of winter by introducing some invigorating foods to help support the liver. These include foods such as fennel, caraway, coriander and watercress. Remembering that soups, slow cooked foods and root vegetables still have their place in the cooler conditions of early Spring.

A course of Acupuncture can help to re-balance and reset – in preparation for the active season ahead.

During an Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine consultation, I will go through diet and lifestyle advice to help you prepare for the sunny days to come.

Elisabeth