Why do I feel so irritable during Springtime?

Spring is a time of growth and renewal and it marks the transition from our most yin time (winter) to our most yang time (summer).

The warmer temperatures and brighter sunshine can bring a great sense of relief, but this transitional time can also feel very turbulent and full of anxiety.

If you are feeling frustrated and irritable, you're not alone. The energy it takes to move full rest to blooming bud can actually feel quite aggressive. In Chinese Medicine, the spring energy belongs to the Wood element and the Liver, and Liver Qi can easily become stagnant and accompany issues like irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, and a general sense of frustraion.

How to ease springtime transitions:

• Focus on gentle movement.  Our liver energy needs to move, so you can help keep it from getting stuck with long walks and exercises that focus on flexibility.

• Lean in to spring cleaning. Remove physical and emotional clutter from your life, including past grudges and resentments. 

• HYDRATE! Just like the buds trying to bloom in spring, your body needs extra hydrations. Try to get at least 12 ounces in right after waking.

• Get acupuncture. In the spring time we often incorporate more points that help keep your qi moving smoothly to help resolve and avoid the irritability and anxiety that come this time of year (and acupuncture is great for seasonal allergies, too!)

• Meditate! We've included a springtime meditation below

Springtime Meditation

Close your eyes and begin taking slow, mindful breaths. Imagine yourself as a flower bud hibertnating beneath the winter snow. Watch yourself slowly soak up the moisture from the soil and begin to emerge through the soil. Feel the warmth of the sun on your bud, and gently open up into a beautiful brith flower and be proud of the work it took to get here.