Spring according to the Nei Jing (Ch 2)
The seasons are perhaps not as defined as what they used to be, however if we observe what nature is doing, we can see what qi to follow. Spring is aligned with the energies of the sunrise, rising from sleep, and is the season where Wood comes into it’s strength. Associated wood organ systems in Chinese medicine are the Liver and Gallbladder sytems.
The three months of spring; They denote effusion and spreading.
Heaven and earth together generate life; The myriad beings flourish.
Spring is a time of motivation for the integration, free flow of movement and expanding. When the heavenly father and earthly mother merge together, they create fertile vitality which gives rise to the ‘10 000 things’. This talks to creation and can be seen in all aspects of life whether it be of a physical nature or an internal idea, project or way of life. In Spring we are preparing to bloom or express with qi rising. We can make this time more vital by having good planning skills.
Go to rest late at night and rise early; Move through the courtyard with long strides.
Dishevel the hair and relax the physical appearance;
Thereby cause the mind (to orient itself on) life.
With days lengthening we need less sleep, going to bed later and motivation should start kicking in to wake us earlier. Spring is a time to be relaxed in all things both mentally and physically. Exercise can help this body relaxation which in turn relaxes the mind. When our entire being is relaxed, we being present with all life comes easily. This presence is what enables the sense of contentment and where compassion and benevolence kicks in for all things which are positive aspects of Wood that can nourish our Heart fire.
Give life and do not kill; Give and do not take;
Reward and do not punish.
The movement of Spring qi is about growth and giving life internally and externally. Here the Nei Jing talks to Spring being a time of generosity. Altruism and philanthropy - giving freely to our communities is aligned with wood and spring. This could be being kind to the people/plants/insects/animals in our home, locally, or globally. This is in harmony with the qi of this season and the wood organs. It’s also a great time to focus on giving these organ systems a break with lighter, plant-based meals so they can regenerate and don’t become clogged up for the heat of summer.
This is correspondence with the qi of spring and it is the Way to nourish life.
Opposing it harms the liver.
Following/observing the qi of nature and the seasons is following the Dao (the Way). What is happening in our environment, reflects what is happening internally within the physiology of our bodies. This observation allows us to nourish ourselves in healthy ways, and as a result, life around us benefits as well. Ignoring the natural cycles and rhythms of our own bodies and life, create stress. Ignoring the needs of the liver & gallbladder during this time of strength is thought to create future harm for these systems. In turn can create problems in summer as Wood feeds Fire (Heart & Small Intestine). Anger, frustration, irritation, annoyance and the need for control are some key emotional behaviours that oppose the liver.
Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: An Annotated Translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic - basic questions. Vol.1 . Pg 45&46 by Unschuld, Tessenow & Zheng 2011
This is Lee-Ana’s interpretation and understanding of Unschuld et al’s translation.
