These recommendations are largely from my studies but can be referenced in almost any book on traditional Chinese medicine. (This is one of my favorites.) Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. In Chinese medicine, each season has an element, color, nature, organ, and emotion associated with it. There are also certain common symptoms that arise in each season as well. These tools are used for proper navigation and preparation through the season and prior seasons: In the afternoon, enjoy your heartiest meal! In the springtime the energy is very vibrant, so make sure your biggest meal is in the middle of the day in order for your body to digest everything before the evening time. This time of year, I suggest roasted veggies with blackened salmon to my clients. In the evening, take in less food to allow the nervous system to focus on healing instead of digesting. My recommendation is a soup filled with pureed veggies for a bowl of creamy deliciousness. One way to stay healthy and joyful is with acupuncture treatments—acupuncture and oriental medicine helps improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, frustration, irritability, anger, pain, and so much more, which are often associated with liver chi disharmony. Yoga, massage, acupressure, and tai chi move chi well, too. Autumn. Start eating fewer cooling foods like salads, iced beverages, and pressed juices; move to foods with longer cooking times and heartier ingredients, moisturizing foods to offset the dry windy season. Winter. Eat more roasted nuts and meats; stay in and sleep more; consume dark leafy greens and nourishing stews and soups. Dan is experienced in nutrition, women’s health, pain relief and overall stress reduction. She has experienced the best healing treatments worldwide ranging from acupuncture, Ayurveda, massage therapy, Reiki and other modalities, in America and also through her travels in the heart of Russia, to the opulent cultures of India, through the Turkish Baths and hamams of Turkey.
