Why you might experience headaches and irritability more often in spring.
Spring brings movement. More light, longer days, and everywhere new greenery that is bursting out with vigor.
In Eastern medicine, this period belongs to the element Wood and in the life functions of Liver and Gallbladder. These are functions that have to do with growth, direction and expression. The urge to make plans, to take action and to start new things.
Many people recognize that feeling: more energy, more ideas, more movement.
But that is also where there is a trap.
The transition from winter to spring
Because winter is just behind us, the body is sometimes not fully recharged. If you then immediately jump into that powerful spring energy, the system can become unbalanced.
In practice, shiatsu therapists therefore see more complaints during this period, such as:
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headache or pressure behind the eyes
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irritability or a short fuse
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a feeling of inner unease
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tension in the neck and shoulders
These are signs that the energy of the wood phase rises too strongly or cannot move freely.
In Shiatsu, we look at how this energy moves through the body and where it goes too high or gets stuck. By working with the meridians of the Liver and Gallbladder, the energy can flow more smoothly.
What helps to keep your energy in balance
You can also do a lot yourself to properly channel the energy of spring.
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Get moving
Walking, stretching, yoga or Do-In help to circulate the energy through the body. -
Eat more green leafy vegetables
Vegetables such as spinach, celery or sprouts support the energy of the liver that is active in spring. -
Ensure grounding
Root vegetables, grains, and warm meals provide stability when energy wants to rise too quickly. -
Add a small amount of acid
Citrus, apple cider vinegar or, for example, a cucumber help to temper and focus the rising energy. -
Don't force anything
Spring brings a lot of energy, but overexertion is more likely to occur during this period.
Nature shows us the same thing every spring:
Growth requires not only upward movement, but also strong roots.