"Spring's three months are named 'the unfolding of the new.' Heaven and Earth awaken as one, and all creatures thrive in splendor."
-《The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon -Huangdi Neijing黄帝内经》
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, among the four seasons, spring corresponds to the Wood element. In the human body, the liver also belongs to the Wood element, making spring qi (vital energy) closely connected to the liver.
During spring, the liver tends to become excessively vigorous as its qi rises and expands. Only by maintaining the liver’s robust physiological functions can the body adapt to the thriving vitality of nature. In short, if one wishes to stay healthy in spring, nurturing the liver becomes especially important.
Here are some methods to protect and nourish the liver during spring:
1. Regulating Emotions (调畅情志)
In TCM, the liver governs free coursing (疏泄) and is said to "favor harmony and despise depression." This is why there is a saying: "Anger injures the liver." As ancient healers observed, "All diseases arise from disordered qi."
Some people are prone to irritability and outbursts of anger, which, over time, disrupt the liver’s normal physiological functions. Conversely, when the liver’s functions are impaired, emotional balance is also affected. Thus, harmonizing emotions is essential for nurturing the liver in spring.
To release pent-up frustration and dispel negative emotions, one may:
Confide in others (倾诉)
Engage in physical exercise (运动)
Maintaining a joyful and calm mood helps the liver qi flow smoothly, ensuring harmonious circulation of qi and blood throughout the body.
2. Healthy Diet (健康饮食)
Spring diets should emphasize spleen-nourishing foods (like dates, yam, and grains) while minimizing astringent foods (e.g., citrus, vinegar). This balances liver-spleen harmony, aligning with seasonal qi flow.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards the spleen and stomach as the foundation of postnatal life—the source of qi and blood production. When the spleen and stomach function optimally, the body gains vitality.
Recommended Spring Foods
Prioritize ingredients that fortify the spleen and replenish qi, such as:
Jujube (大枣), yam (山药), lentils (扁豆)
Lean meat, fish, honey, ginger
Barley (大麦), wheat (小麦)
Pair these with fresh green vegetables to promote liver qi circulation (疏肝理气).
3. Adequate Sleep (充足睡眠)
As the folk saying goes:
"Tonic medicine are not as good as food tonics, and food tonics are not as good as sleep tonics."
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes that "sleep and diet are the two cornerstones of health preservation" and believes that "those who sleep well and eat well can attain longevity."
Moreover, "When a person lies down to rest, blood returns to the liver." Therefore, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting sufficient rest is the best natural remedy for liver care.
TCM prioritizes sleep for liver health, especially between 11 PM–3 AM when liver repair peaks. Staying awake during this time weakens the liver’s self-healing ability. Thus, deep, timely sleep is the ultimate liver tonic.
4. Moderate Exercise (适量运动)
As spring awakens all living things, The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon advises:
"Take leisurely walks in the courtyard, loosen your hair, and relax your body."
This ancient wisdom encourages gentle movement to harmonize with spring’s rising yang energy, helping the body maintain yin-yang balance—a key to longevity and vitality.
Engaging in seasonally appropriate outdoor activities—such as:
Walking, hiking
Ball games, tai chi
—promotes smooth qi and blood circulation, facilitates detoxification, strengthens the body, and nourishes the liver by soothing emotions. Thus, spring exercise serves both physical and emotional wellness, supporting liver health holistically.
5. Acupressure Taichong (按揉太冲)
Taichong (LV3), the source point of the Liver Meridian, is regarded as the most vital acupressure point for liver nourishment.
Location:
On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression posterior to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.
Method:
Press Taichong on your right foot with the thumb of your left hand.
Apply firm pressure along the groove between the bones, sliding forward and backward 20 times.
Repeat on the left foot using your right thumb.
6. Protecting the Eyes (保护眼睛)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "the liver stores blood and opens into the eyes." Thus, eye health is deeply connected to liver function. Excessive visual strain ("prolonged gazing damages blood") can deplete liver blood, leading to eye fatigue and dryness.
For those who use electronic devices for extended periods, it’s essential to:
Rest the eyes periodically (e.g., closing them briefly)
Practice distance gazing (looking at faraway objects)
Perform eye exercises (to improve circulation)
These habits help reduce visual fatigue and, in turn, nourish liver blood—supporting overall liver health.
7. Simply book a Liver-supporting acupuncture treatment for professional TCM Spring liver detox care.
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