Page 35 - Real Rochdale Issue 21 Spring 2024
P. 35
Health and wellbeing during
Wood season
Spring is a time of renewal, growth, flexibility
and increased energy, and, in traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM), is associated with the
wood element.
A holistic approach to health, TCM views the
body as a balance of five elements: wood, fire,
earth, metal and water.
To stay healthy, these elements – which are
associated with specific organs and their
related functions – need to be in harmony. ABOUT THE WRITER
Suzanne Cooper is a complementary
Emotionally, wood is linked to feelings of healthcare therapist using the principles of
traditional Chinese medicine.
expansion, vision, and forward movement.
When the wood element is in balance, our
energy flows smoothly, shown by emotional digestion and boost the immune system. They
stability and the ability to adapt to changes. On enhance nutrient absorption, support a diverse
the flip side, an imbalance in the wood element gut microbiome, and produce short-chain fatty
can show as feelings of frustration, irritability, acids that keep the digestive system happy.
impatience, or feeling stuck.
TCM also associates the liver with the eyes, and
Physical and emotional health go hand in hand, it is advisable to take breaks from prolonged
so looking after emotional wellbeing helps screen time, practise eye exercises, and spend
restore overall balance. Find healthy ways to time outdoors to support eye health.
express emotions, such as journalling, art, or
talking with a trusted friend. Deep breathing With spring being a time of increased energy
exercises and meditation can also calm the and vitality, regular exercises which promote
mind and promote relaxation. flexibility are a good choice: tai chi and qigong
with their graceful moves can make you feel
The wood element is associated with the liver balanced and flexible.
and gallbladder organs: as nature undergoes a
renewal process in spring, it is an ideal time for If you are into yoga and Pilates, go for poses
us to do the same with a gentle detox to that involve twists; these bring a refreshing
support the liver’s natural functions. stretch for your body and can help your liver to
detox and aid digestion. Stretches for your hips,
Diet and nutrition align with the seasons, so thighs and sides are great to prevent stiffness
choose foods that are fresh, seasonal, and and enable better movement.
mainly green. Sour-tasting foods (such as citrus
fruits or cranberries), fermented foods (like Outdoor activities like hiking or walking are
pickles and sauerkraut) and apple cider vinegar good, as being out in nature is a boost for your
are also good as they add flavour and improve overall wellbeing.
your natural energy flow.
Think of spring as a time to refresh your body,
Fermented foods are wonderful for gut health, keep it flexible, and strike a balance between
as they contain probiotics that promote how you feel and how your body is doing.
REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024 34 35 REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024
