Throughout Chinese history, receiving acupuncture at the time of the change of the seasons has always been an important opportunity to improve the health of the body and mind by harmonizing oneself with the cyclical energies of nature.  The ancient Chinese medical sages observed that the human body and mind go through cycles that mirror the cycles of the world around them.  When one can flow harmoniously with the cycles of nature, health arises naturally, and likewise, disregarding these cycles leads to poor health and disease.  In much the same way that many of us do spring cleaning at this time of year, this is also a potent time to do some internal cleaning too, which Classical Acupuncture can accomplish in a safe, gentle, and effective way.

 In Chinese Medicine, each season is associated with specific organ systems and acupuncture meridians, in the case of spring, the liver and gallbladder organs and meridians.  Acupuncture meridians can be thought of as rivers that run through the body which carry information and vital body humors, connecting and orchestrating the functions of all the various organs and energetic layers of the body.  The acupuncture meridians carry qi, which has many meanings and connotations, but for our purposes here, we can understand as the motivating force in our bodies, or that which animates life.  The qi energy of the liver and gallbladder is most pronounced during the springtime, and the nature of this energy is to rise, much like the energy of spring which is characterized by new life bursting up out of the dormant soils of winter to start a new life cycle.  It is the energy of renewal and new beginnings.

 When we think of the functions and pathology of organs in Chinese Medicine, there is some similarity to the understanding of Western Medicine, but there are many functions and pathologies which are unique to Chinese Medicine, due to the understanding of the energies associated with these organs and their respective meridians.  For example, dryness of the eyes, or floaters in the field of vision, is often due to a deficiency of liver blood, as the liver meridian travels to the eyes.  Or on an emotional level, irritability, frustration, and anger are often associated with imbalanced liver energy.  Even the ability to plan our lives smoothly and with wisdom is dependent upon the healthy functioning of the liver’s energy.  The gallbladder balances this aspect of the liver with its function of controlling the capacity to make decisions, allowing for the manifestation of the liver’s plans.  The upper parts of the gallbladder acupuncture meridian traverses along the shoulder, neck, and along the sides of the head and temples.  When gallbladder energy is not balanced, symptoms such as tight neck and shoulders and headaches can manifest.  

 During springtime, if the liver and gallbladder are not balanced, there is a tendency for superficial symptoms to manifest such as the symptoms mentioned above, as well as dermatological issues, migraines, ringing of the ears, dizziness and more.  As an acupuncturist, I am always amazed during springtime when so many patients coming into the clinic start presenting with wiry pulses (a specific quality of pulse felt during pulse diagnosis, which is often associated with disharmony in the liver and gallbladder).  These various symptoms are often due to the natural ascension of qi that happens in springtime, however, if the liver and gallbladder are balanced and harmonized with the rest of the body, instead of these pathological symptoms prevailing, one will just experience this ascension of qi as a sense of joy, creativity, and renewed vitality.  Classical acupuncture excels in ensuring this energetic transition happens as smoothly as possible, allowing the patient to minimize any discomfort and take full advantage of the benefits of this potent energetic time. 

 In order to address these characteristic imbalances that tend to occur at this time, treatment is often geared towards detoxification of the liver and gallbladder systems.  There are many ways in which Classical Acupuncture can facilitate detoxification and healing of the liver and gallbladder, with results that are often easily apparent in just a few treatments.  It is important to note that acupuncture can facilitate these detoxification treatments while supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways, so the system is not overwhelmed during the detoxification process.  Likewise, if someone is quite weak, acupuncture can help support and rejuvenate a patient to the point where they can safely embark upon a detoxification regimen.  In addition to the elimination of the symptoms discussed above, many other benefits can be realized through a course of such treatments, including normalization of gynecological functioning, improved digestion, less soreness in the body, improved emotional outlook and release of pent up anger and frustration, and many more.  

 I invite you to fully embrace the energetic changes that are upon us as we move into this wonderful season of spring, and to take this opportunity to rebalance and revitalize your body and mind through the power and wisdom of Classical Acupuncture.  Please take advantage of my special introductory acupuncture offer at the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing if this is something you would like to explore.

To your good health and happiness,