Many of us clearly feel when spring is on its way. We notice it in nature, but we may also feel it within ourselves.
Perhaps you notice a more intense and slightly explosive energy during the spring months. Irritation. A short fuse. A need to set boundaries. Signs that we are moving out of the heavy winter energy and hibernation and into a more outward, active spring energy.
Spring is the time for new seeds to sprout and grow, both in nature and within us. You may also want to use this time of year to pay attention to what is ready to grow in your own life.
The excerpts in this blog post are taken from my book The 5 Seasonal Energies, which you can find in my webshop.
GALLBLADDER AND LIVER
The liver is one of the body’s most important detoxification organs and serves several essential functions. The liver processes alcohol, medication, and waste products, and together with the kidneys, it filters and cleans your blood of toxins. Additionally, the liver produces bile, which aids in the processing of fats from the food we consume. The gallbladder works in collaboration with the liver by collecting and transporting bile to the duodenum, where dietary fats are processed. The gallbladder and liver, therefore, work closely together. However, the gallbladder is not indispensable, as we can survive without it. However, having the gallbladder removed can make fat digestion more difficult, as the gallbladder normally helps regulate bile release during meals. When removing the gallbladder, bile is no longer stored but is instead secreted directly by the liver into the digestive system.
I have had several yoga participants who, even after having their gallbladder removed, still feel a tingling or pricking sensation in the area where the gallbladder once was when working with stretches along the gallbladder meridian. This usually leads to the question of whether it would be beneficial for them to work more on the gallbladder meridian pathways, and my answer is usually: Yes, absolutely!
When the gallbladder is removed, it will be more difficult for the body to regulate bile flow, which may result in digestive problems, particularly when consuming fatty foods. Through exercises that help strengthen and balance the gallbladder meridian pathway, there is a good chance that digestion will improve.
GALLBLADDER, LIVER, WOOD ELEMENT, AND CHINESE MEDICINE
In traditional Chinese medicine, the gallbladder and liver constitute the wood element in the body, as they together support digestion and the body's natural detoxification.
The gallbladder is considered the yang organ.
Energy peak: 11 PM–1 AM. Sleep and let the body regenerate.
The energy is strongest in the gallbladder during this time. If the gallbladder is overloaded, for example due to excessive consumption of fatty foods, this may lead to nausea, discomfort, or vomiting. It is not uncommon to feel unwell late in the evening after a rich meal, such as those often served on Christmas Eve, with heavy sauces and fatty dishes.
The liver is the yin organ.
Energy peak: 1 AM–3 AM. A perfect time for deep sleep and dreams. The liver is most active at night, when the body is ideally in a state of deep sleep. If we wake during these hours, it may be related to the liver working under strain, for example due to processing alcohol, medication, or food that is difficult to metabolise.
For more information, see the section on the “organ clock” in the chapter on Traditional Chinese Medicine in my book The 5 Seasonal Energies, which you can buy in my webshop..
Spring is connected to the gallbladder and liver, influencing their function and balance. These organs constitute the wood element in the body, which is particularly affected by the climate of spring. Just as a tree stands tall by relying on its strong yet flexible trunk and branches, the wood element in our body is reflected in structures that provide both stability and adaptability – particularly the tendons and ligaments. As an example, the Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the body, is essential for keeping us upright.
The type of body tissue associated with the gallbladder and liver is, therefore, the stronger structures such as tendons and ligaments, while the sensory organ associated with this element is the eyes. Any imbalance in the gallbladder-liver energy often manifests in the eyes and the surrounding area.
The gallbladder and liver can hold onto suppressed emotions such as anger, frustration, bitterness, and irritation – emotions that can accumulate within us until they either lead to an explosive outburst or begin to poison us from within. The gallbladder, in particular, is strongly associated with anger. This connection is even reflected in many languages – expressions like 'spewing bile' or 'letting off steam' illustrate the link between the gallbladder-liver energy and the release of pent-up frustration.
Spring is the ideal time to release accumulated anger. The energy shifts from a deeply inward, reflective, and still state in winter to a more outward, constructive, and dynamic expression in spring. It is common to feel more short-tempered or reactive during this season, with a shorter fuse and a heightened sense of explosiveness.
Like all elements, the wood element contains opposing emotional expressions – two sides of the same energy. While it can manifest as anger and intolerance, an imbalance can also lead to being overly tolerant or too accommodating. We do not always recognize these imbalances in ourselves; sometimes, they become apparent only in our interactions and relationships with others.
Wood fuels fire. Fire carries our passion and is the source of joy. It is by using our fire that we create the greatest changes – be it new beginnings or the transformations we need in life. That is why the wood element acts as crucial fuel. Any feelings of anger, irritation, and frustration can feed the fire element, eventually pushing us toward the necessary changes. These emotions push us forward, and sometimes, they need to become overwhelming for us to finally pay attention and listen.
The fire element is associated with summer, which follows directly after spring. This is why it is beneficial to become aware of any imbalances in the wood element during spring, so we can work on restoring harmony. By doing so, we create the energy and capacity to nourish our fire element when summer arrives.
SYMPTOMS OF IMBALANCE IN GALLBLADDER AND LIVER ACCORDING TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
ANGER, IRRITATION, BITTERNESS
Perhaps you feel a little irritated simply reading the heading of this section, but bear with me for a moment. Irritation, frustration, and anger are emotions we are all familiar with.
Irritation or frustration towards something or someone can eventually develop into bitterness, anger, and perhaps even hatred. Or rather, they can fuel hatred, which is associated with our fire element and summer.
Unfortunately, anger has been stigmatized in our society. How often have you heard someone say:
"Don't be angry" or "Take a deep breath!"
I do not know about you, but these two phrases actually make me a bit annoyed. They certainly do not alleviate anger or create space to explore the reasons behind the anger. And that is my point: All emotions have a function. All emotions have a purpose. Your emotions intend to help you. It is a form of inner communication that is not always easy to decipher and understand and is not always particularly constructive or useful; however, it is essential to connect with ourselves and listen to our inner voice. Anger is a clear sign that something is wrong. Something feels off so that we may react with anger. A boundary may have been crossed, something may feel unjust or wrong, or perhaps we feel misunderstood, or something else entirely. So instead of feeling ashamed and wrong for being angry, examine the anger. Explore it and try to find the root cause of your anger.
Furthermore, I would like to add that if I tell you not to think of a red balloon, you will do just that. Or perhaps the balloon is green or blue, because I should not dictate its colour either.
We often encounter resistance when we try to force something on the body, mind, or emotions. Why? Because the mind does not want to be controlled. Emotions do not want to be suppressed and controlled. The body does not want to be forced. So if someone tells you "Don't be angry," there is a great chance that your anger will intensify instead. Likewise, it may only grow if you try to avoid it yourself.
Let us instead welcome any feelings of anger, irritation, bitterness, dissatisfaction, and impatience! Let us dive curiously into the emotions and explore what they want to tell us.
SUPPRESSING ANGER
Some of us explode easily, while others suppress their anger, holding it back or pushing it down. Just as it is unhealthy to explode, it is also harmful to let anger simmer beneath the surface, suppressing it until it builds up to a breaking point where it can no longer be contained, leading to an outburst.
When anger is not processed, we can swing from one extreme to another. Similarly, repeatedly sharing our anger with others can also fuel it, like adding more wood to a fire, intensifying it further.
There is a fine balance between expressing one’s truth and simply complaining. The key is to become aware of our anger, observe it, and take responsibility for it so that we may learn to manage it without allowing it to take control.
COMPLAINTS FUEL ANGER
Now, I might say something that irritates you: in our modern world, most of us have become experts in complaining and criticism. Of course, I am generalizing, but from an early age, we are taught in school to think critically and question everything. In fact, we are often rewarded for identifying mistakes and improving things. This critical mindset has advantages, but we must be careful that it does not turn into general dissatisfaction – and ultimately, constant complaining.
Complaining to others instead of confronting the person you are actually angry with – or finding another solution – can be incredibly toxic. It harms your relationship with the person you are complaining about, as it essentially becomes a form of backstabbing. It can also be damaging to your relationship with the person you are complaining to, as it may create distrust and even change their perception of you. Most importantly, it is harmful to yourself – not only does it amplify your anger, but it can also lead to feelings of guilt. Deep down, you may know that you should address the issue directly – or, alternatively, not let it affect you to such an extent. Complaining is, and always will be, toxic.
Dissatisfaction is okay – it is natural. In fact, dissatisfaction (wood) fuels change (fire). If you cannot talk to the person in question and the situation cannot be changed, staying in it while holding onto anger only harms you. If we cannot change something that feels “wrong” to us and we cannot accept it, then we must remove ourselves from it. Your emotions shape your reality and take root in your body, so choose them wisely.
Remember, what you nurture will grow.
FUEL FOR TRANSFORMATION
Everything is useful. Everything has a function and a purpose. And yet, there is no final destination – only a continuous exchange and balance between everything in life. The energy of spring is a powerful, intensifying force – one that can be harnessed to create change.
In Chinese medicine, the elements nourish each other. The wood element fuels the fire element. Our wood element is essential for making the changes we long for – for taking action or, most importantly, for finding the courage to take action.
And this brings us to the core of this energy: finding the courage within ourselves to create the changes we want. Anger and frustration can be powerful triggers for courage. These emotions can prompt us to do things we never imagined or dared to attempt when we feel safe and comfortable. Courage already exists within you – it simply needs to be activated. Preferably, in a constructive and loving way, out of love for yourself.
Perhaps in the springtime, you can focus on building up your energy by gathering fuel for the fire by tuning into the areas of your life where you long for change.
Keep in mind, that wood not only nourishes fire; together they also create nutrient-rich ash for the earth element, so that new seeds can sprout and grow strong.
BOUNDARIES
Ahimsa, a principle from Vedic philosophy, refers to the conscious practice of intentionally avoiding harm. Harm can be physical, but it can just as easily be mental, verbal, or emotional. In life, it is impossible to avoid causing harm entirely, but there is a significant difference between conscious and unconscious harm. It often comes down to intention.
If harm cannot be avoided, the key is to remain fully aware of its impact and to ensure that no other alternative is available. The intention behind our actions does not need to be malicious. Sometimes, setting a boundary may cause discomfort to others, but that does not mean it is wrong.
Our greatest responsibility in life is to take care of ourselves. You are the most important person in your life. Your primary task is to protect yourself. And this is where boundaries come in – to ensure that your limits are respected, that you are not hurt, taken advantage of, or treated in ways that go against your inner values. Once again, everything is relative. Only you know your values, your principles, and your boundaries. Only you know what feels right or wrong for you.
Setting boundaries is rarely easy or enjoyable. In fact, many people avoid setting boundaries in an attempt to keep the peace, avoid conflict, or not risk being disliked. However, boundaries are essential.
It is important to clearly communicate where you stand. Expressing your boundaries is a way of showing yourself, of affirming who you are.
It is equally important to communicate boundaries in a way that does not harm others. Setting limits does not mean lashing out, becoming defensive, or reacting in anger.
STANDING STRONG WITHIN YOURSELF
Now that we have explored boundaries and expressed our inner truth, the next natural step is to reflect on our self-worth.
The relationship you have with yourself is the most important one you will ever have. The love you offer yourself will be reflected in how you interact with others, and in how others respond to you.
It is important to distinguish between self-confidence and self-worth. Self-confidence is often linked to the ego, making it fluctuate – it can be high one moment and low the next, depending on external validation. Self-worth, however, is a deeper, more loving energy.
The stronger we stand within ourselves, the more others will respect the energy we bring and the boundaries we set.
ADVICE FOR THE SEASON - SPRING
GREEN SOUR FOODS
In traditional Chinese medicine, green and sour foods are considered beneficial for the gallbladder and liver. The gallbladder and liver are associated with spring, so it can be a good idea to consider eating green and sour foods in springtime.
These are some of the green sour foods that I myself enjoy during the spring months:
- Green tea
- Cabbage – especially green cabbage varieties
- Lemon
- Sour apples
- Kiwi
- Artichoke
- Celery
- Ground elder
- Wild garlic
Do you also have some preferred foods for spring? Please feel free to share them as a comment below 👇🏻 so others may benefit from them as well 🙏 Sharing is caring.
THE 5 SEASONAL ENERGIES
In this blog post, I have shared selected excerpts from my book on spring energy and the wood element. You will find much more in my book, including the chapter on spring, where I also share suggestions for yin yoga poses for the gallbladder and liver.
You can find my book The 5 Seasonal Energies in my webshop.
