Spring is officially here, having been ushered in by the vernal equinox on March 20th.  True to spring in this area, we had rain and snow and freezing temperatures after and inbetween glorious days of warm, expansive sunshine.

The arrival of spring always feels so fresh and new as we stretch out from the cold stillness of winter.  In Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with the Wood element, as so clearly demonstrated by all the new sprouts and blossoms bursting forth from the plant world.  Spring is also connected to the Liver and the Gall Bladder, the color green, the sour flavor, and the emotion of anger.

A lot of people are thinking about doing a spring cleanse.  I encourage a mild cleanse to invigorate the Liver and Gall Bladder.   Incorporating the sour flavor, adding fresh lemon juice to water is a great way to gently detoxify as well as activating the metabolism. Additionally, I suggest doing some juicing to significantly increase the intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.   This is my ideal way to approach detoxification, by adding in more vital, nutrient rich foods to naturally support the body in eliminating toxins while simultaneously fortifying with a nutritional boost.

One of of my favorite juice combinations:

apples, 2 or 3

spinach, 2 handfuls

celery, 3-5 stalks

beet, one half

carrots, 2-3

ginger, a sizeable chunk***

lemon/tangerine, 2 (peeled)

***Fresh ginger is essential in any juice.  It warms the digestive process, offsetting the cold nature of the fruits and vegetables.

In contemplating the coming of Spring,  here is a lovely quote from Rachel Carson,

There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—-the assurance that dawn comes after the night and spring after the winter.

Also, here is my haiku honoring this spring:

opening windows,

cherry blossom winds instill

fragrant promises

Happy Spring to you.  May you feel a sense of renewal in the fresh dawn and the floating cherry blossoms.