Springtime is a time for new growth. A time to clear out the old stagnant energy that has been held in the winter season and begin anew. In Ayurvedic medicine spring relates to Earth and Water. The earth energy provides structure and the water creates movement or flow. In Chinese medicine we relate springtime as increasing and opening up the CHI or life force energy. If we look to nature it all makes sense. The snow is melting, the hearty spring greens are starting to show. Tulips, daffodils and crocus are showing their colors. It is a time of renewal so I want to share some tips with you that might help you with this transition and inspire you.
Pay attention to these three things as we enter springtime. Breath, Digestion and Thoughts. These three things tell us how we are processing life. Are you growing and expanding or are you still frozen in winter mode, stagnant and sluggish? This springtime let go of what no longer serves you, take off that winter coat and spring into action. Taking care of our bodies is part of this process. Get out for a brisk walk in the fresh air, ride your bicycle or play outdoors with your family, pet or a friend. Practice deep belly breathing each morning when you wake, it will get your cells oxygenated and wake up your brain and your body. Eat according to the new season. Include spring greens, sprouts, fermented foods and astringent fruits this time of year. Consider a cleanse. This is a good time of year for liver cleanse. I start each day with a cup of Dandelion Root tea to help detoxify the liver. My friend and colleague Jade Shutes shared a wonderful Detox Salt Scrub Recipe to stimulate the lymph system. This is wonderful for assisting the body in detoxing and ushering in the energy of Spring.
Stimulating Lymph Scrub
2 cups of fine sea salt
1/2 cup jojoba or sesame oil
10 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
10 drops Green Myrtle essential oil
10 drops Grapefruit essential oil
Combine ingredients, stir well and place in a glass jar. Use in the shower. Take a small handful of scrub and gently rub using circular motions toward the heart from ankles to hips, fingers to armpits, circular motions on the solar plexus, each side of the neck and chest. Rinse.
If you are looking for more spring inspiration from essential oils, here are some more suggestions from another one of my aromatherapy teachers and good friend, Tiffany Carole Pollard.
Pungent Woody Essential Oils (EO’s) to lift and strengthen upright qi, plus center and stabilize. This includes EO’s such as Silver Fir, Grand Fir, Hemlock Spruce, and Black Spruce. Rosy and Lemony Sweet EO’s to harmonize tensions, relax polarities, and provide ‘emotional support’ (this is especially true for Geranium Rose). Bergamot on point shenmen in ear is the one of the most potent protocols for creating openings in perspective. Herbaceous or Sweet Green EO’s to circulate qi that gets bound up in tensions due to internalized conflict. Blue Tansy, Clary Sage, Lavender, Marjoram.
So spring into action with these aromatic suggestions, clearing out and bringing forth the new season and “Catching the Wave to Wellness”!
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