Spring Newsletter 2024

March, 2024

Dear Friend:

Spring arrived and in Chinese Medicine the season is associated with the Wood Element. Each season has its unique energy and this is a time of growth, birth and new life.

The Wood Element is connected to the liver and gallbladder. These organs make hormones that detoxify our bodies, process fats and stimulate a myriad of other chemical actions. This is the time of year to eat lighter and include foods that will facilitate cleansing. Dandelion greens, arugula, sprouts, green onions, as well as herbs such as nettles and parsley support our liver. As does exercise. And acupuncture encourages renewed energy.

The insight of early Chinese philosophers establishes that humanity is inseparable from nature. When “in balance” we are in harmony with all of life. This is a common tenet of many spiritual traditions. But, life is a process that moves through cycles of change. When we are stuck or resist change we can become stagnant or sick. Living in harmony with the cycles of nature allows us to find balance and connect with our deepest selves.

Last week my yoga teacher told the class that movement is medicine. Spring is a time of great movement as leaves unfurl, flowers bloom, and new life is born. Take advantage of this seasonal energy and create your own medicine with movement of any kind.

Take a walk and enjoy birds singing - all of nature is awakening to the beauty and promise of spring.

With love,

Margaret

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Everyone Sang

Everyone suddenly burst out singing;

And I was filled with such delight

As prisoned birds must find in freedom,

Winging wildly across the white

Orchards and dark-green fields; on - on - and out of sight.

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Everyone's voice was suddenly lifted;

And beauty came like the setting sun:

My heart was shaken with tears; and horror

Drifted away ... O, but Everyone

Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing will never be done.

By Siegfried Sassoon

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