Here are five ways to help you achieve inner harmony as we enter the season of renewal.

Purple spring flower against background of green fernsMove Regularly
The energy of spring supports movement, literally and metaphorically. The element associated with spring in East Asian medicine, wood, benefits from regular exercise. Moving your body also helps strengthen your muscles, immune health, and cardiovascular system.

If you haven’t worked out in a while, start slowly with some gentle walks around your neighborhood or a dialed-back version of your previous routine as injuries can occur when you jump in too fast. If you don’t know where to start, Mari Petherbridge at Modern Nutrition and Pilates can help you.

Start a Creative Project
Spring is also associated with creativity and vision. It is a great time to get in touch with your inner artist and dance in your living room, sing in your shower, or try your hand at painting. Pick anything that inspires you to express yourself creatively—cooking, writing, planting a garden, painting your nails. Listen to your inner muse and see what she has to say!

Try Something New
Innovation and adventure are highly beneficial to the wood element. Plan in some time for new experiences this spring. It can be something small like trying a new coffee shop or something larger like a weekend adventure to someplace you’ve never been. Read a new book or learn a new skill like woodworking or embroidery. Explore a trail you’ve never hiked or volunteer somewhere. Pick something that inspires you and sounds fun!

Lots of Green Veggies
Hear me out, veggies can be delicious. If the only way you know how to greens is in a salad, I have some resources for you. There is a library of delicious recipes available to you on my blog. If you really want to step up your culinary experience, I recommend checking out Peter Som’s recipes too. His easy-to-make seasonal recipes inspired by his Chinese heritage and travels in Europe are delicious!

Get Your Qi Moving
Springtime and the wood element are associated with the free flow of qi (energy) in East Asian medicine. When your qi is not flowing smoothly you may feel grumpy, irritable, depressed, tired, and/or experience pain. Acupuncture’s main function in Chinese medicine is to regulate your qi so that it doesn’t become stagnant. If you feel like you need help moving your qi, schedule an acupuncture session for yourself today.

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