Spring is a season of movement.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season has its own energetic qualities, and Spring is associated with the Wood element, the Liver and Gallbladder, growth, movement and renewal.
After the inward, restorative nature of winter, Spring invites us to gradually expand again.
More light. More movement. Fresh growth. And, for many women, a renewed focus on fertility and wellbeing.
The Wood Element
Wood represents growth, direction, flexibility and forward movement.
Think about a tree in Spring. It doesn't force itself to grow. It responds to its environment, sending new shoots upwards and outwards.
This is the quality TCM encourages us to work with during Spring.
It's a good time to consider:
What feels stuck?
What am I ready to move towards?
Where could I create more flexibility?
What do I want to grow?
The Liver & Gallbladder
Spring is traditionally associated with the Liver and Gallbladder systems.
Within TCM, the Liver is closely connected with the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, while the Gallbladder is associated with decision-making and taking action.
When things are flowing, we tend to feel more adaptable and able to move forward. When they feel stagnant, we may experience frustration, tension or a sense of being stuck.
Spring is therefore a beautiful time to support healthy movement, both physically and emotionally.
Spring & Fertility
Spring has long been associated with growth, reproduction and new beginnings, making it a particularly relevant season for fertility within TCM.
As Yang begins to rise after winter, nature becomes more active and reproductive energy increases. For women trying to conceive, this can be a beautiful time to focus on creating the right conditions for the body rather than putting more pressure on it.
This might look like supporting:
Healthy circulation
Stress and nervous system regulation
Rest and sleep
Nourishment
Movement
Menstrual cycle awareness
Overall reproductive wellbeing
TCM views fertility as part of the body's broader state of balance and vitality.
It isn't about forcing conception. It's about supporting the body as a whole.
The Rising Yang of Spring
Winter is considered the most Yin time of the year: quiet, inward and restorative.
As Spring arrives, Yang begins to rise.
You can work with this by gradually bringing more movement and activity into your routine:
☀️ Get outside in the morning
🌿 Spend more time in nature
🚶♀️ Move your body regularly
🥬 Introduce more seasonal produce
😴 Still prioritise adequate rest
Spring doesn't mean doing more of everything. It means allowing yourself to become more outward and active in a way that feels natural.
Spring's Climate: Wind
Wind is the climate associated with Spring in TCM.
It is changeable, mobile and unpredictable, so traditional Chinese medicine encourages us to be mindful of sudden changes in temperature and protect ourselves accordingly.
Think layers, keeping warm when needed and paying attention to what your body is asking for.
The Emotion: Anger
The emotion associated with Wood is anger.
This isn't about labelling anger as negative. Emotions are a normal part of being human.
Healthy Wood energy allows emotions to move rather than becoming stuck.
Spring can be a good time to notice where frustration is showing up and ask what it might be pointing towards.
A boundary?
A decision?
A change?
Sometimes movement starts with listening.
What to Eat in Spring
Spring eating in TCM tends to become a little lighter and fresher.
Think:
Leafy greens
Asparagus
Peas
Broccoli
Spring onions
Fresh herbs
Sprouts
Radish
Lemon and other naturally sour foods
Sour is the flavour associated with Wood, so adding a little lemon, lime or vinegar to meals can bring freshness and brightness.
And you don't have to live on cold salads. If your digestion prefers warm food, lightly cooking your vegetables is perfectly appropriate.
A Simple Spring Practice
You don't need a complete seasonal reset.
Instead, try making a little more room for movement, light, nourishment and growth.
Get outside.
Move your body.
Eat seasonally.
Notice what feels stagnant.
Make space for what you're ready to grow.
And if you're preparing for pregnancy, Spring can be a beautiful time to turn your attention towards your own foundations of health and wellbeing.
Spring Greens & Ginger Bowl
Ingredients
1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
1 cup broccoli
1 cup peas
1 bunch asparagus
2 handfuls baby spinach
2 spring onions
Fresh coriander or parsley
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Lemon & Ginger Dressing
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 tsp tamari
½ tsp honey
Method
Lightly steam the broccoli, peas and asparagus until tender. Add the spinach for the final minute.
Serve over warm quinoa or brown rice, top with spring onions, fresh herbs and pumpkin seeds, then drizzle with the lemon and ginger dressing.
For a more substantial meal, add your preferred protein like chicken, salmon, beef or tofu.
TCM-inspired tip: If you tend to feel cold or have a sensitive digestion, enjoy this bowl warm rather than straight from the fridge.
Spring is about creating the conditions for growth.
If you're feeling like your body needs a little more support this season, our practitioners at Womb to World work across acupuncture, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, massage and other women's health modalities.
You don't have to know exactly what you need before you come in. We can start with where you're at and work from there.