September means the days are getting longer, the weather warmer and spring is in the air. Birds are mating and building nests, gardens blossoming, there’s a lightness of heart and a growing feeling of optimism. On 23rd September in the Southern Hemisphere we celebrate the spring equinox as the sun moves into air sign Libra, whose symbol is the scales of balance. Day and night are of equal length - twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of darkness - a moment of perfect equilibrium all over the world.
The spring equinox is a time when we instinctively seek balance in our personal lives and gradually release the stagnant energy of winter. No wonder so many of us are keen to change our diet, improve our fitness and clear the house and garden at this time of year.
In Chinese medicine, spring is associated with the liver, the element of wood and the emotion of anger. When liver energy is in balance, we are able to make clear decisions, express emotional needs and follow through with creative projects. Liver energy imbalance can show up as angry outbursts, feelings of agitation and frustration and workaholic tendencies.
Take care of your liver this spring by eating fresh food, drinking plenty of water and cutting down on alcohol and rich or processed foods. Reap the benefits of feeling lighter, brighter, youthful and more energetic and put a ‘spring’ back in your step!