Spring Health & TCM : What September Means for Your Health
September marks the beginning of spring in Australia, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with movement, renewal and the Wood element. But what does this seasonal shift mean for your health?
In TCM, spring is connected with the Liver and Gallbladder systems and is a time to support the smooth movement of Qi, encourage gentle activity and create space for physical and emotional renewal. In this guide, we explore how spring may influence your energy, mood, muscles, digestion and overall wellbeing - and simple ways to support your health as the season changes.
Just as new growth begins to push through the earth, this can be a time when we feel a stronger desire for change, fresh starts and greater activity. But transitions can also place pressure on the body and mind. As the weather becomes more changeable and life begins to feel busier, it is important to create space for flexibility and balance.
In this guide, we explore how spring may influence your energy, mood, muscles, digestion and overall wellbeing - and simple ways to support your health as the season changes.
Now available Tuesdays & Thursdays 8am - 12pm
We’re pleased to share that Jade has increased her appointment hours, giving patients more opportunities to book in and access her specialised care.
Jade specialises in Chinese Medicine for complex and stubborn skin conditions, palliative cancer care, neurological rehabilitation and gynaecology. With advanced clinical training in China across dermatology, oncology, neurology, paediatrics, post-stroke rehabilitation and internal medicine, she takes a calm, thorough and results-driven approach to care.
Jade is particularly passionate about supporting patients with skin conditions, including eczema, while working collaboratively with each person to support their individual health and wellbeing goals.
She is now available on both Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8am - 12pm. Along with her Saturday mornings 8am -12pm
We are grateful to have Jade in the clinic more and know you will be too.
A Season of Movement, Without Overdoing It
After the colder months, many of us naturally feel like moving more. From a TCM perspective, gentle and regular movement can support the smooth flow of Qi and help us transition into the more active energy of spring.
This may look like:
Taking regular walks outdoors
Stretching or practising yoga
Returning gradually to exercise
Spending more time in nature
Creating space for activities that bring enjoyment and inspiration
The key is not to rush from winter stillness straight into a packed schedule. Spring is about gradual growth. Like a new plant, we don't need to force the process: we simply need the right conditions to grow.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is associated with the Wood Element.
Wood represents:
Growth. Vision. Movement. Flexibility. Renewal.
Spring invites us to stretch beyond Winter’s stillness and begin moving forward again.
Healthy Wood energy has a sense of direction.
It helps us to:
• Make plans
• See where we’re going
• Take action
• Adapt when things change
• Move through obstacles with flexibility
Spring and Our Emotional Health
The Wood element is traditionally associated with emotions such as frustration, anger and irritability, but spring can also bring a sense of possibility, creativity and renewed direction.
For some people, however, the shift out of winter doesn't automatically bring an improvement in mood. If the colder, darker months have left you feeling disconnected, flat or withdrawn, those feelings may still need attention and support.
Our team at Peninsula MindCare can help assist, find out more about our services for counselling & psychotherapy in the below link.
TCM Spring Focus : The Liver and the Gallbladder
In TCM, the Liver is often associated with the smooth flow of Qi, while the Gallbladder is linked with decision-making, courage and our ability to take action.
From a TCM perspective, when the free flow of Qi becomes disrupted, some people may experience:
Tension through the neck, shoulders or jaw
Headaches
Muscle tightness or stiffness
Irritability or frustration
Feeling emotionally “stuck”
Changes in energy and motivation
Difficulty making decisions
Digestive changes during times of stress
A sense of being ready for change but not quite knowing where to begin
Spring is therefore a wonderful time to pay attention to both our physical flexibility and emotional flexibility.
Depression: When life Starts to feel flat
By Aliona Lyubimova - Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist
A blog by Peninsula MindCare
Depression does not always look like obvious sadness. Sometimes it can feel like disconnection from the things that once mattered, increased effort in everyday tasks, withdrawal from others, or a persistent sense of heaviness.
One of the important messages in the article is that you do not need to wait until you reach crisis point before seeking support. Small, manageable actions, such as taking a walk, reconnecting with someone you trust, preparing a nourishing meal or returning to an activity you once enjoyed - can help interrupt patterns of withdrawal and bring movement back into life. Professional support can also help you understand what is happening and work through the patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
At Peninsula MindCare, counselling isn’t about “fixing” depression. We help clients understand what may be contributing to how they feel, recognise patterns of withdrawal or disconnection, and develop supportive ways of responding.
Using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, mindfulness and attachment-informed therapy, we support individuals to reconnect with what matters and take small, meaningful steps towards feeling more like themselves again.
To learn more about depression or to book an appointment with our counselling team, contact Peninsula MindCare.
You can read the full blog online at Peninsula MindCare
Supporting your Health this Spring
Spring is a time of transition, and supporting your health doesn't need to involve a complete overhaul of your routine. In TCM, this seasonal shift is an opportunity to become a little more responsive to what your body needs as the environment around you changes.
Prioritise consistency over extremes.
Regular meals, adequate sleep and a steady daily rhythm can help your body adapt to changing temperatures, longer days and increased activity. Rather than making dramatic changes, small adjustments that you can maintain are often more supportive.
Choose foods that feel fresh and nourishing.
As the weather warms, gradually introducing a greater variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, sprouts and lighter meals can complement the seasonal shift. Warm, cooked meals can still be beneficial, particularly while mornings and evenings remain cool.
Pay attention to the changing weather.
Melbourne's spring weather can move quickly from cool mornings to warm afternoons, so dressing in layers and avoiding sudden changes in temperature can help you stay comfortable while your body adjusts.
Create space for renewal.
Spring can be a useful time to reassess your routines and consider what you would like more or less of in the months ahead. This might mean making time for activities that energise you, reconnecting with supportive people or simply creating more space in a busy schedule.
Ultimately, supporting your health in spring is about working with the season rather than against it. Listen to your body, make gradual changes and give yourself time to adjust as winter gives way to longer, brighter days
TCM Spring Recipe: Ginger, Greens & Lemon Chicken
A nourishing spring meal from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with the Wood element and the Liver and Gallbladder. This season is a wonderful time to enjoy fresh, vibrant foods while still including some gently warming ingredients to support the body as the weather remains changeable.
This simple recipe combines leafy greens and spring vegetables with ginger and a touch of lemon - creating a light, nourishing meal perfect for early spring.
Serves 4
Ingredients
500g chicken breast or thigh, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small piece fresh ginger, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 bunch broccolini, chopped
2 large handfuls of spinach or other leafy greens
1 zucchini, sliced
Juice of ½ lemon
A small handful of fresh herbs, such as coriander or parsley
Cooked brown rice or quinoa, to serve
Method
Heat the olive oil in a large pan and gently cook the ginger and garlic until fragrant.
Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add the broccolini and zucchini with a small splash of water. Cover briefly and allow the vegetables to soften while retaining their colour and freshness.
Stir through the spinach until just wilted.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your choice of herbs.
Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a satisfying and nourishing spring meal
TCM Benefits
Spring is a time to encourage movement, flexibility and balance. Leafy greens are traditionally enjoyed during the spring season, while ginger provides gentle warmth - particularly useful during Melbourne's unpredictable September weather.
The fresh lemon adds a bright flavour and, in TCM food traditions, sour flavours are often associated with the Liver system.
A simple reminder: Healthy eating doesn't need to be complicated. This spring, focus on fresh seasonal foods, regular meals and enjoying a variety of colourful vegetables that help you feel nourished and energised for spring.
We look forward to seeing you in clinic this spring With more appointment options available, we hope it’s now easier than ever to find a time that works for you. |
Book an appointment with our Mornington team online now.
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