As we step into spring, nature reminds us that renewal is not only possible—it’s inevitable. The Huang Di Nei Jing, one of the foundational texts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, teaches us that spring is the season to nourish the yang—our active, creative, expansive life force.

After months of inward reflection and quiet storage during winter, spring invites us to emerge, to stretch, to breathe new life into our goals and bodies. Just as trees send sap rising and buds unfurl, our qi begins to move more freely. This is a time for growth, movement, and possibility.

What does “nourish the yang” mean?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, yang energy is warm, light, expansive, and active. To nourish it means to support the systems in the body that thrive on movement, circulation, and vitality. This includes:

• Waking earlier to align with the sun
• Eating lighter, fresh, green seasonal foods (like sprouts, leafy greens, and young herbs)
• Stretching or walking outdoors to awaken the Liver qi (spring’s ruling organ)
• Releasing emotional stagnation through acupuncture, journaling, or movement

A reflection for your cycle

Spring is also mirrored in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle—the days after bleeding when energy rises and ideas take root. Just as the earth awakens, so do we. You might feel more social, more optimistic, more energized. This is a beautiful time to set intentions, move your body, and welcome what’s beginning to unfold within you.