Spring
A Gentle Invitation to Reset
Spring is a beautiful time to release what no longer serves us and step into a renewed sense of self. In Los Angeles, we’re lucky to experience a long, gradual spring—making it the perfect opportunity to do gentle inner work, support detoxification, and align with the season's energy through acupuncture.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or just in need of a reset, this protocol is designed to help you harmonize with the season and feel more connected to yourself.
Spring is the season of growth, renewal, and upward movement. In TCM, it’s associated with the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, the Wood element, and the emotion of anger (or its higher expression—vision and purpose). It’s a time to clear out stagnation from winter and support the free flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body.
That’s why in the spring, I often turn to a specific set of acupuncture points that help harmonize the body with this energetic transition: DU20, Yin Tang, LI4, LV3, LU7, KD6, and KD3.
Here's why I choose this protocol in the spring:
Located at the crown of the head, DU20 “Hundred Meetings” is a powerful point for lifting the spirit and clearing the mind. It helps counter the upward surge of energy that spring can sometimes over-amplify—especially in those dealing with anxiety, headaches, or insomnia. It gently grounds and uplifts, creating clarity and calm.
Yin Tang “Hall of Impression” This extra point, located between the eyebrows, is a favorite for calming the Shen (spirit). Spring can stir up emotional turbulence—irritability, restlessness, or even an unshakable sense of urgency. Yin Tang soothes the nervous system and brings a peaceful stillness to the mind.
The Four Gates Together, these points are known as a classic combination used to move Qi and blood throughout the body. This is essential in the spring, when Liver Qi can become stuck, leading to tension, mood swings, or digestive discomfort. LI4 (on the hand) and LV3 (on the foot) work together to release that stagnation and restore harmony.
Lung 7 and Kidney 6 “Regulating Yin and Yang, Breath and Flow” Spring brings wind, both externally in the environment and internally in the form of agitation or mental overactivity. LU7 opens the lungs and breathing, while KD6 nourishes Yin and anchors that restless energy. Together, they also help regulate the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), supporting emotional balance and fluid movement of energy.
Kidney 3 “Rooting the Yang and Nourishing the Yin” is a foundational point for supporting Kidney Yin and Yang. In spring, we often need to nourish out root even as we embrace outward movement. This point grounds the body's energy and supports overall vitality during the energetic surge of the season.