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Hello, friends! 🌸

Spring is *finally* here, and with it, the sounds of birds singing, flowers blooming, and… maybe a little extra irritability on your end? If you’ve been feeling a little more on edge than usual, know that you’re not alone! At Selby Acupuncture, over the years of practice we’ve noticed a lot of our patients (and…maybe even ourselves) experience this springtime shift from calm to crabby.

The Liver’s Springtime Dance (And Why It Can Get Off-Beat)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is connected to the Wood element and the Liver. Picture your Liver as the conductor of an orchestra. When it’s in sync, everything flows harmoniously. But when things get backed up (hello, stagnant Liver Qi!), you might feel more irritable, frustrated, or even a bit angry – it’s like trying to get through a traffic jam, and nothing seems to go right!

Why does this happen more in the spring? It’s a time of growth, renewal, and upward energy, which can feel a little overwhelming. With longer days and shifting weather patterns, our internal rhythms might get a little thrown off balance. Add in the usual stresses of life, and it’s no wonder you may feel more “frayed” than usual.

The Science Behind the Calm (And Why It Works)

You might be wondering: how does acupuncture help with all this? Great question! There’s solid science supporting it. Acupuncture has been shown to regulate your nervous system, boost mood-enhancing endorphins, and calm the emotional centers of the brain. It’s not just us saying it – there is plenty of research to back it up. Research published demonstrate acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating anxiety in general (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35124475/), anxiety related to IVF (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35570176/), anxiety and depression in patients experiencing chronic tension headaches (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36622877/), just to name a few.

We see these positive results in our clinic all the time!

Herbal Helpers from Selby Acupuncture

We also love supporting our patients with herbs, and springtime irritability and anxiety is no exception. Here are two of our favorite formulas for this time of year:

• Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder Plus): Think of this as your emotional “chill pill.” It helps ease stagnant Liver Qi, calm irritability, and reduce stress. This one’s great for those pre-menstrual mood swings or stress-related tension.
• Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor’s Teapills): Experiencing more insomnia and anxiety? For those nights when your mind just won’t quiet down, this herbal formula nourishes the Heart and Kidneys, calms the spirit, and helps calm the mind when you are feeling more anxious.

Your Springtime Action Plan (Let’s Get You Feeling Good!)

Ready to feel more balanced? Here’s your plan for a calmer, more peaceful spring:

1. Book Your Acupuncture Appointment: Let’s work together to get that Liver Qi flowing smoothly again with 4-6 acupuncture treatments.
2. Ask About Herbal Support: We’ll help you figure out if Jia Wei Xiao Yao San or Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan is right for you.
3. Move Your Body: A gentle walk or some stretches can help release all that pent-up energy.  Moving your body, moves your Qi.
4. Get Outside: Soak up the sunshine and fresh air – it works wonders for your mood!
5. Practice Self-Care: Take time for yourself and enjoy the things you love. A little kindness toward yourself goes a long way.
6. Swap your Coffee for Tea or Water:  seems pretty self-explanatory, but staying well hydrated helps your entire body function optimally. And reducing stimulants (like caffeine) can reduce the stress and anxiety you are feeling.

Let’s Make This Spring Your Most Serene Yet!

Don’t let springtime irritability steal your joy. At Selby Acupuncture, we’re here to help you find peace and balance in the season of renewal. We’d love to help you feel your best, so give us a call or book online today!

We can’t wait to see you. 🌿

Warmly,
The Team at Selby Acupuncture