It's not your fault

Yin is about to become Yang

Grateful for the menopausal 2am wake up call to be gifted with the lunar eclipse.

If you’ve been feeling agitated, confused, frustrated, or downright angry—rest assured, you are not to blame.

There are plenty of culprits we could point to for your current state of being: the chaos of the new U.S. administration and its inhumane, reckless, destructive policies, or the recent lunar eclipse in Virgo, or the current Mercury retrograde, or the impact of global climate change—storms, fires, and that relentless wind!

We can simply check “all of the above” and call it a day.

It’s not you.

The real truth? The transition from Winter to Spring is one of the most dramatic seasonal shifts of the year. It’s like trying to wake a hibernating honey badger in its den, or feeling that groggy in-between moment when you’re out of bed but caffeine hasn’t hit your veins and arteries yet.

You get the idea!

In Chinese Medicine, this is the energetic shift from Yin to Yang— from dark to light, quiet to loud, dormant to alive. The discomfort you’re feeling isn’t random; it’s here to nudge you toward growth, action, and transformation. It’s a call to make bold decisions, to release what’s no longer serving you physically or emotionally, and to move toward your goals with fresh energy.

The transition is here to help you feel alive and make the most of your one precious life!

The Chinese Medicine organ system that leads the charge during this transition is the Yin/Yang, Liver/Gallbladder pair. They are the most active and affected in the Spring which means we need to take extra care of them by keeping them balanced and harmonized.

When the Liver/Gall Bladder pair is out of balance, you may experience:

• Liver Qi Stagnation (Blocked Energy):

  • Irritability, frustration, or frequent anger

  • Feeling stuck, indecisive, or easily overwhelmed

  • Depression or mood swings

  • Difficulty letting go of resentment

• Liver Qi Rising (Excess Energy Moving Upward):

  • Sudden outbursts of rage

  • Feeling hot-headed, easily triggered

  • Impatience, impulsiveness

• Gallbladder Qi Deficiency (Weakness in Decision-Making):

  • Chronic indecision, hesitation

  • Lack of confidence or courage

  • Fear of confrontation

Are you experiencing any of these more than normal?

If so, again, you can bring them back into harmony by moving your body, eating fresh foods, expressing your emotions, making decisions, and aligning with the season.

Here are some suggestions of how to do so.

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Move Your Qi (Energy)

Since the Liver and Gallbladder control the smooth flow of Qi, stagnation leads to frustration, irritability, and tension. Movement is key!

Gentle Exercises: Walking, yoga, tai chi, and qigong keep Liver Qi moving.
Twisting & Side Stretches: These open the Gallbladder meridian along the sides of the body.
Shake It Off: Shaking, bouncing, or dancing can release pent-up Liver energy.

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Eat to Support Liver & Gallbladder

The Liver loves greens, and sour flavors help clear stagnation. The Gallbladder thrives on clean, light, easy to digest foods that aid digestion.

Add these foods:
Leafy greens (dandelion, kale, spinach)
Sour foods (lemon, lime, apple cider vinegar)
Bitter foods (radish, arugula, artichoke)
Beets (great for Liver detox)
Herbal teas (peppermint, chamomile, dandelion root)

Subtract these foods:
Heavy, greasy, fried foods (overburdens Gallbladder)
Excess alcohol (Liver struggles to detox)
Processed foods & refined sugar (causes sluggish and weakens the Qi)

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Emotional Release & Stress Reduction

The Liver stores emotions, especially anger, frustration, and resentment. If unexpressed, these emotions can create stagnation and lead to dis-ease in your body. What you can do:

Healthy Expression: Journaling, venting, deep breathing, or mindful conversations.
Screaming Therapy: Shout into a pillow or in the car—Gallbladder loves a good yell!
Acupressure: Press Liver 3 (between the big toe and second toe) to release tension and restore flow. Or massage your “third eye” to help ease tension.

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Align your life with Spring Energy

Spring is the season for renewal, vision, and action.

Declutter: Organize your space to reflect clarity and decisiveness. Get rid of things you don’t need anymore. Sell. Donate. Eliminate.
Make Decisions: Stop overthinking and commit to actions that will propel you forward in life, big and small.
Spend Time in Nature: Spring (Wood) energy thrives outdoors—walk in a park, touch trees, or garden. Get dirty, literally.

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Herbal & Acupuncture Support

Herbs for Liver & Gallbladder Health:

• Milk thistle & dandelion root — for Liver detox

• Bupleurum – Helps with emotional stagnation

• Peppermint & chrysanthemum – Clears Liver heat (good for headaches & red eyes)

Acupuncture Points to Balance Qi:

• Liver 3 (Taichong) – Moves stagnant Liver Qi

• Gallbladder 34 (Yanglingquan) – Strengthens decision-making & relieves muscle tension

• Gallbladder 21 (Jianjing) – Releases neck/shoulder tension

** If you can’t needle yourself, you do know someone who can.

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Rest & Sleep Well

The Liver regenerates between 1-3 AM, so getting deep, restorative sleep is essential.

Liver-Friendly Sleep Tips:

• Avoid screens & stress before bed

• Drink chamomile or lemon balm tea before bed

• Stretch, meditate or do yin yoga

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Lastly, it’s always a good idea to accept what is, to be grateful for what you do have, and to set the intention that, in this season of life, you're okay with going with the flow because your life is happening right now.

With love and gratitude,

xoxo

Kit

P.S. Need a Spring Check in, a Spring Reset, or a Spring Fling?

You can schedule your Holistic Acupuncture appointment here.