Beware the Spring Winds: The Dragon Rises
Have you noticed yourself feeling more irritated, headachy, or restless lately? Spring winds may have something to do with it.
In Chinese medicine, each organ system has a natural direction of Qi movement. For example, Stomach Qi descends(helping digestion), while Liver Qi ascends, rising upward with vitality and vision. In spring, the season of the Liver, this energy is most active, like sap rising through trees.
The Liver is linked with:
The eyes (vision, both outer and inner)
The tendons and ligaments (flexibility, strength, resilience)
The smooth flow of Qi in body and mind
This is why the Liver is called the Wood Dragon in spring.
The Dragon represents the Wood element: growth, vitality, and flexibility.
Spring brings rising Yang energy and renewal.
Taoist teachings describe the Green Dragon as the natural life force that rises gently but persistently.
When the Liver Gets Overwhelmed
Stress is one of the biggest disruptors of Liver Qi, and who doesn’t feel stress? When the Liver can’t keep energy moving smoothly, its natural rising can become wild, like spring winds that whip out of control.
This may show up as:
Headaches or migraines
Irritability, anger, or sudden outbursts
Red or itchy eyes
Inflammation and skin issues
Disturbed sleep
Digestive problems (the Liver “bullying” the Spleen, leading to bloating or indigestion)
How to Support the Liver in Spring
One of the best ways to care for the Liver is not to suppress its rising nature, but to give it space to rise in a healthy way.
Simple practices to harmonise Liver Qi:
Eat lighter, fresher foods after winter: leafy greens, especially bitter greens.
Sip warm, clearing drinks: chrysanthemum tea, water with citrus, dandelion tea.
Reduce aggravators: heavy fried or oily foods, excessive spicy dishes, alcohol, coffee, sugar, and highly processed foods.
Move and express: Dance in your living room, take a walk in nature, or write letters to release emotions (no need to sent them). Expression is medicine.
Speak your truth: Create safe environments where you don’t have to hold back so tightly.
Qigong and the Inner Dragon
Qigong is especially powerful in Liver season. The spiraling, unfurling movements mirror spring growth and help energy flow through the Liver channels. One participant recently shared:
“Doing these classes gives rise to my inner dragon that allows expression I didn’t even realise I had. Oh, and my morning bloating has reduced too!”
Spring reminds us that just like the buds and blossoms, our own energy wants to rise, express, and grow. When we create space for that flow through food, movement, and expression, we allow the Green Dragon within us to soar with grace rather than whip out of control.
With love and awareness,
Anny 🌱🐉
