I’ll be honest with you – I just couldn’t get round to writing a blog post in March, even though I try to do one every calendar month. Why? Well, I think it was because I felt so uncertain about whether spring had really arrived, and I didn’t want to write something about fresh starts and enthusiasm only to find that winter had a nasty trick waiting up its sleeve … like last year. So I dithered (unusual for me), and ended up doing nothing while feeling a touch frustrated at myself.
Well now, nearly half way through April, I am happy to declare that I’m trusting the spring is here to stay – and that even if there’s a cold snap, it will just be chilly spring weather rather than winter’s icy tendrils. So you could say that this represents a small manifestation of hope triumphing over despair, and for an acupuncturist versed in the wisdom of the Five Elements, this is highly significant and relevant to this time of year. You see, the spring doesn’t just represent the arrival of birth (lambs) and new growth (daffodils) – although they are surely hugely cheering symbols of the season. It is also an incredibly powerful pivot point in the year, where dormancy and stasis transform into waking up and activity. And for that to have meaning and purpose we need to have a sense of focus, and sense of direction, and a sense of hopefulness.
There are two wonderful acupuncture points called Gate of Hope and Chapter Gate which really come into their own in the spring. I find myself considering with each patient I see at this time of year whether they are able to look ahead, make plans, and embrace change in their lives – all things that are best initiated in the spring – or whether they are stuck, frustrated and lacking in hopefulness. And if they are stuck – like a patient I saw a couple of days ago who surprised me when she said she hadn’t really been spending much time in the garden (very, very unusual for her) – then I will probably choose to use one or both of those points.
For myself, I know the tide has finally turned because I’ve stopped dithering and delaying around getting things going in my vegetable garden – the potatoes and shallots are planted and my tomato seedlings are on their way. Now I can truly start to visualise how my garden will look in June (lots of lush growth) and in August and September (produce to harvest) – hopefully!
If you’re feeling sluggish or dispirited, it’s time to book your spring treatment! Call me on 07970 295177.
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