In the winter we move inwards, and the summer we move outwards. But how do we go from “inwards” to “outwards”? Well, we pivot of course. Spring is this pivot. The warmth from the sun warms the ground, and the plants begin to wake up. Through a determined effort, also characterized as anger, the plants may break through the earth and reach towards the light.
If we want to think about spring and the pivoting action from a herbal perspective, I might think about the formula Xiǎo Chái Hú Tāng. In Chinese medicine we prescribe herbal formulas, rather than single herbs. A formula allows us to choose a chief medicinal, whose functions drive the main actions of the formula, but can be enhanced and balanced by the deputy, assistants and guide herbs.
This formula was written about in the Hàn dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) and was in the chapter called Shào Yáng , which is described as a pivoting mechanism. One of the key symptoms is the alternating of fever and chills. This describes an alternating of hot and cold sensations. But has also been later described as not only the fluctuations of hot and cold patterns, but also of any cyclical, recurring symptoms. Now this broadens things a lot, for example: getting headaches once a week, or migraines with barometric pressure changes, getting diarrhea every time you get emotionally stimulated, having arthritis flare up in damp weather, any unpleasant symptoms occurring monthly around menstruation.
This formula can be used for so many conditions. When our bodies get stuck in these looping patterns we might be stuck in a pivoting stage or experiencing a Shào Yáng pattern.
It is important for us to leave winter behind, to start growing and moving forward towards the light. If you are feeling stuck physically and/or mentally and are interested in Chinese herbal medicine, I’d be happy to meet you for a free consultation to see if herbal medicine is right for you!
Bob Malecki R.TCM.P