In Chinese Medicine, there are six factors from the environment that can cause imbalances in the body. Wind is one of these pathogenic factors and it predominates in the spring. 

Common ways that wind manifests in the body: skin rashes, muscle spasms, eye twitches, dizziness, stiff neck, headaches, itchiness, and symptoms that come and go or move locations. Wind can also make us feel ungrounded, impulsive, irritable, scattered, and resistant to change. 

Steps to prevent wind from affecting you this spring: 

1. Practicing grounding exercises: walk barefoot in nature, meditate, take deep breaths, massage yourself with oils, take a bath, do one thing at a time.

2. Avoid prolonged exposure to windy weather or drafts.

3. Cover your neck with layers or a scarf when it’s windy. The back of the neck is called the “wind gate” and it is where wind enters the body.

4. Get regular acupuncture or at the very least get a seasonal tune-up to help your body adapt to the fluctuating nature of spring.

5. If you’re experiencing the symptoms listed above, you may be a candidate for the herbal formula Yu Ping Feng San, also known as Jade Windscreen. Speak with your acupuncturist about this option.

6. Incorporate these foods to help reduce wind in the body: celery, basil, sage, fennel, ginger, anise, oats, black soybeans, black sesame seeds, pine nuts, coconut, and flaxseed oil. Limit or avoid these foods: eggs, crab, buckwheat, hot peppers, curries, and beef.