🌿 Spring’s here, bringing fresh energy — and maybe some interesting dreams.

violaine vair-piova
Sep 7
3 min read

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is all about the Liver, which not only keeps your energy flowing but also influences your sleep and the kinds of dreams you have.

Let’s explore what your dreams might be telling you about your well-being this spring.

Spring, the Liver, and the World of Dreams

In TCM, spring corresponds to the Liver. This organ plays a key role in regulating energy and emotions, and it also affects the quality of our sleep and the themes of our dreams. Viewed through this lens, dreams are more than random nighttime images — they offer insight into what’s going on inside your body and mind.

As the days get longer and the air feels fresher, it’s a good time to tune in to these subtle signals and notice how your internal balance is reflected in your nights.

Dreams as a Reflection of Wellbeing

In TCM, dreams are considered mirrors of our physical, emotional, and spiritual state.

Internal imbalances often appear symbolically in our dream world.

Dream interpretation has been part of Chinese medical practice for centuries, informed by Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions. It offers a holistic perspective on health, linking mind, body, and spirit.

When Organs Speak Through Dreams

Each organ system in TCM is associated with specific emotions and dream patterns. Some examples:

☯️ Flying or falling dreams: often connected to a Kidney or Heart deficiency.
☯️ Being chased: can indicate Liver Qi stagnation or unresolved stress.
☯️ Dreams of separation: linked to the Small Intestine, which sorts and discerns during digestion.
☯️ Frequent erotic dreams: may point to Kidney Yin deficiency or an overactive Liver Fire.

The Liver’s Strong Connection with Dreams

The Liver is particularly influential in dream activity. When out of balance, it may show up in dreams as:

Conflict-filled or violent dreams (storms, fights, wars).
Dreams of lush green forests or overgrown landscapes: often linked to excess Liver Yang.
Restless nights, nightmares, or agitated dreams: signs that Liver Blood isn’t nourishing the Hun (the ethereal soul), which needs calm to rest peacefully.

In Aotearoa, noticing these patterns can be particularly insightful as we transition from winter into the energetic spring months, when our bodies naturally adjust to the seasonal change.

Paying Attention to Your Dreams

In TCM, dreams are more than just stories at night — they’re a valuable guide to understanding your health. By observing them, you can gain insight into your overall well-being and identify areas that may require additional support.

Wrapping Up

With September’s long weekends and brighter days ahead, take time to rest, observe your dreams, and reflect on what they might be telling you. They’re not just a source of inspiration — they can provide clues about your health and help you maintain balance through the season.

Hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this!

Here’s to some relaxing long weekends this September — perfect for kicking back and enjoying some lovely dreams 🙂

Take care of yourself!

Violaine

References:

Chen D. A semiotic study of dreaming in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classics. Atlantis Press; 2019. Available from: https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125912019.pdf

Wu J. Diagnosis of sleep disorders in traditional Chinese medicine. Sci Prog. 2021;104(2):003685042110137. doi:10.1177/00368504211013717. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746809421005395