In equine shiatsu, spring is associated with the Wood element, growth, the liver and gallbladder, and the color green; its quality is movement, and its climate is wind!
The associated sense is sight; it is said that “the eye is the orifice of the liver.” A watery, runny eye may be a sign of imbalance.
Recurring eye problems (keratitis, uveitis) may be a sign of a condition affecting the liver (such as piro-like diseases).
Don't worry about it …
Spring is therefore the season when the liver and gallbladder are at their peak…
…but one of the unique characteristics of horses compared to other mammals,
isthat they do NOT have a gallbladder!
Unlike us, a horse’s bile is released in small amounts but continuously into the stomach.
Hence the importance for them of a continuous, low-calorie diet (typically fibrous plants in sufficient quantities, meaning accessible 24 hours a day).
This is why, in equine shiatsu, we do not refer to the Gallbladder meridian.
Depending on the school, this meridian is called the Biliary System meridian or the Biliary Tract meridian.
The Liver is associated with the hoof wall: poor hoof quality can signal an imbalance. Since spring is the season of Liver abundance, hoof quality may improve during this season.
Spring is the ideal time for an equine shiatsu session, as it helps facilitate the elimination of toxins accumulated over the winter.
Did you say drainage?
Liver drainage is a controversial topic: some argue that it strains the liver, which is already working at full capacity (it must cope with a sudden change in diet, one that is quite high in sugars due to the new grass), while others contend that, on the contrary, this is the ideal time for detoxification.
If we look at spring plants, we find, among others, cleavers, a premier liver-and-kidney drainer, and dandelion: nature’s intention is thus to drain the kidneys (which have worked hard during the winter).
Nettle also helps detoxify the body in a non-specific way.
Therefore, my current advice would be to check before starting a drainage regimen whether the plants in the product are indeed spring plants.
And to observe which plants the horse naturally gravitates toward, depending on its needs.
So, for a great spring:
If we treat the elements of Chinese medicine as a word puzzle:
Movement, the color green, muscles, tendons, wind, sight, the biliary system:
We don’t hold back on forest walks; we treat ourselves to gallops (after getting back into shape, of course ;));
with the most open views possible, a life in the pasture that encourages movement and continuous grazing, and access to spring plants (along the paths, biodiversity in the pasture).
And all of this, MANE IN THE WIND, of course!!