Nowruz Self-Care: A Spring Reset Rooted in Two Traditions
Celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, with spring renewal inspired by Persian traditions and Traditional Chinese Medicine, plus gift ideas.
Written byFlourish TCM ClinicTraditional Chinese Medicine & skin care · Yaletown, Vancouver
Reviewed byTabasom (Tabi) Mirshahi, R.Ac., R.TCM.P.
Nowruz Self-Care: A Spring Reset Rooted in Two Traditions
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, begins at the spring equinox, around March 20, and celebrates renewal, family and fresh starts. Its themes of spring cleaning, greenery, rest and gathering with loved ones fit closely with Traditional Chinese Medicine's view of spring as a season of growth. Here are gentle self-care ideas that honour both traditions.
Nowruz and renewal
"Nowruz" means "new day." Celebrated for thousands of years across Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and diaspora communities, including a large Persian community in Metro Vancouver, it marks the first day of spring. Traditions include:
- Khaneh tekani: a thorough spring cleaning of the home.
- The haft-sin table: seven symbolic items whose names begin with the Persian letter "sin," such as sabzeh (sprouts, for renewal), sib (apple, for health), sir (garlic), senjed (dried oleaster), somāq (sumac), serkeh (vinegar) and samanu (sweet wheat pudding).
- Chaharshanbe Suri: jumping over small fires on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year, to leave the old year behind.
- Visiting family and friends, and sharing food.
- Sizdah Bedar: spending the 13th day outdoors in nature.
TCM and spring
Traditional Chinese Medicine links spring to the Liver system and the Wood element, a time of growth, movement and fresh beginnings. TCM encourages moving more after winter, eating lighter meals with fresh greens, and easing stress. Read A Spring Reset, the TCM Way.
Self-care ideas that honour both traditions
- Clear space, clear mind. Khaneh tekani and TCM's spring energy both favour letting go of clutter. Try one room, one drawer or one commitment.
- Grow your sabzeh. Sprouting lentils or wheat is a lovely, living reminder of renewal, and fresh greens are TCM spring foods too.
- Get outside. Sizdah Bedar and TCM's spring advice meet here: walk, picnic, breathe. Vancouver's cherry blossoms are usually out.
- Eat seasonally. Herbs, greens and fresh flavours: sabzi polo ba mahi (herbed rice with fish), a traditional Nowruz dish, is full of spring herbs.
- Rest between gatherings. Nowruz visits are joyful and busy. Schedule quiet time too.
- Treat yourself before the new year: a facial or a relaxing massage as part of your preparations.
Nowruz treats for yourself
- OxyGeneo Facial: fresh, glowing skin before gatherings, with no downtime.
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage: feel lighter after winter.
- Reiki with Gentle Massage or Relaxation Massage: rest before the busy weeks.
- Dermaplaning + Hydrate & Glow: a smooth base for new-year photos.
Book early. The weeks before Nowruz are busy at our clinic.
Nowruz gifts
A Flourish gift card is a thoughtful eidi (Nowruz gift) for someone who deserves rest and renewal. See Gift Cards and Packages.
A Persian-speaking team
Our team speaks English and Farsi, so you're welcome to book and talk through treatments in whichever language you prefer. Clients come from across Metro Vancouver, including North Vancouver and West Vancouver, to our Yaletown clinic.
Nowruz mobarak! Wishing you a year of health and renewal.
Frequently asked questions
When is Nowruz?
At the March (spring) equinox, usually March 20 or 21.
What is haft-sin?
A table of seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter "sin."
What's a good pre-Nowruz treatment?
OxyGeneo for glow, or lymphatic drainage to feel lighter.
Do you have Farsi-speaking staff?
Yes, our whole team speaks English and Farsi.
Can I buy a gift card online?
Yes. See our Gift Cards page.
Sources
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz… (Representative List, 2016) (ich.unesco.org)
- United Nations — International Nowruz Day (21 March) (un.org)
- Encyclopaedia Iranica — Haft Sin (iranicaonline.org)
- Encyclopaedia Iranica — Čahāršanba-sūrī (iranicaonline.org)
Information on this site is general and isn't a substitute for advice from your physician.
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