The Wood Element in Chinese Medicine is associated with the Liver and the Gallbladder; these are a married pair who rely on each other while sharing the properties of this element.
Physiologically, the Wood Element governs the Liver which is responsible for the free-flowing movement of Qi throughout the body. It also stores and regulates our blood, which in turn controls and nourishes tendons and ligaments (sinews). It’s health or lack-thereof manifests in the nails and opens into the eyes (controls tears). Symptoms such as muscles spasms, dry eyes, blurry vision and gynaecological issues can be often related to the Liver. It is said to be affected by the emotion of anger, its sound is shouting, its colour is green. It Houses the Hun or the Ethereal Soul, which is similar to the western concept of the Soul.
The common analogy given to the Liver is ‘The General’. Whereas the Gallbladder is known as the ‘Official of Wise Judgement & Decision Making’; the Liver Plans and the Gallbladder Decides. Our Wood element gives us a vision of our potential, to initiate growth, change and the determination to achieve our dreams. This is the same drive that pushes the seedling upwards and out of the dirt in the spring.
To keep our Livers healthy, Chinese medicines nutritional heritage would dictate that in spring we eat less, fast, cleanse the body of fats and the heavy foods of winter. Our food choices should be light, cleansing and hepatic in nature; think dark leafy greens, that are bitter and encourage bile flow. It has been said decongesting the Liver & Gallbladder gives us drive and focus, laying waste to lethargy, apathy and timidity. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and cupping can help move and invigorate our Qi.
Just like a little seedling, humans have their own internal maps of where we want to go and who we want to be.
Depending upon the quality of a person’s Wood Element, they either show flexibility when confronted with obstacles, allowing them to grow and develop, or, they become stuck, unable to adapt due to rigidity. People with a healthy Wood Element are able to maintain a clear vision of their own distinct path in life, but also the patience to allow their destiny to unfold; it is a natural process allowing human beings to realize their own potential. Essentially, they know that there is no use in forcefully enacting change or having their impatience drive them forward. Those with an unbalanced Wood Element will be driven to the point of recklessness, becoming easily angered or frustrated when their plans hit the skids and once it’s all said and done, won’t have the hindsight to reflect on what went wrong.
Do the characteristics of the Wood Element resonate with you? Do you feel like it’s in balance, or do you feel it could use a tune-up this spring?
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