Utilizing the Energy of the Spring and the Wood Element in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, the human being is a reflection of nature and the elements. Each organ cooresponds to a different season, color, taste, odor, etc.

The organs of the the wood element are the liver and the gallbladder and the season of the wood element is spring.  

Having lived in Los Angeles, CA for the past 10 years, I haven't gotten to experience how powerful the coming of spring is and how it influences the plants, animals and human beings.

The wood element is at its full potential in the spring where it reflects in nature as growth, birth, vision, hope, activity. It reflects forward and upward movement of new growth and energy, having a vision or a plan, and then moving forward with the energy to fulfill that vision.  

If you can stop and feel, listen, sense this bursting forward energy of the spring, you can begin to resonate with it and use this energy to increase your momentum to start a project, and excersise regime, a diet, a career change, etc.

When the wood element is out of balance within a person they can either have too much energy bursting forward and upward or not enough energy to fulfill or plan one’s vision. This can result in an inappropriate emotion of anger bursting forcefully upwards. Such as the cartoon characters faces turning red with steam coming out of their ears. The quality of this anger is unique to the wood element because it arises from the springing bursting forward moving energy being blocked. The person is stuck and their growth in stifled weather it be that their vision is clouded or they cannot fulfill their plans.  On the other hand a person with an imbalanced wood element be so resigned and hopeless and have a lack of anger or burst of growth to move forward.

The officials or organs of the wood element are the liver and gallbladder. The wood element governs the eyes and the tendons.  Common signs of Liver meridian stress include dry, brittle, thickened nails and pain just below the ribs. Common illnesses include migraines, eye problems, and sinus problems. The Liver meridian circles the genitals, and rashes and discharges are associated with its imbalance, as well as hernias. For women, menstrual problems are common including PMS, painful periods, and heavy bleeding. Uterine fibroids may be related to imbalance of the Liver meridian as well. The Liver and Gallbladder meridian pathways traverse the top and sides of the head, the most common sites for migraine headaches.

If you need help in getting connected with the spring and the wood element, contact me at (860)341-1227

Becky La Plante, L.Ac.

Licensensed Acupuncturist

15R Hartford Ave

Granby, CT 06035

References: Worsley, J.R., The Five Elements and the Officials, J.R. and J.B. Worsley. 1998.