Spring & the Wood Element: A TCM Perspective
In Chinese medicine, spring is associated with the Wood element. Like buds of fresh leaves and flowers the Wood element encompasses an energy of expansion and growth. Just as we observe the plants and animals starting to increase in activity with the longer warmer days, our energy too also begins to shift from the quiet internal contemplation of winter to feeling the sprouting of the seeds we’ve planted as we have more capacity to engage in the world, to begin new projects and to increase our current endeavours. The gift of the Wood element is the ability to start.
Like all growth, the unfolding of spring is never linear- we have already had hot days like summer, yet we will drop back into the chill of winter, this is a season of back and forth as we figure out how to shed our winter cocoons and re-emerge. Between the cycling of temperatures, we will often feel an increase in wind as nature too is awakening to the warmth. Keeping your neck covered with a light scarf will help protect you from the change of season colds and flu.
The Wood element is associated with the Liver and the Gallbladder (*TCM organs not necessarily corresponding to Western Medicine organs). The Liver is responsible for the flowing and spreading of Qi, which allows us to maintain a relaxed and easy-going internal environment and disposition. This includes the free flow, acceptance, and expression of emotions. When this free-flowing nature is disturbed, the Liver tends us towards a state of frustration and edginess. Therefore, to help avoid this impatience and agitation it is helpful to remember that twists and turns are a part of growth, that it is still only spring (despite what the temperatures might say) and that this uncoiling of our new ambitions and ideas may take time. At it’s best the Liver is associated with a connection to humanity, a kindness and benevolence that we extend to both others and ourselves. The Wood elements ability to start has an underlying hope for us all and the future.
Chinese medicine offers Yang Shen or lifestyle advice to support us in enjoying a harmonious spring. Allow your physical movement routine to become more vigorous to support the Liver in moving and spreading the Qi- it is time to walk with a little more purpose and to include some more dynamic movements in your yoga or Pilates class. Including greens in your diet also helps to support the Wood element, think spinach, dandelion leaf, leeks, and broccoli. A recommendation of warm cooked food is still beneficial for most of us but as the temperatures warm beginning to add a couple of raw or cooler elements can be balancing in a meal. (*Always consult your practitioner for TCM dietary advice that is specific to your constitution.) The flavour of sour is also beneficial to the Liver, so including tomato, vinegar, blackberries, and lemon in your diet can be supportive in spring. Peppermint, Jasmine, and Chamomile teas all support the movement of Qi in the body and thus could be appropriate during spring. It is also important to find ways to express your anger or frustrations safely and constructively, repressing these feelings down can create more of a stuck feeling in our Qi. And of course, acupuncture is an amazing way to shift, move and re-balance the Qi flow in the body!
* This article is general advice based on Chinese Medicine Theory, it is not medical advice and you should always consult with your practitioner or doctor before implementing changes