WOOD is the energy of spring;
It gives us the power of birth and renewal. It enables us to move
forward with vision and determination.
It gives us the power of birth and renewal. It enables us to move
forward with vision and determination.
🌲CYCLES: SPRING
THE SEASON OF WOOD ENERGY
As the days become warmer and brighter, nature rouses from
her winter slumber and looks ahead to the new growth of spring. The Wood, which
has been at rest, storing and concentrating its energy under a winter blanket,
now bursts forth with new buds, new life piercing Earth's crust. The swelling
Wood of spring initiates rebirth - a surge of rising energy, like the young
lamb staggering up to nurse, like the dandelion whose growing edge can burst
through concrete if it must. Wood is the energy of youth and growth: a new
beginning, a vision of a whole new cycle. The Wood energy of spring is an
expression of life at its strongest.
After a winter rest, the
power of springtime surges through nature - through us
Springtime is associated with the element Wood. In
traditional Chinese medicine, the Wood element represents the liver and the
gall bladder. The liver function is called the Official of Strategic Planning,
the grand architect for our vision of the future; this official sees the
directions we must take to live our lives in harmony with nature. Its
companion, the Gall Bladder Official, gives the ability to make decisions and
judge wisely. Making a decision is not a matter of choosing between equal
alternatives. Through these officials we can see both new possibilities and the
wisdom of the past, and thus see the clear and appropriate course to take.
Without Wood's vision and plan, decision and direction, no movement is possible
- there is only frustration.
What of people whose Wood is chronically imbalanced, who
can't level out? Such people are unable to experience growth and rebirth -
unable to experience springtime within; they sense growth and change happening
all around them, yet are stuck inside themselves, their lives so chaotic they
can't see a direction, a plan, or even how to begin.
To help unblock stuck energy, acupuncturists choose among
hundreds of acupuncture points, each with its own special quality, each
uniquely appropriate for a patient at the right time in treatment. As patients,
we can learn about a point's special energy and “spirit” and use that insight
to help nature do its healing work. Here, for example, are descriptions of two
points on the Wood meridians:
Gall Bladder 24
is located in the seventh rib space in line with the nipple,
and called “Sun and Moon ” The Gall Bladder Official requires clear vision in
order to decide on a course of action. All possibilities must be seen and
considered. When we are out of balance, we identify with only one position and
become attached to it; in so doing, we lose our wise judgment. We see things as
either black or white, dark or light. This acupuncture point creates a balance
that enables us to see both sides impartially - to see by both the “light of
the sun” and the “light of the moon.” From clarity, we can take action with
certainty and strength.
Liver 1, “Great Esteem,”
is located near the lateral corner of the nailbed of the big
toe. This is the first point on the Liver meridian - the beginning of spring
growth: the energy is present, the plan formulated, the way clear. Any new
undertaking is accompanied by uncertainties and risks, but they must not thwart
us in reaching our goal. It is in our nature to grow, to begin anew and take
our first steps. “Great Esteem” grants us the confidence to surge forth with
the power of springtime - to push ahead, give birth, and grow.
Suggestions for living in harmony with
the spring season
- Begin your day early, with a brisk walk.
Feel the sunshine pull you up and out, like the plants and animals. Watch buds rush into leaf, often doubling their size in a day. Look for birds' nests - you'll find them everywhere, even on top of air conditioners. Feel the life within you, like that outdoors, thrust up out of darkness into new possibilities. Make a garden. Eat greens. - Begin new things - at home, in your work, and in
yourself.
In this season when nature reinvents itself, we too can see people and situations with new eyes. Let new tissue grow over old hurts, and take fresh hope. Be creative. Make things, do things. Begin! - Consider how you wish to make ready for your
summer harvest.
Spring does not last forever. Use its bountiful energy wisely, so that the crops you sow - again, in yourself, in your work, and in your life - are those you wish to harvest. The energy of spring brings vision.
Welcome, spring! Go for it!
·
The Wood Element
The power of Wood is gentle, persistent, and filled with
creative potential. It has the power of both being and becoming—of being true
to your own nature and becoming more yourself by clearly expressing your inner
needs and desires. Wood gently penetrates the earth to bring forth water, the
source of all life. Drawing from our
roots, we find the energy to push forward with strength and firmness of
purpose, always remaining supple, yielding, and true to our nature.
Emotion
The emotion associated with the element of Wood is anger. In
its balanced state, anger can be a healthy emotion, for it can be understood as
a natural reaction to stress, frustration, or injustice. When expressed with careful
control, anger acts like a thunderstorm that clears the air; controlled anger
can dispel tension and restore balance.
How to Keep Healthy
and Joyful your Springtime Wood Energy
- Move: The Liver needs movement and so do you; so get outside and take long walks in nature, observe the changes going on all around you, and invite change in. Join an exercise or yoga class.
- Recreate Order Out of Chaos: Go through your home and office and get rid of stuff that you donʼt need; have a garage sale or give it away and create the space for the new to come in. Allow new things into your life. Imagine what you would like to create in your life and find ways to make plans to actuate these dreams.
- As Without, So Within: Spring is the time to start a healthier diet and flush out the toxins so that the Liver can do its job more effectively. Begin by eliminating foods that stress the Liver, such as fried or very fatty foods. Sugar and white flour should be eliminated or minimized, and foods with chemical preservatives and food coloring should be avoided. Donʼt overeat. Try to eat slowly, savoring the flavors. Enjoy the abundance of fresh foods that are beginning to come to market.
- Let Go of Old Resentments and Start Fresh: Grudges and resentments are indigestible and can do damage to Liver energy. Practice forgiveness.
- Take a Risk and Try Something New: Think of what you would like to try, even if it seems silly or scary. The small delicate sprout would never know its potential if it stayed safe within its seed…begin sprouting and be playful.
- Hydrate Your Body: Drink eight to ten 8 oz. glasses of water daily. Use filtered water, not carbonated. Adding some lemon juice gives it a nice taste, and lemon nourishes the Liver.
·
Spring – Wood
The element of wood is associated with spring, a time of
birth and new beginnings. “The wood element refers to living, growing entities:
trees, plants and the human body,” writes Elson M. Haas, MD, in Staying Healthy
With the Seasons (Celestial Arts, 2003), his classic book about integrative
medicine first published in 1981.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, spring is the
time for us to reach outward, develop deeper roots and remain flexible in the
wind. In the body, that means paying attention to your spine, limbs and joints,
as well as muscles, ligaments and tendons. It also means paying attention to
your liver, which works to detoxify the blood and make bile to help metabolize
carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
To support liver functioning, think spring-cleaning. Drink
plenty of fluids, and add lemon to your water, because ingesting some, but not
too much, sour or vinegary foods will nourish the liver. Try eating light, raw
foods like greens, sprouts, fruits, nuts and seeds. Avoid heavy or fried foods,
anything with chemical additives, and alcohol. Since exercise and sweating aid
liver detoxification, spring is a great time to develop a regular exercise
program.
In addition to diet and exercise, there are other ways to
balance your wood element. Wood governs the early hours of the morning, when we
first awake. Just as morning is a great time to plan the day ahead, spring is a
great time to look at your life and where you want to be in the future. “Take a
little time to write a new health/life plan, including goals for how you wish
to feel and what you would like to do and see happen,” suggests Haas, who
founded and directs the Preventive Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael,
Calif.
Go Elemental
Wood (spring) – Take a walk in the woods. Bring some new
houseplants into your office or home. Express your creativity through any form
of art or movement.
🌲
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