Spring is nature’s call to action. The ancient Chinese associated spring with the wood element, because it represents birth, rebirth, and growth. This time of year, it’s easy to identify the wood element in nature: trees and other vegetation are blossoming all around us.
We too possess this wood element. Notice how spring energy arises in you. Do you take on new projects, get outside more, or just feel the need for change? In Chinese Medicine, which views certain organ systems as associated with certain elements and seasons, the Liver and Gall Bladder correspond to the wood element, or spring. This is a slightly different view from our western understanding of organs as only physical. Chinese medicine, which refers to organ systems as officials, sees them from an energetic perspective representing mental and emotional aspects as well, much like archetypes. The Liver and Gall Bladder Officials express the physical, mental and emotional wood, or spring, qualities in us: clear vision, planning, decision making and determination. Similar to an architect, the Liver possesses the big vision for our life’s design. Managing and executing the details of the blueprint is the construction foreman, the Gall Bladder.
Aspects of our Wood Element
As an acupuncturist, I observe and inquire about a person’s physical Liver and Gall Bladder functioning, as well as other correspondences associated with the wood element. These are based on the qualities described above and the pathways of the Liver and Gall Bladder meridians, which are energy channels flowing through the body that are accessed by points along them.
Some of the correspondences include a sense organ (eyes), an emotion (anger), and a body part (tendons). In spring, we often talk of seeing things anew. The eyes belong to the wood element because they enable us to see and, metaphorically, to envision our life’s purpose and how to achieve it. When expressed healthfully, anger demonstrates the up and out energetic direction of wood. Anger simply means to take effective action. It is the same creative force that propels the seedling through the soil as sprouts. The wood element also reminds us that, like trees, we stand between heaven and earth, branches extended outward and roots reaching inward. Tendons can be likened to our root structure, anchoring our muscles to bones while providing agility of movement.
When our wood is in distress, we may experience any number of possible symptoms, such as vision problems, erratic mood swings or anger, joint or tendino-muscular pain or spasm, a lack of motivation, despair, digestive problems including blood sugar issues, premenstrual tension, dizziness or vertigo, or sleep disorders.
Beyond Black and White
In my practice, I see a number of patients whose wood element needs tending. One patient, who suffers from chronic migraines, demonstrates the surging energy of the wood element unchecked. For her, anger is often unexpressed or blocked. She holds rigid expectations of herself and is quite critical when she fails to measure up. Rather than have compassion for her perceived shortcomings, the otherwise smooth flow of energy is obstructed and thrusts upward contributing to intense headaches and tightness in her upper body.
I remind my patient that being judgmental is not our true nature. One of the points along the Gall Bladder meridian that so eloquently reminds us of this is called Sun and Moon. Located on the midsection, this point gives us the capacity to see life beyond black and white. This point releases constraint so we may twist or bend in a way that broadens our field of vision. Physically, this point addresses symptoms of tension, such as shoulder pain, gastric upset or sour belching. If we lack judgment to make prudent decisions, or initiate action, this point also empowers us to integrate our inner vision with an external reality and bring our life’s purpose full circle – just as day turns into night.
Great Esteem: Rooting our Vision
A healthy wood element enables us to meet challenges with integrity and confidence rather than frustration or cowardice. The Liver point, Great Esteem, located on the big toe, plants our feet firmly so we may stand our ground in the face of obstacles and remain faithful to our inner purpose. This point may strengthen our ability to assert ourselves if we are timid. Or, temper volatility if we are combative.
Another gift of our wood is patience. The Chinese adage advises: Do not rush to early ripening. A wise plan outlines goals and outcomes as well as a timeline that allows it to unfold appropriately. The apple tree does not belittle itself for failing to bear fruit as soon as it blooms. Nor does it resent being an apple tree instead of an oak. Great Esteem teaches us to accept ourselves for who we are and where we are in the moment.
Supreme Rushing: A Source of Relaxation and Renewed Vision
Sometimes, we get ahead of ourselves, anxious to be further along than we are and rush the process, only to fail. A Liver point, on the web of the foot, called Supreme Rushing, roots our vision, when we become consumed by achieving goals that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Ironically, this point can also initiate smooth movement when we have become stagnant in our plans and are spinning our wheels, or are utterly inert. This point can relax our “root” system, the sinews, when we are tight or in spasm, or it can draw excessive, or aggravated energy down from the upper regions of our body so we regain movement. While, the name Supreme Rushing might evoke the image of an agitated and harried state, it is actually a great pacifier. This point calls upon our wood energy to relax and release pent up frustration.
One man I treated used to pace the waiting area on a cell phone negotiating business deals. Up until the moment he walked into the treatment room, he was “on.” Life was all about the deal, which energized him, yet also took its toll. His aspirations became a burden. As a result he experienced shoulder tension and spasms that were relieved by strong muscle relaxants, which ironically rendered him unable to concentrate and perform his job. For him, Supreme Rushing, reminded him that while financial success motivated him, he could also derive a sense of accomplishment from fulfilling personal and spiritual goals. Once he learned this, he was open to far more possibilities than his narrower view allowed.
As spring unfolds around us, observe the wood energy in nature and yourself. Plants adapt and grow, almost no matter what. We too are inspired to grow, be flexible and resilient, to see the possibilities for our lives and begin anew. This is the promise of the wood element. We are all inventors and architects – capable of having a BIG vision for our lives. And, we are engineers and strategists – capable of carrying out the details to make the bigger vision happen!
Becky Thoroughgood is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbologist practicing in Harrisburg. She earned her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Traditional Acupuncture Institute) in Laurel, MD.