Spring, the Wood Element and Chinese Medicine
As we are in the dawn of spring, March the 20th brings more than longer days and extended evenings.
In Chinese Medicine, Spring is the season of the Wood Element. The organs that are associated with the Wood element are the Liver and the Gallbladder. The colour connected is green and the odour is rancid. This is the one time of year that we shift from Yin to Yang, and it is a hugely pivotal time of change for all. The energy of the Wood element is the encapsulation of growth, justice and perhaps more poignantly, anger.
From a physiological perspective, the Liver (Yin) and Gallbladder (Yang) are the Organs at the forefront of this season. In the Nei Jing, the Liver is often referred to as the General; the overseer of the army. This role when applied to our own inner terrain, is affiliated with the movement of Qi, the flow of blood, the regulation and expression of emotions and our drive to grow. The Gallbladder on the other hand, is in charge of decision making; the Liver’s right hand strength. Its role in the body is to excrete bile.
The Liver has an essential role in the functioning of our body both physically and emotionally. During the spring season, many different emotions can arise. Chiefly, the emotions of Anger and injustice can surface; whether it be unresolved and lying dormant, or maybe a current situation that evokes this powerful emotion. This can simmer to the surface during this switch of the seasons. The Liver manifests in the eyes, so the importance of being able to see things clearly, and exactly as they are is an important focus at this time.
During this shift, there is a distinct sense of shedding the heaviness of the Yin seasons and transitioning into the Yang aspect of the year. The image that comes to mind, is that of the seed working hard below the soil, now moving to the stage of emergence, to surface and live life above ground to thrive and grow. We can recognise the low rumble from under-ground, ready for the eruption of energy to appear from the deep. The powerful energy that has been cultivated during the darker months.
There are many ways in which you can support the Wood element during this time. Unsurprisingly, being in nature (specifically around trees) is an obvious way to connect to and embrace the formidable Wood energy. Making sure you are moving your body in a way that feels intentional, will encourage the smooth flow of Qi. This is another great way to stimulate the flow of your Liver Qi and in turn, it will reduce emotional and physical stagnation.
By using the power of words considerately, you can carefully release those unresolved and repressed feeling of anger or injustice. These may be feelings based on your own experiences, or experiences of those you have witnessed. At times, injustice in our world (both internal and external) can feel overwhelming, and often we can have a feeling of a lump in our throat; this can be a sign that you are holding back your truth.
By using the medium of writing, you can express yourself in a way that feels right and honest. Each night, write down in your own personal journal your thoughts and experiences of the day. Be creative with your words and honour your sense of Self; this can feel incredibly freeing and will help relieve any stagnated emotions you may be harbouring. In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is highly respected and is incredibly responsive when it comes to being treated with acupuncture.
This is such a brilliant time to look outside of yourself and your window, and see nature pushing through the dark and into the light. We are reflections of our environment, so step outside to witness the majesty of it all. When things seem dark and never-ending, know that just like the hard working sapling, exploding through the soil, you too were born to grow, expand and change the landscape.
About Author
Maudie Evitt
Maudie is a 5 Element & Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner living and working in London. She lives with her partner Tom and dog Sugar. Maudie specialises in women's health and mental/emotional wellbeing. Her true passion is facilitating true change with her clients, by guiding them to 'tune in'. Maudie believes we all have the capability of living full & healthy lives, sometimes we just need a little help. Maudie has a studio in Shoreditch, East London.Leave a comment
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8 Comments
Patti Lamberth
Thank you for the interesting articles you post for your customers. They are much appreciated.
Cassandra Tondro
Thank you for these thoughtful articles. I love your natural fabrics, and also enjoy reading about living more closely to nature, in this case the transition to spring. I like the diversity of your features — the various artists, the Pixie tangerines and marmalade, and these articles on Chinese medicine and health. Good job!
Lesia McQuade
Maudie, First I love the contrasting white topstitching and buttons on that beautiful dark blue linen. I read your article and the ancient wisdom there and it reminds me of my grandmother (born, 1880, on a farm, lived her life, and died on a farm) who also held so much ancient wisdom. She use to pick the spring dandelions for a dish made with bacon, vinegar, gravy, and boiled potatoes, and say it was a good spring tonic for the liver. Ancient knowledge using plants as medicine. I wish I could talk to her now as an adult. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. It is 23 degrees in Michigan and I feel the pent up energy waiting to explode from the earth. Come on spring!
Célinie Russell
Thank you for this!
Jeanene Miller
What does Chinese medicine have to do with your linen? I am confused as to what you are selling here.
Suzanne Ubriaco
Thank you for your informative and uplifting post. Spring is indeed a time for growth, in nature and within ourselves. As many of FS readers are women, thank you for reminding us to take care of our physical and emotional health. When sewing, painting or knitting, I manifest a safe haven of calm and explore my creativity. Thank you for your service dedicated to women’s health.
Patti Romero
I see a perspective about how the seasonal changes affect our lives being freely shared. My moods and disposition affect my creativity (amongst other things) and it is interesting to either learn something new or be gently reminded of what I already know. If it resonates with me, I take it in. If not, I pass on by.
Linda Phelan
Jeanene,
What they are selling is beautiful linen and fabric. The articles are a simple and generous extension of their service – a gift that many of us love and appreciate and look forward to reading! Perhaps you can now read these articles from a place of pure enjoyment without feeling as though you are trying to be sold on anything.
Peace,
Linda