SPRING – THE WOOD ELEMENT
This is the second in a series of articles, to show how we can support ourselves more effectively by living more in tune with the laws of nature.
As we saw in the last issue, during the Winter months the Water energy slows everything down and, given the opportunity, will go into a stiller, more dormant state. This allows both Nature, in general, and our systems, in particular, to rest and to gather resources in preparation for the coming year. It holds the potential for all things, the seed of opportunity, the deepest aspect of our life force.
The Wood Element is represented by the fast-rising energy of the Spring. Moving out of the dormancy of Winter, the seed bursts forth and pushes up a young, green shoot through the earth – so powerful that a tiny shoot can break up tarmac or find a way through concrete in its drive to find the sunlight that will nourish it. In order to do so, it needs clear direction, an indefatiguable drive that never relinquishes for a moment, combined with a flexiblity of movement.
This energy of the Spring or the morning is powerful and creative. Within us, it gives a direction for the energy of potential, which has been dormant during the Winter or the night. It is the instigation of activity, of birth and growth. It helps us to plan and see ahead, gives us purpose. It gives us flexibility of the mind and body and ensures the free flow of energy within the system – all the qualities needed for the little shoot to find its way through the earth to the light.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) model links this quality to the organ systems of the Liver and Gall Bladder. These do not refer solely to the organs we are familiar with in Western thinking but include a whole range of functions, operating both at physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels.
Physically the Liver stores and releases Blood – a large organ gathering the Blood in whilst we are at rest and releasing it back into the system as required for activity or nourishment. The Liver Blood is said to nourish the eyes, the hair, the nails and the sinews (tendons and ligaments) in particular. Without this nourishment, the eyes may develop blurred vision or floaters. They may feel dry and lifeless, as will the hair and nails. The nails can become cracked, brittle and ridged. Under-nourished sinews also become wirey and brittle, so that we lose the smooth flexibility and movement of supple joints. Ligaments and tendons may become painful or easily strained or torn.
The Gall Bladder releases bile into the digestive system to help us to break down fats and oils. When this function is impaired, it can lead to heartburn or nausea when eating fatty foods. Particular culprits are often pastry and nuts, as well as greasy foods. Stones form in the Gall Bladder as natural deposits builds up and these can cause pain and discomfort deep inside the lower part of the right rib cage.
Emotionally, the function gives us our creative abilities of self-expression and life-plan. If these are thwarted, however, the Wood energy gets blocked and causes anger, frustration, resentment or irritability. Hence, there is the need for flexibility. We may have a very strong sense of where we want to go, what we want to do, but if things get in our way, as they so often do, we need to have an adaptability to change and go with the flow – otherwise, back to the anger and frustration.
Intellectually, a person with healthy Wood energy will be able to plan, motivate, order, have good focus, decision-making skills and a sense of authority. Too much emphasis on this will lead to someone becoming over-controlling, authoritarian, dominant or aggressive. Too little and the person can’t organise the traditional booze-up in the brewery or can’t see the wood for the trees!
Spiritually, it gives us the sense of life-purpose and direction, allows us to “see” the bigger picture. The Wood Element is said to “house the Hun or Ethereal Soul”, which is that part of us which survives after death. Traditional Chinese culture honours the spirits of one’s ancestors and this is a way of nurturing the Hun. It is said to survive for three generations after death, the length of time there will still be others living to remember you. Deeds and actions you perform in life will leave their mark on future generations and will also influence the Hun.
In the classic text on Chinese Medicine dating from 2697 BC, known as the Huang Ti Nei Ching Su Wen or The Yellow Emperor’s Classic on Internal Medicine. It states the following:
“The three months of Spring are called the period of the beginning and development (of life). The breaths of Heaven and Earth are prepared to give birth; thus everything is developing and flourishing. After a night of sleep people should get up early; they should walk briskly around the yard; they should loosen their hair and slow down their movements; by these means they can fulfill their wish to live healthfully……….
Those who disobey the laws of Spring will be punished with an injury of the liver. For them the Summer will bring chills and bad changes and thus they will have little to support their development (in Summer).”
The main issue behind all this is the free flow of Qi (energy) in the system. If this is working well, the powerful energy of the Spring can be put to good use, keeping us flexible physically, emotionally and mentally. However, it can be easily blocked by stress, tension, old injuries, trauma or fixed ideas about things. When this occurs, rigidity in mind and body arises: aches and pains; stiff joints; lack of co-ordination; indecisiveness; frustration; irritability – general feelings of being “stuck”. Any stress-related disorders have probably got their root in the Wood energy not flowing well. Typical conditions include migraine and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Most of us at some time will have that feeling of wanting to put energy into something but feeling blocked in some way. Alternatively, the Wood energy rises up so quickly in the body (either because Heat has been created internally or because it’s been blocked and then releases, like a pressure cooker losing its weights). This will result in angry outbursts, headaches, pain behind the eyes, heat in the head/face – the person who looks as though steam will come bursting out of their ears!
You may recognise those days when you effortlessly move from one activity to another, achieving a lot, being on a roll – everything seems to go your way. This is the Qi flowing smoothly in your mind/body. Conversely, there are those days when you struggle. You try to plan but realise that you can’t do one thing before you’ve done another and you can’t do that because of such and such and so it goes on until you come to a point of total standstill and can’t move forwards at all. This is an example of the Qi stagnating.
So, how to avoid stagnation of the Wood energy? Obviously, any serious symptoms should be dealt with by a qualified practitioner, but the following recommendations can go a long way to maintaining or re-instating a free flow of Qi in the sytem:
Take regular exercise, which moves the energy, for at least 20 minutes, 3 times per week. Make it something you enjoy doing and which is non-competitive (don’t create extra stress!). It doesn’t need to be a dynamic aerobics class, even a good, brisk walk will do the trick. Tai Chi practice comes highly recommended.
Find a time for stillness and deep relaxation in your life – preferably 20 minutes per day. This is not just putting your feet up in front of the TV or reading a book. It’s a deep state, which can be achieved by meditation, Qi Gong or yoga practice or you can buy self-help relaxation tapes to guide you. Focus the mind on the Tan Tien area (deep inside, just below the navel). To really notice the results, practice for 100 days without interruption (if you miss a day, start counting from 0 again!).
Avoid:
a) Unnecessary drugs *of any kind, particularly:
recreational drugs (e.g. tobacco, cannabis, LSD, E, etc.);
aspirin, paracetamol or other pain killers;
contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy;
antibiotics, whenever possible.
* NB Never stop taking prescribed drugs without first consulting your GP.
b) Situations which increase stress levels (easier said than done, but we all
have lifestyle changes, large or small, that could be made to make life easier);
c) Unnecessary surgery (eg for cosmetic or convenience purposes).
Qi doesn’t flow well through scar tissue;
d) The use of an IUD or coil (which stagnates the Qi flow in the uterus).
4. Dietary Recommendations
Avoid/reduce: coffee (including decaffeinated);
alcohol;
over-eating;
chemicals and additives;
rich, greasy foods;
refined sugar
These all put a strain on the Liver and Gall Bladder. Interestingly, substances such as coffee and alcohol free up the Liver Qi in the short term and are consequently attractive to us when we are feeling “stuck”. However, the longer term effects are to make the problem worse and one ends up in a Catch 22 situation, which can lead to addiction.
Increase: fresh, natural, organic foods in season
Foods which help to move the Qi include:
basil; caraway; carrot; chives; garlic; star anise; turmeric
Sour tasting foods (such as lemon, vinegar, apple and grape) will help to stimulate the breakdown of fats. Interestingly, we often combine these foods with fatty foods, eg chips with vinegar, cheese with grapes, pork with apple.
Acupressure Point – Liver 3 (Taichung)
A great point to apply pressure is on the top of the foot, in the depression just below the V where the bones of the first and second toes come together. It’s often tender but is very effective in helping to increase the smooth flow of energy in the system and also locally for cramp in the foot. It also stops the energy from rising too quickly, so can be useful in migraine and PMS.
When using points, try to keep the whole body as relaxed as possible. Locate the point with your thumb or finger and lean the bodyweight into the point (for Liver 3, you can even use the heel of the other foot). Try to get a deep sense of connection, with a warm, spreading feeling emanating from the point of contact. Hold for between 30 seconds and 3 minutes and use for as long as feels appropriate.
Protect yourself from the Wind
Think about the effects of being exposed to a draught – it can lead to a stiff neck, aching shoulders, reduced range of moment, even to feeling quite unwell and shivery. These can be a sign of what’s known as an Invasion of Wind in Chinese medicine. Similarly, people with a Woody disposition can be adversely affected by windy days, making them irritable, with mood swings and intermittent aches and pains. Schoolteachers know only too well the effects of windy days in whipping up disruptive energy in the children. So, it’s important to keep well-protected against the Wind, especially around the neck and shoulders, where it easily gets into the system. It is particularly important not to practice Tai Chi or Qi Gong outside on windy days, when the energetic system is opened up and vulnerable to the elements.
How Tai Chi practice can maintain a healthy Wood energy
Exercises and stretches which free up the sides of the body are particularly good for releasing blocked Wood energy. Side kicks open and release the Liver energy in the leg. Rotating the ankles and shoulders frees up any stagnation of energy in the joints. Shaking the arms and legs is a good, general release for feelings of being stuck. Neck rotations free up the Gall Bladder meridian in the neck, where we often hold tension.
Tai Chi practice can be very helpful in maintaining the smooth flow of Qi. It gives us the necessary qualities of stillness within continuous movement. It helps to develop focus, co-ordination and a clear sense of direction. It is particularly good for strengthening the sinews as a result of the slow, controlled movements and the quality of flexibility, which is developed with the practice. The calming action on the Mind helps to deal with mental and emotional stress.
We will all come face to face with our internal frustration at various times during Tai Chi training. By persisting with the practice, this will change and the energy blocked by the frustration will free up to be used more constructively and healthily.
Enjoy your Spring energy. Be aware of its immense fast-rising power and use it as a source for creativity and direction. Keep it flowing freely and give it an outlet. Then, your Qi will be ready to reach its peak of activity in the Summer months……
Quotes from: The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, translated by Ilza Veith, University of California Press.
© Liz Welch 2004
