For Chinese, there are Five Elements that represent different movements and forces in the universe and our physical bodies. These are five forms of energy, constantly moving and changing from one into another throughout Nature. These elements help us understand the meaning of our physical, psychological and emotional balance.
Each season in Nature relates to an element and so Metal is Autumn, Water is Winter, Wood is Spring, and Fire and Earth is Summer. Wood-Spring is the first season and is about growth and beginnings and new activity.
Since Spring is Wood; it is represented as a tree, sybolising growth and activity. In Chinese Astrology, Wood is divided into Yin & Yang where Yang Wood (jiǎ) is solid and sturdy like a mature tree , and Yin Wood (yǐ) is light and supple like the new shoots of a plant.
Yoga poses can invigorate Spring Liver Chi!
The essence of Wood is beginnings, birth and Spring. It is a bursting forth of new ideas, new vitality and new beginnings. Wood Chi is reflected in spontaneity, flexibility and activity. Wood is strong and flexible like bamboo, and warm, generous and supportive. Wood can be wide and outgoing, always seeking to grow and expand.
Humour, flexibility, adaptability, creativity or spontaneity is healthy, happy Wood energy. If you rise early and are creative early in the day, Wood is healthy. If you have difficulty waking up or getting motivated in the morning, Wood is stressed and needs support. Irritability, impatience, anger and sensitivity to noise, touch and smell could mean Wood needs some help.
Liver & Gall Bladder
The Liver is the most important organ after the heart, because it affects metabolism, detoxification, and blood clotting. The Liver filters, regulates, and stores blood. The Liver is our biggest internal organ (3 lbs/1.4 kg), and sits beneath the diaphragm on the right side of the body.
This amazing organ is the only one that can re-generate itself and function with 85% of its cells destroyed. In Chinese medicine, the Liver is regarded as General of the body, creating order and harmony throughout the system.
It governs muscles and tendons, which brings grace and flexibility, so muscle, knee and elbow issues can indicate weak Liver Chi.
The Gall Bladder emulsifies fats and oils with bile, and assists in digestion and absorption of minerals.
In Chinese medicine, humour, patience and ability to be in the moment are signs of healthy Gall Bladder Chi. Impatience, irritability and rushing ahead of yourself show weakness. A balanced diet and chewing slowly help build Gall Bladder Chi
Green is the colour of Wood, and as spring erupts, there is green everywhere. This colour abounds in Nature to remind us of growth and beginnings, so add greens and sprouts to your diet to keep the Chi flowing in your digestive system.
Leafy green veggies are extremely good for balancing Liver and Wood Chi. Eat lots of greens: collard, kale, spinach, mustard, dandelion and other leafy greens. The more greens the better!
Our blood, Chi and essence are ever changing and shifting, and almost half of our blood plasma rebuilds itself every 10 days to maintain good health.
Here are some tips to strengthen Wood Chi this Spring!
Walk in nature, breathe the fresh air and connect with Wood Chi by connecting with trees outside
Do Yoga, Chi Gung, Tai Chi and more outdoor activities
Add leafy greens and sprouted food into your diet to help detoxify
Chew slowly and very well
Sour tastes balance Liver energy, so add lemon to your water. Use lemon and olive oil on salad.
In the morning, eat when hungry. Eat light, easy to digest foods like cereal, plain toast or fruit.
Don’t eat when you are distracted: watching TV, standing, walking, talking or reading
Avoid alcohol or eating 2 hours before sleep
When it is warm enough, spend 5 – 10 minutes walking barefoot. Liver Chi enters through the feet and reconnection with Earth is vital
To release stress, anger or impatience from Liver or Gall Bladder, turn up the music, sing, dance and have FUN! Socialise with friends and get a full belly laugh!
Get Acupuncture to move Chi and restore balance. Acupuncture can treat stress, anger and migraines.
Seasonal acupuncture helps strengthen the system and maintain body harmony, before problems occur.
Each Element in Chinese Medicine is linked to organs they support. Wood Chi supports function of the Liver and Gall Bladder. The Liver controls muscles and tendons. In Chinese Medicine, Liver stores blood during rest and releases it to tendons in activity. If you have tight or recurring joint problems this could be signs of an over-stressed liver.
These poses express a full range of motion in the abdominal area which will stretch, strengthen, enervate, and bring circulation into the entire torso. You will also massage both sides of body, energising Liver and Gall Bladder Chi.
Read more on Yoga poses for Spring Liver Chi!
Cora Wen is a self admitted Yoga Crone. A traditionalist who has studied and practiced yoga for two decades and remains curious and uplifted by the endless teachings of Yoga. Cora is certified at the highest levels of ERYT500 and CYT. She specialises in alignment based Yoga, and works with students suffering from chronic injuries and long term illnesses. She travels across the globe sharing an infectious love of Yoga, and would love to to share Energy and Yoga with You! Follow Cora on Twitter and Facebook