Spring and the Wood Element

Once again, spring is upon us. With spring comes warmer weather and renewed physical and mental energy. The sun once again warms the earth as seeds begin to sprout and the flowers bloom. There is a sense of renewal all around us. However, the transition from winter to spring is not always an easy one. The winter months are a natural time for rest and introspection. It is a time to conserve energy and reduce activity. Spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and of moving forward. The transition from stop to start can be challenging and it is often difficult to get moving again, especially for those with an imbalance in the Liver.

Spring is the peak season of the Wood Element which is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM assigns the Liver the responsibility for being in charge of the smooth flow of Qi (Life Energy) throughout the body. The Liver also regulates the quality of Blood in the body and moistens the tendons and ligaments. The Liver is responsible for our creating power and helps us manifest our full potential. The Liver has a close relationship with the Gallbladder who makes our decisions and helps carry out the Liver’s plans.

An imbalance in the Liver and/or Gallbladder can cause both physical and emotional upset with symptoms that can include anger, depression, mood swings, abdominal pain, menstrual problems, and allergies to name a few. When we are living our life according to our life’s purpose, energy flows smoothly and we are able to not only make plans, but we are able to carry them out constructively. However, when our creativeness becomes blocked, these obstructions lead to anger and frustration. Eventually, things become completely stagnant and physical symptoms begin to develop.

Spring is the time to move forward. It is an assertive energy that helps you move obstacles out of the way. It is also a time of hope and renewal. Because of this, it is the perfect time for cleansing and rejuvenation. And since this is the time of the Liver and Gallbladder, these two organs are the prime targets for spring cleaning.

Spring Correspondences:

Element: Wood
Taste: Sour
Power: Birth
Color: Green
Odor: Rancid
Sense: Sight
Nature: Yang
Climate: Wind
Orifice: Eye
Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
Direction: East
Fluid: Tears
Emotions: Anger
Time: 11 PM – 3 AM
Sound: Shout
Fortifies: Ligaments

The liver holds the office of general of the armed forces. Assessment of circumstances and conception of plans stem from it. It is graceful strength, patient, poised, calculated. Planning to the smallest detail.

The gallbladder is responsible for what is just and exact. Determination and decision stem from it.

Put some Bounce Back in Your Step

Since the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, when the Liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity in the body runs smoothly also. So kick off those winter blues and step into spring. Move your Qi today by incorporating some of the following suggestions into your daily life.

Exercise – Plan to get moving and move your Qi! Exercise is one of the best ways to boost your energy and keep your Qi flowing smoothly. Just remember to take it slow, especially if you’ve been idle during the winter months. Avoid overdoing it and injuring yourself. Set small goals like walking for 10 minutes every day and remember to set new goals as your fitness level increases. And don’t forget to warm up before exercising. The most important thing to remember is to do something that you enjoy. You won’t stick with something if you don’t enjoy it.

Stretch –The Liver controls the tendons. Make sure to incorporate a daily stretch into your routine. Try yoga, tai chi, or qigong. These are great ways to maintain tendon health and flexibility. These also aid the joints as well as your mood and can be done sitting or standing so they are great for all ages.

Eye exercises – The Liver opens into the eyes and is responsible for proper eye function. Doing eye exercises or yoga such as the Lion’s Pose is wonderful, especially if you are at a computer monitor for long periods of times. Remember to take a break and don’t overdo it. Rub your hands together and place the palms over your eyes for a few minutes before gently massaging around the eye area.

Eat Dark Leafy Greens – Since green is the color of spring, eating fresh, leafy, green plants will nourish the liver and gallbladder and help improve their overall function.

Eat sour foods – The sour taste stimulates the liver’s qi. Lemon slices in your water, dill pickles, or vinegar and olive oil on your salads are great places to start. But remember moderation is the key. More than a little bit will overstimulate the Liver.

Milk thistle tea – Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from toxins and is a gentle cleanser.

Get outside – Outside air helps the qi flow so get outside and take a deep breath. Then enjoy a walk in nature, hike up a mountain, or swim in the ocean.

Get Creative – Express your creative power by creating something. Take an art class, bake a cake, write a poem… go wherever your creative juices take you!

Rest - The Liver needs GOOD QUALITY rest and relaxation so remember to balance your activities with enough down time that you can actually relax.

Sideways bending and twisting – These movements keep the Liver from becoming stagnant or getting stuck. Sit on the floor with both legs extended out to your sides, keeping your knees straight. Clasp your hands over your head with your palms turned upwards. Inhale and stretch your arms as high as they will go. While exhaling, bend toward the right side at the waist as if you are trying to get the right elbow to touch the right knee, while keeping your left elbow pointing upward to the sky. Stretch as far as you can without causing discomfort. Inhale into the side of your body this is facing up, and exhale sinking deeper toward your leg. Inhale, return to center and stretch your arms upward. Upon exhalation, repeat for the opposite side.

Foods For a Springtime Diet -
BEANS (sprouted) HERBS VEGETABLES
Adzuki Anise Alfalfa
Garbanzo Basil Artichoke
Fava Bay Leaf Asparagus
Lentils Cardamom Beets
Mung Chickweed Beet greens
Chicory Bok choy
FRUIT Chives Brussels sprouts
Avocados Cilantro Cauliflower
Blackberries Cumin Celery
Dates Dandelion root Chard
Grapes Dill Collard greens
Grapefruit Fennel Comfrey
Jicama Green Tea Dandelion
Lemons Hawthorn berry Fennel
Limes Marjoram Garlic
Loquat Milk thistle Green Onions
Olives Mint Kale
Oranges Nettles Leeks
Strawberries Parsley Lettuce
Tangelos Peppermint Mushrooms
Tangerines Raspberry leaf Mustard greens
Rosemary Pickles
GRAINS (sprouted) Rosehips Radishes
Barley Sassafras Scallions
Buckwheat Sorrel greens
Corn SEEDS (sprouted) Sauerkraut
Rice Alfalfa Spinach
Rye Clover Sugar peas
Wheat Sunflower Watercress



Get Acupuncture Treatments – Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver, as well as treat stress, anger, and frustration, which are signs of liver disharmony.
Seasonal acupuncture treatments just four times a year can serve to tonify the organs and correct minor imbalances before they become serious problems.