The Wood element represents active manifestation, growth and the pursuit of purpose. Tied to the season of Spring, Wood symbolises rebirth, new direction and breaking through thresholds. Think of the buds on trees blossoming or plants pushing up through the soil - Wood captures this energy of expansion and fresh beginnings.

The Rising Energy of Wood

Wood carries a rising yang energy, inspiring movement, expansion and vigour. Trees are a perfect metaphor for this. Have you ever noticed how they grow around man-made structures like castles and temples over time? This adaptability and evolution are at the heart of Wood’s nature. Trees turn toward the sun, ensuring they absorb the light they need to survive. Their ability to bend with the wind reflects their flexibility and even at a cellular level, plants show this balance—primary walls offer flexibility while secondary walls facilitate upward growth. 🌳

The Organs of the Wood Element

Wood governs two key organs in the body: the liver and the gallbladder. Together, they help us plan, make decisions and move forward with purpose.

Liver: The Strategist

The liver ensures the smooth flow of blood, Qi (energy) and emotions. It’s often called the "Official of Strategic Planning" or "The General" because of its central role in the body’s operational systems. A healthy liver helps you organise and coordinate your visions into actions and plans, offering determination and motivation. 💪🏻

When the liver is out of balance, you might experience:

• Mood swings
• Menstrual issues (irregular periods, heavy or scant bleeding)
• Eye problems (redness, itchiness, glaucoma, myopia)
• Tendon issues (tendonitis, inflammation, tears)
• Headaches or migraines
• Skin conditions (acne, eczema)
• Poor nail health
• Indecisiveness, disorganisation and insomnia
• High blood pressure

A balanced liver promotes an easy-going nature, motivation and the ability to move in new directions with clarity.

Gallbladder: The Decision Maker

The gallbladder evaluates, judges and helps make wise decisions - not just for itself, but for all the body’s organs. It’s constantly active, guiding the body’s systems in balance and efficiency. Ever notice how some people are great decision-makers? They likely have a well-balanced gallbladder.

When the liver and gallbladder are healthy, you’re more likely to be a calm, motivated and visionary leader who makes wise decisions with ease. 💆🏻‍♀️

Emotions and Virtues of the Wood Element

Each element in traditional Chinese medicine has associated emotions and virtues.

For Wood, the negative emotions include:

• Anger
• Frustration
• Judgment and criticism (of self and others)
• Jealousy

On the flip side, Wood’s positive virtues are:

• Kindness
• Generosity
• Forgiveness

The highest expression of the liver is compassion. By embracing these virtues with yourself first, you create the foundation to extend them toward others. 

The liver also houses the "Hun Soul" or ethereal soul, which relates to your life’s purpose, clarity and vision. A healthy liver ensures a harmonious home for the Hun.

Women's Health & the Liver 

Being responsible for the smooth flow of blood, Qi and emotions in the body, the liver plays a significant role in women's health, in particular with the menstrual cycle, peri & menopause

From a science perspective the liver is responsible for the production and breakdown of hormones. If the liver is imbalanced it may not breakdown hormones efficiently enough and creates a hormonal imbalance. 

Liver enzymes fluctuate due to our cycle and progesterone mediates that, further deepening the inter-twining functions of liver and hormones. 

Stagnation of Qi can result in PMS, mood imbalance, acne and painful periods.

Stagnation of blood often shows up as dark period blood, clotting and painful periods. 

If you have challenges with your period, it’s important to learn Qi Gong & energy practices to nourish your liver and maintain inner balance. 

In peri & menopause, liver function becomes compromised due to decline of estrogen - which impacts mitochondrial function, causes inflammation and reduces the ability to detox e.g. maybe you find alcohol is more difficult to process and you’re getting hangovers from hell! 

Imbalance in the liver can also lead to irritation and research shows that 70% of women experiencing perimenopause report irritability. The good news is that when you learn how to balance your liver you’ll be much less likely to get hijacked by meno-rage. So this is your reminder that you have agency in your body. 

Key Associations of the Wood Element

Supporting the Wood Element

Food for Wood Balance

As spring is still a little chilly in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s best to keep cooking your food until warmer weather fully arrives. Steamed vegetables are ideal, as they avoid excess oils that can burden the liver. Rich, heavy foods can make the liver sluggish, so moderation is key.

Tips for Wood-friendly nutrition:

• Limit salty foods, which have a sinking effect.
• Embrace sour flavors: olives, sauerkraut, sourdough, lemon and lime.
• Load up on green veggies and fresh green juices or smoothies, but avoid frozen greens - they’re too cold for the digestive system at this time of year. Stick to room temperature or add a little warm water to balance temperatures.

Lifestyle Medicine

To truly embody the vitality of the Wood element, incorporate these practices into your life:

• Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku): Immerse yourself in nature’s green light, which is incredibly healing for the liver. Reflect on the growth and adaptability of plants and trees and let their wisdom inspire your own evolution.
• Movement: Start your day with a brisk morning walk or gentle exercise. Spring energy is bursting, but avoid overexerting yourself - protect your tendons by taking it easy while staying active.
• Give Your Liver a Break: Reduce or avoid alcohol, giving your liver some well-deserved rest.
• Stimulate Your Meridians: Use a bamboo tapper to tap the inside of your legs and stimulate the liver meridian. Tap the outside of your legs to support the gallbladder meridian.
• Welcome New Directions: Channel the Wood element’s energy of growth by taking a new class, adding a creative dimension to your work, or introducing fresh routines, like the Inner Smile Meditation or some Qigong.

Embracing the wisdom of the Wood element invites vitality, vision and growth into your life. By aligning with the natural rhythm of Spring, you can enjoy balance, flexibility and a sense of purposeful expansion. ✨

PS. In our Elixir Membership we follow seasonal living with Qigong, Taoist meditation & energy practices that support your organs and health for each season of the year. Check it out here.