Chinese Medicine teaches us that spring is the time of the Wood Element. Just as new grass comes bursting up out of the ground and buds sprout on the trees, Wood energy is characterized by surging, exuberant upward and outward movement. This is why we often feel so energized, active and optimistic in the spring.
In their book Between Heaven and Earth, Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold say that the archetype of the Wood Element is the pioneer. The pioneer forges ahead with directionality and purpose to explore new frontiers. As this archetype relates to our everyday lives, this is a great time to start new projects, spring clean to make room for the new, and make decisions on things that you may have been putting off. If these things give you difficulty, you may have an imbalance in your Wood energies. The nature of this springtime energy is to move- and if it is not allowed to move, stagnation and frustration will occur. If you are stagnant in your physical, mental, or emotional bodies, it will show up now more than any other time of year.
Stagnated Wood energies could show up as irritability or depression, indecisiveness, migraine headaches, insomnia, abdominal distention, upper back pain, or premenstrual issues, among others.
One of the best ways to unblock stagnation is to move your body! Nothing moves energy better than exercise. Deep breathing is also helpful.
Another way to bring balance to your wood energy is to eat dark green leafy vegetables. The organ that belongs to this element is the liver, and the liver loves green vegetables.
Consider doing a liver cleanse. Milk thistle and dandelion are beneficial herbs for the liver. I also use a wonderful herbal formula called Chinese Bitters for deep cleansing.
Acupuncture works extremely well to for all kinds of imbalances that show up in the spring. Often a few treatments are all that is needed to start feeling really good.
This is the most dynamic and exciting season of the year! Enjoy it and be well.
To your vibrant living,
Sydney Cooley – my Acupuncture Durango
L Ac, Dipl OM
1040 Main Ave (Upstairs)
Located inside the Serving Life
Chiropractic Studio
970-426-8736