The Five Elements — Wood

In Chinese medicine, it is believed that the entire universe is made up of five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Today, we will focus on Wood, which is often associated with various conditions such as depression, Anger, bloating, and constipation. Depression, anger, bloating, and constipation can be seen as imbalances in the Wood element.

Associated Organs:

1. Liver(Yin Energy in this wood system)

• The Liver governs the tendons, meaning it is responsible for the health and flexibility of the tendons and ligaments. For example, joint pain, particularly in the knees or hips, may be related to imbalances in Liver energy.
• The Liver energy opens to the eyes, so eye issues often indicate an involvement of the Liver.
• The Liver governs strategy, planning, and the smooth flow of energy and emotions. It plays a key role in mental clarity, decision-making, and emotional balance, helping to manage conditions like depression, anger, bloating, and constipation.

2. Gall Bladder(Yang Energy in this wood system)

• The Gall Bladder is responsible for decision-making, courage, and action. It supports the Liver in the smooth movement of energy (Qi).

In the body, wood is also associated with tendon and fascia, so when you have tight/twitching muscles or tight joints, clinically, Wood would be the first system we would consider.

Key Attributes of the Wood Element:

• Season: Spring – A time of renewal, growth, and natural expansion. This is when Wood energy is most active.
• Emotion: Anger – When the Wood element is out of balance, emotions like frustration, irritability, and anger arise. Healthy Wood energy supports emotional resilience, while stagnation or imbalance can lead to excessive anger or difficulty managing stress.
• Color: Green – Symbolizing new growth, vitality, and the color of nature in spring.
• Taste: Sour – This taste nourishes the Liver and stimulates its energy, supporting the smooth flow of Energy(Qi).
• Direction: East – Associated with the rising sun and the beginning of the day, symbolizing new beginnings, growth, and action.
• Time of Day: Morning (3 AM to 9 AM) – The Wood element is most active during these hours.
• In nature, big woods and forests are more like Gall bladder Energy. Grass, vines, and bushes are more like Liver Energy. Are some people allergic to grass? If you are, in which season?
• In daily life, walking and moving are more about wood. What type of person are you? Are you always moving around and doing things? Do you feel bored by just sitting or meditation?

Imbalances of Wood:

• Excessive Wood energy: This may lead to excessive anger, frustration, irritability, muscle tension, headaches, high blood pressure, motion sickness, dizziness, and stroke. More emotion issues: Understanding and Managing Sad Anxiety: Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach –
• Weak or stagnant Wood energy: Can result in feelings of depression, lack of motivation, poor decision-making, and digestive issues like bloating or constipation (as the Liver is responsible for the smooth movement of energy and food). more digestive issues Digestive Issues: Understanding Causes and Symptoms –

A Question for You:

Combining what we’ve learned about the Wood element and the blog post on Why Spring Allergies: Spring Allergy Solutions: Acupuncture Insights

Why do some people experience spring allergy symptoms in the morning?

Leave your answer in the “Leave a Reply” section below. The first person with the correct answer will receive 10% off your next treatment as a reward!

Pro tip: If you feel intense anger (a very strong emotion), try pressing on the spot shown below (choose the side that feels more painful to press).

Acupoint for anger, irritable, side headache