The Springtime and the Wood Element According to Traditional Chinese Medicine
By Gurneet M. Singh, TRIUNE's Acupuncturist

In Chinese Medicine, the spring season is associated with the Wood element. As we look around us, we are surrounded by the essence of the Wood element, the birth and growth of beautiful plants and flowers....a true signal that there has been an end to the quietness and stillness of the winter. As I work in my garden, it amazes me to witness these miracles of growth and of life. I can see life sprouting from the depths of the earth, growth through dead leaves that had fallen and collected on the ground, moving diligently under my fence and even sprouting up in between the bricks of my patio! Even after this rough winter, these plants are ready to move forward, coming forth bursting through the ground with astounding force, and always finding a way to grow. This teaches us a valuable lesson on the spirit of the Wood element...it is full of movement, growth, strength, purpose and vitality. We are reminded that we too can move forth with purpose, ease, and progress.

The spirit of the Wood element not only exists in nature...it is in each and every one of us. In a balanced state, it promotes exuberance, clear meaning, aliveness, moving forward and upward with purpose and hope.

In an unbalanced state of the Wood element, we may feel challenged, confronted, and limited. Feelings of stress, irritability, anger, and frustration that things may not go according to plan arise. It is important to take the time to nourish the Wood element within us. The best ways to support the Wood element all encourage the movement of energy within us, including: body movement like dancing, stretching, walking, hiking, running, yoga, massage, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, acupuncture, tai chi, meditating, and spending time in nature. We can always look to the plants, flowers and trees to remind us of the potential of growth and change welling up inside us, giving us the hope and courage to envision the future. Things in our lives may not always manifest as we have envisioned but the possibilities of growth and change are boundless.