The Wood Element
Each of the Five Elements draws their imagery from nature. Metal the Autumn, Water the Winter, Wood the Spring, Fire the Summer and Earth is represented 4 times a year between the Seasons. The literal translation is Wood but I prefer the term Tree as it implies the true nature of growth, Spring and the dawn of new activity. In Chinese Astrology, the Heavenly Stem is sub-divided into Yin & Yang where Yang Wood (Gap) is solid and hard like an oak whereas Yin Wood (Yute) is much lighter and softer like the new shoots or branches of a plant. The Wood Element supports the Fire, it is supported in turn by the Element Water, when over activated controls Earth and is in turn controlled by Metal.
Wood Chi
The fundamental essence of this Element is the representation of dawn and Spring. This bursting forth of new ideas, new vitality and new beginnings is its essence. When assessing how well your own wood Chi is functioning at present, you need to begin to reflect on how spontaneous, flexible and active you are at present. Generally speaking, if currently you enjoy being up early and are at your most creative first thing in the day, then your Wood Chi is in good shape. If, on the other hand, you find it difficult to wake up or get motivated first thing in the morning, then undoubtedly your Wood Chi is showing signs of stress and needs some support.
In addition, if you feel humorous, flexible, adaptable, creative or spontaneous at present, you need have no concerns but if you are becoming increasingly irritable, impatient, angry, rigid and over sensitive to noise, touch and smell - then your Wood Chi needs a boost.
The Liver & Gall Bladder
The Eastern Approach
Each Element in Chinese Medicine is linked to either a pair or series of organs that they support. Wood Chi supports the function of the active liver and the more passive gall bladder. The liver is regarded the General of the body, creating order and harmony throughout the whole system. This organ also governs the function of our muscles and tendons bringing us grace, flexibility and a subtlety of movement. Muscle problems, knee problems and recurrent elbow problems are also tell-tale signs of weak liver Chi.
The gall bladder, in its subsidiary role, is regarded as a digestive organ helping to emulsify fats and oils with the bile that it produces. Humour, patience and the ability to be in the moment are all signs of healthy gall bladder Chi. However, impatience, irritability and constantly rushing ahead of yourself are all symptoms of weak gall bladder Chi.
The Western Approach
Weighing around 3 lbs (1.4 kg) and tucked up beneath the diaphragm on the right hand side of the body is the liver - the biggest organ of the body. The liver has over 500 hundred functions and a failure of any 1 of these could well spell disaster for us. Over 1,000 enzymes are produced by the liver to cope with all the chemical conversions that the body needs. Of all the major organs of the body, this is the only one that can re-generate itself and still function with 85% of its active cells destroyed. One of its main functions is to provide the material for the building of red blood cells.
The more sedentary (Yin) gall bladder stores and releases bile into the duodenum, primarily to break down fats and oils. A balanced diet and chewing slowly help the function of the gall bladder. More than 100,000 gall bladders are removed every year by surgery in the U.S.A., symptomatic that there is an overload in fat intake and a hurried way of eating.
Oriental Diagnosis/Self-Assessment
If you can relate to more than 4 of the following 10 statements, then you would be wise to follow some of the recommendations for the Wood Element in the next paragraph.
- Are you becoming increasingly impatient or irritable with yourself or others?
- Look in the mirror and notice if there is either a deep line or red inflammation on your forehead between your eyebrows.
- Are you becoming increasingly sensitive to either noise, draughts, bright lights, certain smells or sensations next to your skin (clothing that is either too tight or prickles).
- Is it a concern for you that you are always in a rush and you find it difficult to be in the moment?
- Are you finding it difficult to wake up early or to be clear and motivated first thing in the day?
- Have you noticed that your muscles are much tighter and that you have either elbow or knee problems at present?
- Emotionally, do you find yourself being more inflexible or stubborn at present?
- Are you becoming increasingly fanatical about order, time or exercise at present?
- Are you aware of any eye problems at present? These could include discharge, tired eyes or inflammation.
- Are you craving sharp tasting foods at present e.g. pickles, vinegar or lemon?
Recommendations
Our blood and our Chi is in a constant state of change. Roughly half our blood is made up of plasma which is being rebuilt every 10 days. Pick a few of the following recommendations and apply them to your diet or lifestyle over the next 10 days consistently and this will help to strengthen your Wood Chi. Initially, your body will not feel comfortable with these changes. However, they are worth persisting with and you will begin to feel the benefit after 7 or 8 days.
- Chew very, very well and slowly (at least 30 times).
- Avoid eating when you are distracted e.g. watching TV, standing, walking, talking, reading, arguing.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or eating 2 hours before you sleep.
- Make sure that you are not awake and active between the hours of 1.00 a.m. and 3.00 a.m. as this is the peak time when the liver is regenerating its Chi.
- Make the effort for 10 days to be up at dawn.
- Always take some form of exercise in the morning before you eat. This can simply involve a walk around the block.
- Only eat in the morning when you are hungry and make sure it is something light and easy to digest - cereal, plain toast or fruit.
- Sing a song every day and turn up the music at home and have a dance every day!
- When the weather is warm enough, spend 5 - 10 minutes every day walking barefoot on the grass or sand. Liver Chi enters the body through the feet and contact with the Earth is vital for recharging it.
- To release any built up stress, anger or impatience that the liver or gall bladder may be holding - have a laugh regularly! Socialise with friends that amuse you or watch TV or take in a movie that will give you a good belly laugh.
- Introduce an aspect of a sharp tasting food into your diet on a daily basis to help the gall bladder with digestion. This could include:- fresh lemon juice, good quality vinegar, sugar free pickles - especially sauerkraut.
- For a 10 day period reduce all saturated animal fat: eggs, cheese, milk and meat.