Spring, the time of rebirth. New sprouts of life springing forth, bright shades of green bursting out. The element is wood, the climate wind, the energy up and outward, yang energy is increasing,warming the cold yin energy of winter. It expands, warms, and grows from the cool hibernating earth. It is our first season of life, the morning hours, new beginnings.
In traditional Eastern medicine, the energies of the liver and gallbladder are associated with springtime, a wonderful time to do some spring cleaning, externally and internally. A free flowing energy, ‘springing forth from the east, the free and easy wanderer.
It manifests in our nervous system, which is always growing and expanding, inquisitive by nature. Wood energy is always thinking , analyzing, creating. When healthy and abundant, there is clarity of mind and the capacity to problem solve. It embodies freedom, happiness, ease (the opposite of dis-ease), and flow. If out of balance, the opposite emotions manifest as confusion, anger and frustration.
Finding healthy ways to express these high energy flows are extremely beneficial. Take some hikes in nature (barefoot is best), work on some vocalization (singing, toning, breathwork), adding activities to move this dragon-like energy.
The wood nature qi manifests in our muscles, tendons, hair and nails. The channels, encompass the inner and outer legs, hips, mid-back,the head, jaw, neck and shoulders. Some signs that may present during this season: a stiff neck, mid-back tension, tight diaphragm, tension headaches manifesting on sides of head or vertex, exhausted eyes from excessive screen time, sleep disturbances (especially from 11pm to 3am) including vivid dreams, hip pain, and joint stiffness. Make sure you are not sitting for extended periods of time, or if you must, set your alarm at the top of each hour for a movement break. Adding mindful movement practices such as qigong and mindful movement will keep the tendons and joints moving with ease and grace.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or insights!
