Spring 2024 - Lets Get Moving!

As Lao Tze eloquently said over 2500 years ago in the Tao Te Ching;

"Change is the only constant".

In this quote he was referring to the flux and change of nature. As we move through the seasons, cycles of night and day, life and death, nothing stays the same.

The world has changed quickly over the last few years. We have all been adapting to 'new norms'.

As we move into Spring the biggest time of growth, the energy of the wood element brings with it a push for change more than any other season.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) change, movement and flexibility are associated with the element of wood and represented by the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. Wood energy is most active in spring, pushing us to move into new projects and get outdoors.

When in balance, strong wood energy is a force of clear intention and action. With a sense of purpose, motivation is easy, we feel energised and in flow.

Change becomes empowering, we are pleased to take action. In this manner the smallest steps feel satisfying and we have flexibility to fine tune and adjust as needed.

Moving in opposition to flow is difficult. It becomes taxing on the physical self and emotionally feels as though we are in cycles of endless challenge. Humans are strong survivors, however, must we survive and win in all circumstances? Sometimes its important to accept the block, to 'pick our battles' and/or remove intensity for a slower pace. Wood energy is not about speed, achievement, ego or competition. Simply the energy to create action, support movement and adapt.

In the body, too much wood energy will create chaos. It creates disruptions in body function. Physically this may show as anxiety, insomnia, neck pain, IBS and/or headaches. Feelings of disconnection, selfishness, impatience and frustration could also be a sign we have become single minded in our endevours and we may need to pull back to balance with the needs of our physical self.

On the other end of the spectrum, weak or stuck wood/liver energies create the opposite with timidity and apathy meaning nothing gets done and no motivation is felt, everything feels heavy and stuck.

Over time when we do not physically move, or we are not moving in alignment with our values and purpose, stagnation will form. This inertia can be expressed all over the body with pain and stiffness particularly in the neck and shoulders or emotionally through low mood, irritability and negativity. The heavy nature of stagnated wood energy can lead to hopelessness, making us think we are trapped by circumstances that can't be changed.

Balanced liver/wood energy is flexible with strong connections to values and identity. The wood element is often likened to the quiet benevolence of a solid oak tree taking care of all in the forest. This softness supports us to be at peace with the world knowing that what is important will resonate, but does not need to dominate all that we are. Transformation will happen simply from being ourselves and moving with grace towards (or away) from challenges as needed.

Here are my suggestions based on TCM practice to help you move and balance your wood energy to support growth this spring:

1. To balance stagnated wood energy, exercise and movement is a must. While fitness is important, the first thing is to ensure you are connected with the needs of your body. If its been awhile movement meditations such as tai qi, qi gong, yoga and/or gentle walks in nature will help you build this connection. It then becomes much easier to set your next fitness goals.

2. The growth energy of Spring is a great time to action new goals. 

What is it that you have been dreaming of over winter? Its now time to "plant the seeds" and formilise the vision/ideas with some action.

Write some "SMART" goals. Start at the beginning with small actions every day.

If you feel stuck and/or don't have any goals or ideas, try working with the wood element meridians (Liver & Gallbladder) with yoga twisting exercises through the neck, spine, hips and pelvis. This is thought to clear stagnation and improve flexibility and motivation.

4. Eat lighter.

Winter warming foods can create heaviness in the body. A diet of leafy greens for a few days of fasting and/or a short detox may help stuck wood energy to get moving again. Don't be surprised if detox makes you irritable, this is often a part of the the stagnated qi releasing. This is then best supported by regular eating of small healthy portions to getting your metabolism moving again.

5. Insomnia, headaches, low mood, stiff joints, Neck and/or shoulder problems are often indicators of blocked/stagnated wood energy.

Be aware that these tendencies are going to be more noticeable at this time of year. Show your body some kindness. Remember we are an integrated being, of mind, body and spirit. "Wood element symptoms" are simply indicators that change maybe required.

5. If symptoms persist. Try some acupuncture

Acupuncture may support pain relief for head, neck and shoulder issues or, try some seasonal wood balancing treatments to support you with motivation and/or stress relief through times of change. You will be amazed what a few treatments can do!

For Appointment please book online or call the clinic: 033562436