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Image by Marina Reich

The Wood Element

ANGER - FRUSTRATION - IRRITABLITY

Wood is considered the beginning phase after the Water element in Winter, representing the energy of birth, new growth, and spring.

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In Winter, the natural flow is for the world to inward. Trees and animals hibernate, conserving energy and storing food from nutrients in the ground to squirreling food away.  This process is designed to feed nature ready for springtime, were nature comes alive and the  the world begins to flourish.  We are intrinsically linked to this natural process; we hibernate, eat more, sleep more and with springs arrival we feel alive, wake up earlier, start new projects, spring-clean.​​

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Green Board

ORGAN

Liver and Gallbladder

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Liver is known as the “general”, the one who plans with wisdom and clarity, while the Gallbladder acts as the “lieutenant” who executes the plans of the general with courage and precision. Together, they govern how smoothly Qi flows through the body, influencing everything from decision-making, digestion and menstrual cycles to emotional balance.

Season

Spring

Springtime, the associated season of the wood element’s is a time of expansion, nature is starting to move and grow outward in the world after the hibernation of winter.   Humans are also aligned with 'spring cleaning', moving stuff around, taking on new projects, expanding our energy like the flowers in the garden.

Colour

Green

Glorious green,  the colour associated with spring, the grass starts to grow and the flowers bloom.  The bile in the gallbladder has been associated with the colour of green in medical texts. Some scholars theorize that St Patricks day, where most of the country don the colour of green and wear Shamrocks do so because of the regenerative powers of nature at springtime!

Taste

Sour

Explaining the association between the Liver and the taste of sour is an easy one to understand.  When we get angry, an emotion associated with the liver organ, our blood rises, we go red in the face, eyes bulging. In traditional Chinese medicine consuming sour food can stimulate liver qi and help restore emotional balance. 

Liver Functions in TCM

  • Regulates the Smooth Flow of Qi: Preventing qi stagnation of th body and mind.

  • Stores and Circulates Blood: Important for women’s reproductive health and menstruation. 

  • Digestion and Emotional Regulation: A liver functioning smoothly supports the Spleen and Stomach in digestion, and governs our emotions .

  • Influences the Tendons and Eyes: Healthy liver energy supports physical flexibility, tendon resilience, and visual clarity.

  • Governs the Emotion of Anger: Anger is the Liver’s signal that energy is blocked. When expressing or using movement, it transforms into healthy assertiveness and direction.

Signs of Wood Imbalance in TCM

Physical Symptoms of Liver Imbalance

  • PMS, irregular menstruation

  • Headaches or migraines

  • Digestive issues, bloating, or acid reflux

  • Muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, or jaw

  • Eye strain or blurry vision

Emotional Symptoms of Liver Imbalance

  • Mood swings, irritability

  • Difficulty making decisions

  • Feeling stuck, blocked, or overwhelmed

How Does Tai Chi and Qigong Help Liver Imbalances

The movements of tai chi and qigong exercises are well suited particularly to the wood element. As Wood relates to the tendons and ligaments of the body so does the movements of qigong, The Muscles/Tendon Changing Classic has a direct flow of energy to connective tissues, bring bloody flow and moisture to every space in the body.

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