April 25, 2007 by Domenic Thomas, M.S.O.M., L.Ac.
The previous discussion about the dao is very significant to the element which is predominant now in the spring. This is the Wood element, which deals with issues of decision making and our greater purpose in life. This element is therefore essential to enable us to identify our life's purpose and the ability to make decisions to achieve this purpose. Only then are we able to walk in the Dao, to live in harmony with all of nature. The two organs associated with the Wood element are the Liver and the Gallbladder. The Liver affects our ability to make plans of a broad, life-planning nature, and the Gallbladder influences our ability to make decisions. In China a very decisive person is said to "have a big gallbladder".
In the spring we see a great upsurging of life as plants push up from the earth. It is no surprise that the color of this element is green. In the human body, the acupuncturist will pay attention to the color of a patient's skin. When a patient is literally "green around the gills", with a greenish hue to the skin around the temples, we know the patient has a Wood imbalance and may be prone to problems along the Gallbladder channel, which winds around the ear and crosses the temple. It's clear why migraines also are usually a Wood element issue, as this is the area of the body migraines strike most commonly. The Wood energy's direction is upward, and when this energy is too exuberant it affects the highest part of the body, i.e. the head, again resulting in headache but also dizziness. When a person is prone to anger in China people speak of their "Liver fire" flaring up.
The Wood element also has a connection with the lower part of the body, especially in women, as the Liver channel flows through the ovaries. The Liver also stores blood, especially menstrual blood, so it's clear why the Liver affects womens' menstrual cycles and needs to be regulated for any female issues.
Just as the spring is a time of great energy and movement, the Liver in the human body also is in charge of movement. The Liver abhors stagnation, and when the energy of the Liver stops flowing we become irritable and depressed. In fact the emotion of the Liver is anger. We even speak of anger "rising". When a person is prone to anger in China people speak of their "Liver fire" flaring up. When the Liver energy stagnates we can also become depressed, even while being irritable at the same time.
These are just a few of the ways the Wood element manifests within us. An acupuncture treatment this time of year helps the Liver energy to flow smoothly, thus allowing us to be active and forceful but within the range of good health. We should be more forceful and outgoing this time of year, but Chinese medicine always stresses balance. Some foods that can help move stagnant Liver energy include: garlic, chicken, cherries, squash, sweet potato, tofu, dates, and red beans. If you are working indoors having a plant in the room is beneficial. The Liver "opens" into the eyes in Chinese medicine, so actually looking at and enjoying the natural green colors of a plant will soothe and balance the Liver energy.
