Wood Element
Now let's take a stroll into the wood element!
The qualities of Wood energy are assertive, unstoppable, expansive, forward moving, growing, purposeful, efficient, and driven. It is the energy of getting things done!
The season of Wood is Spring. Think of the life force energy that causes new growth in springtime. This energy is bursting forth to begin a new cycle! In the early stages of spring, Wood energy is just beginning to come forth and has a more subtle quality like "vibration" or even "evaporation". Think of those times when you first start thinking about a creative project. The idea is still unformed and "just a thought," but given time, it will eventually gain some momentum – before you know it, there is a plan for getting it done. The idea which was once barely there is now on its way to becoming manifest.
In the physical body, Wood element is related to the liver and gallbladder. When in disharmony, the emotion is anger. Think of the expression, "That really galls me!" The definition of gall is to make someone feel deeply annoyed, angry, or resentful. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is deeply connected to anger, frustration, and irritability. Unlike Western medicine, which views the liver primarily as a physical organ for detoxification, TCM sees it as an energetic system that regulates the flow of Qi (vital energy) and emotions throughout the body. Similarly, JSJ views The Liver as the harmonizer of our emotions.
“It is important for people with a lot of Wood element to move their bodies or else they will become stiff in their body AND their mind!”
It is important for people with a lot of Wood element to move their bodies or else they will become stiff in their body AND their mind! Like a tree, they need to be flexible so they can bend, but not break! In Jin Shin Jyutsu, we can use the Liver flow to help with the smooth movement of Qi energy – key energy for life!
In astrology, the sign of Aquarius (“I Know”) relates to gallbladder energy. People with a lot of Wood element always think they are right (they KNOW they are right)! Interestingly, Gallbladder is believed to be responsible for decision making. The sign of Pisces (“I Believe”) relates to Liver energy. In disharmony, a person with a lot of Wood/liver energy is the one who takes over everything.
The question a person with strong Wood element asks is, "Why won't you do what I want you to do?"
Read the Entire 5-Part Series on the Elements:
