Regulars to classes (especially yin yogis!) will know I love to incorporate the elements into our practice they are a gret way to check in with the body, honour the changes of season and give intention to out time on the mat. The Wood element, is one of the TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) 5 elements, is associated with the Liver and its partner organ, Gallbladder.
When Wood is unbalanced, you may experience symptoms such as:
-Feeling irritable or angry
-Headache, migraine, or high blood pressure. These are sign of Liver Yang rising upwards.
-Rib pain: Liver meridian runs along the rib area. Any stagnation of Liver Qi will be reflected in a distending discomfort around the ribs. Commonly seen in stressed people.
-Itchy, dry eyes: TCM believes that liver blood can travel upwards to nourish the eye. Hence, a deficiency in Liver blood may lead to eye issues like floaters or myopia. On the other hand, excess Liver heat can cause red, bloodshot eyes or painful eyes.
-Spasm: Liver blood nourishes the sinews to allow free movement. Lack of Liver blood, sinew will become dry and we experience contraction, spasm, or numbness.
-Brittle nails: Nails are considered to be a by-product of the sinews. If Liver blood is deficient, you may have dry brittle bail, ridges, or spots on the nails.
We can help to nourish these meridians in lots of ways such as:
- Avoiding quick energy fixes instead try to put food into the body with slow release energy-legumes, brown rice, quinoa, oats etc.
- Eating leafy greens and veggies and staying hydrated to support detoxification.
- Targeted meridian yoga poses and accupoints below (come along to class!)
- Lessening/omitting alcohol
- Walks in nature-stimulating blood flow and circulation, wood dominant people are quite energetic and with spring coming we can get swept away in being too busy! Remember to keep the balance and slow down sometimes too-I love to day dream looking out of the window and watch the birds in the garden for instance!
- The liver is associated with sour tastes. Adding food such as sour plum, lemon, apple cider vinegar can support your Liver. (Don’t take on an empty stomach if you have gastritis)
Wood is symbolic to us all of deep roots, upward growth and renewal, fueling our fire for spring. Enjoy this time and notice changes as they come and go. Emotionally imbalances within the spring meridians are associated with frustration or anger so go easy on yourself don’t let the pressure of more “to dos” get to you. Acknowledge it yes, then try to steer that inner voice instead towards patience and compassion.
