The Five Element Series: Wood

Written By Lee Lewis

Intro to the Wood Element

The wood element embodies growth, expansion and creativity. It is responsible for upward movement and can be strong and forceful when needed, just like an emerging plant obstructed by a rock. Although wood is strong, it is also flexible and encourages us to become adaptable and embrace new opportunities.

Wood Within Us: Emotionally, Spiritually, & Physically

It is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder meridian/organs. The liver is referred to as the “general” in Chinese medicine, and is responsible for commanding the smooth flow of qi through the body. When wood is not balanced and qi is not flowing smoothly it may present as feeling moody, irritable, or depressed. Other symptoms could include abdominal distention, headaches, and painful menstruation or inflamed genital area. As the general, balanced wood energy helps us to envision a goal and devise strategies to carry it out.

Balanced Wood Element

  • You have a clear vision of your unique path in life

  • You have the patience to let life unfold instead of trying to control the outcome

  • You have good discernment and can appropriately judge when it is time for action, inaction, or leaving a situation all together

  • You can see the big picture and thoroughly think though all the possible outcomes of a situation before jumping right in

  • If something doesn’t go according to plan you are able to reflect on what went wrong and initiate a new plan

    Imbalanced Wood Element

  • You thrive in a leadership position and struggle with following rules or taking instructions from others

  • You often find yourself pushing for change, and become frustrated if a situation doesn’t transform in the way your desire

  • You have a hard time standing up for yourself and start to doubt yourself when challenged by another opinion

  • You alternate between the extremes of organization and disorganization

  • You have a rigid mindset and are unable to see other points of view

  • You are punctual and become irritable of others are late


    Spring: The Wood Season

    As nature awakens from its winter slumber, the arrival of spring brings forth a burst of vibrant energy, growth, and renewal. The spring season is associated with the wood element, an element that symbolizes birth, rapid growth, creativity, and transformation. 2024 is a wood dragon year according to Chinese Astrology. Wood years mark accelerated periods of growth and propels all lifeforms into the active manifestation of their destiny.

Lee Lewis
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Five Element Series: Water