Home / Five Elements / Wood
Spring · Liver and Gall Bladder
The Wood element
Wood is the energy of growth, like a tree reaching for the light. It gives us vision, the ability to plan, and the drive to move forward. It's also the element of anger: how we deal with frustration when growth is blocked.
The officials
In Chinese medicine, the Liver keeps energy flowing smoothly, like a good planner, and the Gall Bladder makes clear decisions and judgements. These are Chinese medicine ideas about function, not descriptions of the physical organs.
In balance
- Clear vision and good plans
- Assertive and determined, yet flexible
- Keeps growing and bounces back from setbacks
- Makes decisions with confidence
Out of balance
- Frustration or irritability when things feel blocked
- Stubborn or rigid thinking
- Finding it hard to relax or switch off
- Overplanning, or struggling to decide at all
Looking after your Wood
- Move every day: walking, stretching, yoga or tai chi all suit Wood
- Spend time outdoors among trees and green spaces
- Set goals, but keep them flexible
- When frustration builds, move it: a brisk walk helps
- Rest your eyes from screens
What your acupuncturist notices
In Five Element acupuncture, a practitioner notices subtle signs like these to understand which element most needs support.
“Go to bed at night and rise early. Walk freely in the garden, loosen your hair and let your body relax.”
Huangdi Neijing, Suwen chapter 2, on springSpring in the five seasons
Habits, seasonal food and the horary points of Wood.
Open the calendar →The other elements
Keep, print or share
Download the Wood profile
The Five Seasons letter
A short letter at the start of each season
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Step by step
Your journey with White Willow
Is Wood your element?
Only a consultation can tell. Call or WhatsApp to book.
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Still deciding? No pressure, ask me anything first. 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or change a time.