Expressions of the Wood Element
In Chinese Medicine, springtime is represented by the Wood Element.
The plants are sprouting, breaking through the earth, and growing. Each sprout is determined to fulfill its purpose, and has the motivation to grow into the dandelion or tomato plant or elm tree that it is destined to become.
Imagine the feeling of a sprout, unable to break through the surface of the earth and achieve its purpose. The sprout begins to grow, only to be stopped by the soil’s impenetrable crust. The sprout becomes frustrated, feels stuck, can’t find a path forward: this is the recipe for Anger.
The Wood element includes the:
Liver to discern what is a toxin
Gallbladder to plan for digestion
Uterus and Ovaries to create and manifest
Joints and Connective tissue to provide the flexibility for movement
Eyes to see where you are headed
This fabulous Wood element is intended to dream of a future, plan your path, move towards it, change, grow, and create.
When the Wood element is constricted, there is a lack of personal power. There is a feeling of indecision; "What do I want?". There is uncertainty and a feeling of being lost; "Where am I headed?" There is a feeling of being stuck, frustrated, and angry at your lack of options.
Our society looks at anger as a bad thing. It is uncomfortable to feel anger. We feel insecure when we witness anger.
We are taught to suppress our anger, which lowers our vibration further into apathy. When we can’t express our outrage, we wonder ‘what is the point?’ and disengage into a depression.
Anger is the gift that pulls us out of that depression; Anger makes it clear what is not working for us; Anger drives us to choose a new path forward. The explosion propels you forward to create change.
It’s a powerful tool. When anger is expressed respectfully and without harm, it can be a wonderful tool to jump us out of apathy and realize what needs to change.
Often Anger is expressed in toxic ways, unleashing physical, emotional, and mental harm for others. This is never ok and support is required for all involved. Healthy anger can create forward momentum.
There are ways to heal from Anger and tame the rage inside. Rather than stuffing your emotions until you burst, it is important to stand in your personal power, consider your options, and express yourself and your needs.
Is someone testing your boundaries? Name it or walk away.
Is someone putting expectations on you? Decide if you want to choose a different path.
The way to heal from anger is not to stuff it or explode. This is your vital life force energy, which can be redirected for good! In Qigong healing, we focus on transforming anger and stuck frustration into the discernment of your options and empowerment to create change in your life. It brings about our power, desires, intentions, focus, and determination to create what we actually want.
In the next article, I share my story. The biggest healings I’ve experienced from receiving Clinical Qigong is related to this transformation from anger into empowerment.
