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The Element of Wood

According to Chinese Medicine, the natural world is made up of five indispensible materials for the maintenance of life and production. The “Five Elements” refer to the five categories in the natural world, namely, wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Although these five materials have different characteristics they depend on each other and are inseparable- “Food relies on water and fire. Production relies on metal and wood. Earth gives birth to everything. They are used by the people.”

The character of Wood is to grow and flourish. In Chinese medicine, the season of Spring is associated with the Wood Element. Wood exemplifies the energy of growth, change and pushing through obstacles. It represents a very active energy that allows for movement and progress, both internally and externally. When it is restrained, it contributes to frustration, anger and stress. Like the wood element, anger can make us hard and difficult to bend- similar to a tree that snaps in the wind instead of swaying gracefully. So what is the takeaway? Flexibility and ease of movement are key! Plant your roots deeply but remain flexible rather than rigid so you do not snap. Use the new energy of spring to get moving on new projects, take action and make changes.