Spring is the Wood time of year, when sap rises and plants all around us push up through the soil and burst into life. This is a time of rebirth and new energy after the dormancy of winter; a time of renewed optimism as nature gears up for another cycle of life. 

The Wood Element represents the energy of growth, action, creativity, vision, and expansiveness. People with their Wood energy in harmony often have a strong sense of what is just and right, are able to express anger appropriately, are able to forgive themselves and others, have clear plans for the future, together with a drive to get things done. 

In Shiatsu, the Wood Element can be contacted by working the Liver and Gall Bladder meridians, which run down the sides of the body. The Liver and Gall Bladder store and distribute energy smoothly, both physical and emotional. An imbalance in their functioning can manifest as:

- on a physical level: stiffness in muscles and joints, poor detoxification, eye problems, tiredness, migraines, menstrual problems, gall stones and sciatica.

- on a psychological level: controlling of emotion, being short-tempered or impatient, irritable or angry, timidity, overworking, unable to ‘see’ a future or difficulty making decisions.

Tips to nourish your Wood energy:

Reduce stress - look at how you might reduce or eliminate sources of stress in your life

Express yourself - try not to let things bottle up. Talk things through with a friend or write a journal

Be creative - write, draw, paint, sing, dance...

Move your Ki - walk, swim, practice Yoga, Tai Chi ...

Love your Liver - moderate intake of alcohol and fatty foods

Connect with Wood - plants, gardening, the colour green, hug a tree, walk in the park

Cultivate compassion - for those people you find difficult in life.

Kate German BSc, PhD, Dip Shiatsu, MRSS 
Tel: 0191 228 9069 or 07870 671 045
Email: kate@zenshiatsunewcastle.co.uk
Member of the Shiatsu Society (UK)