THE WOOD ELEMENT

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the principle that all matter can be broken down to the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. An understanding of these elements is used to inform both diagnosis and treatment within a Traditional Chinese Medicine context.

Health is characterized by a dynamic balance between the five elements. As the elements that comprise our body are the same as those that make up the natural world, we can draw helpful comparisons between the two. By a deep observation of how the elements interact with and balance one another in nature, the ancient Chinese understood how to balance our organ systems and our moods.

Here Bernie explores the first element of wood, explaining that it corresponds with the season of spring and the associated characteristics of warmth, generosity and a desire for growth. Traditionally it is associated with the strength and flexibility of bamboo.

However, any element can become out of balance and an imbalance in wood can manifest in migraines or anger. Bernie explains that wood is particularly linked with the liver, and gives us practical tips on how we can bring the wood element into balance within ourselves.

Element: Wood
Colour: Green
Season: Spring
Organ: Liver and gallbladder
Emotion: Anger

Having intuited from a young age the body’s natural capability to restore balance and heal itself, Bernie dedicated himself to the study of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine. He acquired a masters degree in Chinese Herbal Medicine and specialized in the style of Jin Shin Do. With decades of hands-on experience he uses a combination of acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and massage to support people restore their natural health and wholeness.