In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the Liver, the emotion of anger and the Wood element.
The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of emotions, Qi (energy) and blood. When the Liver is functioning properly, Qi flows smoothly and emotions are balanced. However, when the Liver is imbalanced, Qi stagnates and emotions like anger can arise. Other emotions associated with Liver disharmony include depression, worry, and anxiety. Stress, as well as improper diet or exercise, can cause Liver imbalance.
During the spring season, the Liver is thought to be particularly vulnerable to imbalance. This is because spring is a time of new growth and change, and we, and the Liver, must adapt to these changes. Often when there is change and uncertainty, there is resistance, upset and irritability, with anger not far behind.
Anger, like Liver Qi, tends to rise much like the energy of new life during the springtime. With its expansive, quick, passionate, and ascendent nature, anger mimics the qualities of its corresponding Wood element.
The Wood Element
Wood, the element of spring and the first element in the Five Element cycle, brings an energy of creation and growth. When the Wood element is in harmony, it can manifest as creativity, vision, direction, flexibility and resilience. When out of balance, the Wood element can manifest as irritability, anger, inflexibility and the sense of being stuck.
Wood’s strength is tested whenever our internal sense of direction or sense of self is challenged or compromised – whether by argument, doubt or circumstance, or when we feel overlooked, disregarded or deliberately thwarted.
Great leaders often have a lot of Wood energy – they envision on a large scale, and bring social, political and/or cultural changes to fruition. For example, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a vision, “his dream,” which he strove to manifest into reality. President Barack Obama led the fight for healthcare for the uninsured and supported the LGBTQ+ community’s right for marriage equality. Such strength of vision and determination are hallmarks of a Wood personality. On the other hand, we have also seen Wood energy in leaders who have the ability to galvanize large groups of people using anger and hatred as the backbone of their vision, ie. Hitler and Mussolini.
One way to identify a Wood person is by their speaking style and sound, known as Shout. Shouting relates more to its quality—pointed and direct, often clipped or abrupt—than to its actual volume. A Wood/shouting voice can also project clearly, which is why it bodes well for public speakers and others who lead with their voice.
It should be noted that anger itself isn’t inherently problematic – it’s a perfectly natural response to any impediment to the Liver’s preferred state of flow. And anger can also fuel injustice. However, when repressed or excessively vented, anger can easily lead to dis-ease. Yet when met with curiosity and patience, anger can give us the momentum we need to grow and change.
TCM Tips for Springtime Emotional Ease
To support the Liver, Wood element, and balance emotions during the spring season, Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests several approaches.
Reduce stress.
Stress is a common trigger for anger, and spring can be a stressful time as we adjust to changes in the environment. Practices like meditation, deep breathing/breathwork, and sound baths can help calm the mind and balance emotions. Social connection, creativity, singing, and rest are other ways to help relieve stress.
Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
In TCM, it’s important to eat foods that support Liver health and help move Qi. Think fresh greens and whole grains, as well as bitter, sour or fermented foods such as miso, lemons and sauerkraut.
Conversely, foods to avoid include stimulants (i.e., coffee/caffeine, nicotine, etc.), alcohol, greasy and fried foods, refined sugar and processed foods, and conventionally grown produce/meat (choose organic whenever possible).
Get moving.
Exercise helps move Qi and release tension from the Liver. Activities like qigong, tai chi, yoga, and walking can be particularly beneficial during the spring season. In fact, walking is one of the best things we can do whenever we feel extreme anger and frustration.
Try acupuncture and/or herbal medicine.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help regulate the flow of Qi, soothe the Liver, and reduce stress and anger, as well as other emotional imbalances.
Channel your anger into productive and healing action.
Write it down. Speak your truth. Brainstorm solutions. Work towards change.
Sources:
Fauntleroy, Lindsay. Music Is Medicine: Exploring the Sounds of the Five Elements. Llewellyn. August 4, 2022.
Fries, Hannah. Your Liver, Your Emotions and the Flow of Qi. DAO Labs. Mar. 23, 2022.
Reichstein, Gail. Wood Becomes Water. 2018.
Szanto, Attila. Why We Feel More Irritable In Spring – And What We Can Do About It. Bellenden Therapies. April 1, 2019.
