Spring & the Wood Element During Times of Uncertainty

Spring is a season of emergence and transformation, a time when nature surges forward with energy that has been building beneath the surface all winter. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season aligns with the Wood element—symbolizing growth, creativity, and forward momentum—as well as the emotion of Anger and the sound of Shout.

But as with any force of change, when Wood energy is obstructed or imbalanced, it can manifest as frustration, upheaval, or anger. Spring is also governed by Wind, an unpredictable force that stirs movement but can also create chaos when unrestrained. In a time of political uncertainty and large-scale structural changes, the lessons of Wood feel particularly relevant.

The Energy of Wood: Leadership, Change, and Resistance

Wood is the element of leaders, pioneers, and those who push forward. It represents vision, planning, and determination. You can always identify a Wood person by their Shout speaking style—pointed and direct, often clipped or abrupt. Consider Martin Luther King, Jr., President Barack Obama, Hitler and Mussolini.

When obstructed, Wood energy can become rigid, creating stagnation, resentment, and explosive frustration. We see this play out both on personal and collective levels—whether in our own lives when we feel stuck or in the world around us as institutions struggle under the weight of change.

The recent mass layoffs of 10,000 federal health workers serve as a stark reminder of this dynamic. These dedicated professionals—many of whom only learned they were unemployed when their office security badges did not work—are now forced into abrupt, undeserved transitions. This isn’t just an administrative decision; it’s an upheaval that affects public health, stability, and trust in leadership.

Wind: The Agent of Change

TCM also associates spring with Wind—an unpredictable, powerful force of transformation. Wind stirs things up, moving stagnant energy but also introducing disorder. We often speak of the “winds of change,” and never has that phrase felt more apt than in this current political and social climate. From shifting government policies, looming tariffs, and widespread job losses, uncertainty is blowing through our systems with intensity.

Physically, Wind in TCM is linked to sudden illness, stress, and tension—much like the way many are feeling in response to the loss of security and stability. When Wind is too strong, it disrupts balance, creating anxiety, headaches, and unrest. We can see this in both our bodies and in our communities.

Anger: The Emotion of Spring

Anger, when healthy, can be a catalyst for change, helping us set boundaries and take action. However, when suppressed or uncontrolled, it leads to frustration and disharmony. Similarly, shouting can be an expression of power and release or a sign of imbalance when it becomes excessive. Recognizing and working with these energies can help us move through upheaval with greater ease.

How to Move with the Energy of Spring

In uncertain times, we can turn to the wisdom of TCM to help us navigate these transitions with resilience. With spring’s rising Yang energy, we can feel confident that it’s a time for movement and action, either within or the world around us.

• Embrace new beginnings. Just as nature bursts into bloom, we too can plant seeds of change, whether through activism, personal growth, or community support.
• Release stagnation. Move your body, practice deep breathing, or engage in creative expression to prevent frustration from turning into anger or despair.
• Stay flexible. Wood is strong yet adaptable—rigidity leads to breakage. Whether in political action or personal healing, staying open and adaptable is key.
• Protect against Wind. In TCM, Wind penetrates through the neck and upper back, weakening defenses. A simple act like wearing a scarf can serve as both a metaphor and a physical defense against instability.
• Get Creative. This is the season of creation and creativity, after all. Consider new ways not listed here to take action.

Spring is a time of awakening, and while it often brings beauty and renewal, it also calls us to confront discomfort and disorder. The Wood element teaches us that growth is inevitable, but how we channel that energy determines whether we thrive or become stuck. In a world that feels increasingly volatile, we must ask: How can we move with the winds of change rather than be uprooted by them?

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