Being Flexible with Spring's Arrival

Elemental Wisdom

As an acupuncturist, I rely on the seasons and their “elements” in my work.  In the Five Element style of acupuncture, Spring is the season of the Wood element.  What does this mean to you?  The Wood element corresponds to muscles and tendons of the body.  It allows for physical movement, energy pushing up and out in the body like the plants and flowers push out and up from the ground.   And it needs flexibility so the “push” is smooth and efficient.
 
It has been interesting to observe the shift from Winter to Spring this year.  In mid-March, nature was pushing right past Spring and all was in bloom.  Then everything took a step back to cold and windy days.  Even the birds took notice and quieted in the midst of bursting trees and flowers.  What has the bumpy transition to Spring felt like to you?  Maybe you were enjoying the summer-like days in March and then felt a slump back into the colder weather.  Or perhaps you didn’t feel ready for such intense temperatures.   How flexible have you been with the swings in nature?
 
Regardless, nature will continue to move through its cycle.  Some ways you can support your movement through the transition is to be flexible.  As you keep in the rhythm of the transition and take on springtime activities, incorporate simple stretching, yoga or qi gong in your days.  Take time to open up at the hip and shoulder joints, where the flow of energy can get stuck or blocked.   Wood must be easy and flexible to maintain its strength.  And as it is in nature, it is within us.
 
Karen Giles Acupuncture wishes you all the gifts and new possibilities that spring has to offer!