This article is a deeper exploration of the emotions moving from a general discussion of Yin Yang and the Five Elements, taking a focused look at the Wood element. When considering the emotions the organ primarily associated with its emotional dynamic is the Liver.
The emotions associated with Liver/Wood is primarlity anxiety, however, we can include some other emotions here that have a similar impact on the mind and body in relation to Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. They are Stress, Frustration, Angst, Anger/Rage, Resentment, Bitterness, Impatience, Moodiness, and Depression. On the positive side when Liver is in a healthy state it provides capacity planning, assertion, setting boundaries and being purposeful.
So what happens when it all gets too much.
There is a feeding cycle. Each element feeds the next.
And there is a controlling cycle. Each element controls another
Looking at Wood specifically, we can see that it is fed by Water, and it feeds Fire; it is controlled by Metal and in turn it controls Earth. This scenario helps to maintain a dynamic equilibrium – medically referred to as homeostasis.
If any element is not fed, not able to feed, over-controlled or is over-controlling, any of these can cause an imbalance. That imbalance in the first instance can show as an emotional upset, depending on each persons particular lifestyle or influences.
Over a longer period it can express in more physical ways, such as muscular tension, clenched jaw, grinding teeth, stiff neck/shoulders. For women with Wood/Liver imbalance you can experience menstrual pain, breast tenderness/distension and headaches. There may also be a disruption of sleep, waking from 1am to 3am.
These imbalances can be caused by a physical imbalance that can led to imbalance in the Wood element, or they can be caused by excess of emotion. It’s a two-way flow one affects the other. To get to the root cause of the imbalance is the goal because without addressing that the pattern will keep repeating. Whilst this is important in terms of Acupuncture treatment there must be a re-establishment of the two key cycles that ensure the Wood element is fed/can feed; controlled/ can control, to allow a rebalancing of the flows of energy.
Will acupuncture help with anxiety?
What the patient can do alongside acupuncture treatment is to firstly acknowledge the emotion(s) that are causing the issues. Have an awareness of the physical effects and the parts of the body that are affected. Start to work on releasing the tightness, move the body – the Liver responds to movement – exercise, walking, dancing. Try to channel the tightness into a positive, the energy is there it’s just stuck. This is why people feel invigorated after exercise, doing this whilst receiving treatment is a good combination to help achieve and good recovery from feeling stressed or anxious.
There are infinite combinations of symptoms and circumstances, and each individual comes with such a unique presentation that generalising does not adequately portray what acupuncture can do, for more specific help please do contact me directly to discuss your health needs.
Photographer: Matthew Kaltenborn
Diagrams: Aram Tzayig
