Wood Element

Yin Yang & Five-Element Theory

Ancient Chinese Philosophers developed the theory of Yin and Yang and the five elements based on observations of the natural world and that of the universe as a whole. It is the foundation of not only Daoism but also Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The production, Development and changes evident in the world are a result of Yin Qi and Yang Qi, the harmony and balance of opposites and are evident in the power the universe, visible in the microcosm that reflects the macrocosm.

The Tai Chi Symbol (Yin-Yang) is one of the oldest and best-known life symbols in the world, but few understand its full meaning. It represents one of the most fundamental and profound theories of ancient Taoist philosophy. At its heart are the two poles of existence, which are opposite but complementary. The light, white Yang moving up blends into the dark, black Yin moving down. Yin and Yang are dependent opposing forces that flow in a natural cycle, always seeking balance. Though they are opposing, they are not in opposition to one another. As part of the Tao, they are merely two aspects of a single reality. Each contains the seed of the other, which is why we see a black spot of Yin in the white Yang and vice versa. They do not merely replace each other but actually become each other through the constant flow of the universe – Aaron Hoopes, Zen Yoga

Yin is characterized as slow, soft, yielding, diffuse, cold, wet, and passive; and is associated with water, earth, the moon, femininity and nighttime.

Yang, by contrast, is fast, hard, solid, focused, hot, dry, and aggressive; and is associated with fire, sky, the sun, masculinity and daytime

There are four cycles that describe the interactions between the five elements. These cycles form a feedback system, a system of checks and balances which keeps the universe, the body, and our systems in balance.

Creation cycle (Sheng)
Controlling cycle (Ko)
Insulting cycle (Wu)
Overacting cycle (Cheng)

Wood – Rising, nurturing, beginning, development, impulse, inspiration

Fire – Expression, manifestation, definition, action, dynamic phase

Earth – Balancing, supporting, centering, transmutation

Metal – Reckoning, discerning, discipline, decisions

Water – Contemplation, calmness, accepting, forgiving, observation

Wood Element

The simplest representations of the wood element are a tree, lush forests and glades of green. But the individual tree is rooted and strong but as a forest it is an interconnect world wide wood.

Colour: Green
Season: Spring
Animals: Tiger, Rabbit
Organs: Liver (Yin) Gallbladder (Yang)
Time of Day: 1am-3am (Liver) 11pm- 1am (Gallbladder)
Direction: East
Taste: Sour
Fluid: Tears
Face: Eyes
Sense: Sight
Emotion: Anger
Sound: Shouting
Body: Muscles and sinews
External body: Nails, Hands & Feet
Power: Capacty for control
Smell: Rancid
Climate: Wind
Life aspect: Spirit & Soulfulness
The five Spirits: The Liver commands The Hun

The Hun:

The Hun reside in the liver. When we are awake it is our witness, the lens through which we see our waking world, when we sleep they return to the liver, this is why they have such a connection to our dreams. When the Liver is healthy, the Liver Blood is abundant, and circulation of Liver Qi is smooth, the Hun is content—it can come and go freely: there will be a healthy flow of ideas and creativity for the Mind to receive and integrate

Further Watching & Reading:

Qi gong movements that enrich and balance the wood element

5 Element Qi gong (Tai chi nation): https://youtu.be/35QER5t_luE?t=389

6 Healing Sounds – Liver – https://youtu.be/HVGEJ_UU9_4

Euphoria retreat – https://youtu.be/7Pbru1mXO0Y

Mimi Kuo-Deemer – https://youtu.be/TdSTlr1k4Aw

Zhan Zhuang Qigong (Standing Tree) https://earthbalance-taichi.com/2011/11/tai-chi-standing/ . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrp65CO5U6E

References

Qi gong Empowerment – Master Shou-Yu Liang

Five Elements: https://fiveseasonsmedicine.com/introduction-to-the-chinese-five-element-system/

Five spirits: https://empowerchiroacu.com/empowered-living-blog/the-five-spirits-supporting-the-soul-in-chinese-medicine