Unlocking the Secrets of Spring with Qigong: Embrace the Wood Element and Nourish Your Organs

Spring Wildflower Meadow

Greetings, wonderful readers! 🌸

As we savor the last enchanting weeks of springtime here in the Rockies, let's take a moment to relish this vibrant season before summer makes its grand entrance on the Solstice.

Late spring is a time of awe, where emerald green grasses and treetops paint a stunning backdrop, and nature's symphony—from the croaking frogs to the melodic birds—invites us outdoors. It’s a magical time to witness the seeds we planted in early spring leaping towards the sun, much like our own inner growth as we embrace the warmth and beauty around us.

In this post, we'll explore the fascinating connection between the Wood Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, our body’s organs, and the transformative practice of Tai Chi 18, also known as Shibashi Qigong. Ready to deepen your understanding and elevate your wellness journey? Let's dive in!

The Yin and Yang of Our Organs

Everyone's heard of Yin and Yang, right? It's the iconic black and white symbol representing:

- Yin: Dark, feminine, cool, slow

- Yang: Light, masculine, hot, fast

Our organs are also classified into Yin and Yang categories:

- Yin Organs:

  - Liver

  - Heart

  - Pericardium

  - Spleen

  - Lungs

  - Kidneys

- Yang Organs

  - Gallbladder

  - Small intestine

  - Triple heater(a collection of systems in the body)

  - Large intestine

  - Urinary bladder

In Qigong, we focus mainly on the Yin organs, nourishing the blood stored within them. During spring, the Wood Element emphasizes the Liver and Gallbladder. Let's explore their vital roles and how they support our well-being.

The Liver: Our Blood Guardian

In Western medicine, the liver regulates chemicals, produces bile for digestion, and helps with blood clotting. But did you know it's also crucial for hormone production, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone?

In Chinese Medicine, the liver’s primary role is to store blood. This stored blood is considered our essence, where our mind resides—a fascinating concept for long-time meditators like myself. Blood, flowing smoothly, shapes, nourishes, and defines us. It impacts our emotions, and the liver’s job is to ensure our blood and emotions remain unblocked.

Emotionally, the liver absorbs and releases anger. If the liver is balanced, it helps express anger healthily. However, if it’s not functioning properly, negative emotions can overwhelm us, affecting our sleep, digestion, and vision.

The Gallbladder: Our Decision Maker

Paired with the liver, the gallbladder, a Yang organ, breaks down fats and helps absorb vitamins and calcium. It produces bile, an antioxidant that removes liver toxins. Struggling with decision-making or feeling overly judgmental? It might be due to gallbladder imbalance.

When the gallbladder is overwhelmed by toxins, it affects our emotional state, leading to impatience or rudeness. Recognizing these imbalances both in ourselves and others with compassion, without judgment, is a cornerstone of a mindful practice like Qigong.

A Reflection from my Personal Journey: A Lesson in Mindful Eating

For years, I faithfully did a liver cleanse every spring.  It wasn't until I discovered the Eat for Life course that I understood the importance of mindful eating and caring for my body without extreme measures. This realization transformed my approach to health, helping me appreciate gentle, consistent care over harsh, seasonal detoxes.

Looking back, I realize my obsession with cleansing was more about achieving an ideal body image than true health. Discovering Orthorexia nervosa—a fixation on healthy eating leading to restrictive behaviors—was eye-opening. I recognized that my habits were harming my body and my relationship with food.

Meeting my mentor, Lynn Rossy, and taking her Eat for Life course changed everything. Through mindfulness practices and the support of a like-minded community, I transformed my beliefs about health and food. Since then, I haven’t done another cleanse. Instead, I practice Qigong, breathing, and moving my body gently, feeling grateful for my organs and their functions.

Please note, I'm not saying liver cleanses are bad for everyone. Under medical supervision, they might be beneficial. This is simply my story and what has worked for me.

Embrace Qigong and Mindful Eating to Balance Your Wood Element

Practicing Qigong and Mindful Eating encourages optimal body function by fostering blood regulation and emotional balance. It’s not about perfection but about supporting our body’s natural processes. Ready to try some Shibashi Qigong movements that can offer balance to your liver? Here are a few to get you started:

• Gazing at the Moon - from Set 1 Shibashi Qigong

• Moving the Qi Along the Microcosmic Orbit- from set 2 Shibashi Qigong

• Point to the Needle - from set 3 Shibashi Qigong

Reflect and Grow with Me

Next week, we'll dive deeper into the emotions connected to the Wood Element. For now, take a moment to appreciate your body's inner workings. Acknowledge the organs, the elements, and the seasons. Show your body some love and gratitude for the miracles it performs every day.

Join our Qigong community and experience these benefits firsthand. Let's grow together this spring, embracing the wisdom of the Wood Element.

Join us for a revitalizing Qigong session and connect with our vibrant community. Together, we'll cultivate balance, health, and harmony. 🌿