Wood Element in Covid-19 - We Can Still Grow?
Firstly, my heart goes out to those who have been directly affected by this virus, this blog by no means wishes to overlook the level of stress that some people have experienced as a result of COVID-19.
In Five Element Acupuncture each of the elements represent a season and the Wood Element comes into its own during the spring. As with the change we observe in nature during this time, the Wood Element within us also has a desire to grow, to advance and to push forward. It is a time for coming out of the hibernation we experienced during Winter (the Water Element) and spring into action - putting forward plans and start working towards them.
When COVID-19 struck us, everything suddenly changed; plans and desires had to be put on hold. However, as with the trees that survive despite being split in two from lightening, as with the weeds that will continue to grow and seek light through the cracks in the paving stones – we also do the same. We learn to adapt, we seek solace in continuing to grow in different ways to what we had expected. I myself have watched nature change daily as leaves began to bud on trees, blossom bloomed then fallen ready for the fruits that will emerge, I take comfort that the cycle of life continues. Some may have taken pleasure at pastimes that we may have previously been too busy to appreciate.
In Five Element acupuncture, there is the acceptance that although we contain each of the elements within us and the strengths and weaknesses that each of these elements encompass, there is an element that is deemed to be our own Element – known as our Constitutional or Causative Factor (CF) - this is the element that we relate to most of all. All the Elements are inter-linked, however when we feel out of sorts or having a wobble, it tends to be our own element that is most affected. If you are a Wood CF, you may be struggling with the restrictions of not being able to do what you want to do, this is dependent on how balanced your Wood element is. This may be leading to frustration or feeling un-rooted. Five Element Acupuncture focuses on restoring your natural balance within the elements.
For those of you who are feeling unsettled, try to find a new project, set new goals ensuring these are achievable and make lists! But if you are always on the go, why not also take some time to rest, observe, get out in nature knowing that resilience resides within you!
When the anger or frustration hits – get yourself up and moving. Physical movement gets our energy or qi moving freely to prevent us feeling stuck in a negative emotion. Above all, know that you have the power to thrive in this new environment you find yourself in.