Wood Element Help Sheet

This patient handout is designed to give you tools to help you progress along the path to wellness. Use this information in order to maximize your healing process. This sheet includes a variety of tips that support the health and vitality of the Wood Element.

While many of the organ functions overlap and are similar, there are significant differences between how Eastern and Western medicine view them. This section gives you an overview of the different functions of each organ according to each of these medical philosophies.

Functions of Liver and Gall Bladder/Wood Element:

• Produces proteins necessary to form clots
• Neutralizes and removes toxins from foods, medications and drugs
• Filters blood from arteries and digestive tract
• Creates bilirubin, which aids in the breakdown of old red blood cells
• Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels
• Creates blood cells in emergency circumstances
• Stores essential nutrients such as Vitamins K, D, B12, and Iron
• Removes ammonia from body fluids and secretes it in urine
• Produces bile and other substances to aid in the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates

• Stores and releases bile
• Stores blood
• Governs emotional states
• Helps regulate menstruation
• Regulates the smooth flow of Qi
• Influences our capacity for organizing and planning
• Influences digestive functions of the Stomach and Spleen
• Controls muscular activity, including the flexibility and agility of tendons and ligaments
• Houses the “Hun,” which is similar to the concept of soul or spirit
• Influences our quality and length of sleep
• Controls judgment and the capacity to make decisions

Some Physical Symptoms:

• Abdominal bloating
• Acid reflux
• Aversion to wind
• Blurry and/or weak vision
• Breast tenderness

• Bruising
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Floaters in front of eyes
• Headaches or migraines

• Indigestion
• Irregular menstruation
• Lack of flexibility
• Menstrual cramps/PMS
• Nausea and\or vomiting

• Right sire abdominal pain
• Stiff neck and/or shoulders
• Stiff muscles
• Weak and/or brittle nails

Emotional Symptoms:

• Aggressive behavior
• Anger and angry outbursts
• Bitterness
• Depression
• Emotional repression

• Frustration
• Impatience
• Inability to plan or organize
• Indecision
• Irritability

• Nervous tension
• Jealousy
• Moodiness
• Negative outlook
• Over-fastidious planning

• Resentment
• Rigid and inflexible attitude
• Shouting
• Timidity

Foods to Add:

Certain foods have specific effects within the body. This section is here to guide you to make food choices that support the health of the Wood Element.

Element Associations:

This section lists a specific sound and an emotion associated with this meridian system, as well as the time of day and season when it is most active.

Acupressure Points

This section provides you with the most effective points for the Liver and Gall Bladder. Rubbing acupressure points 30-60 seconds can stimulate and promote health and well-being.

Meridian Exercises

These are specific exercises for the activation of the body’s own energy systems. Each pose was specifically chosen because it has the greatest impact upon the healthy functioning of the Wood Element.