Tuning into the Spring Energy of the Wood Element

by Julia Katz, L.Ac.

Sarana Community Acupuncture, March 2026

images taken by Julia Katz, L.Ac.

With blossoming trees and fresh green grass all around us, plus the resulting uptick in seasonal allergies, Spring has undeniably arrived in the Bay Area. In Chinese Medicine, the color of Spring is green, reflecting new leaves and fresh growth. This season is associated with the Wood Element which, in our bodies, is comprised of the Liver and Gallbladder meridians.

The Wood Element, via the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, supports healthy eyes, flexible joints and tendons, decision-making, and mood stability. A balanced Wood Element in Spring manifests as courage—specifically, the ability to move forward and to grow. The big surge of new energy can easily get stuck, however, as it moves through us and the imbalance of that energy feeling stuck can show up as anger, irritability, and/or frustration.

When energy becomes constrained—by stress or unfulfilled desires, something most adults experience at various times in our lives—this may show up as moodiness, irritability, tension, or feeling mentally stuck. Practices that restore flow can help us feel lighter and more adaptable again. Just as young plants need space to grow, during this season our bodies need a little extra movement to promote circulation. Stretching, walking outside, and other gentle practices like qigong and yoga, help our energy—our qi—move smoothly through the body, like wind flowing through branches.

There are several key points that help the body move the qi that has become constrained / stagnated. If you’ve ever received acupuncture, you’ve probably experienced at least one of them! You can give yourself a similar benefit at home, with gentle acupressure on the following points:

1. Liver 3 (Taichong): found on the top of the foot, between the metatarsal bones of the big toe and second toe. Starting with your finger in the webbing between the toes, slide your finger up between the foot bones (towards your ankle) until you feel a tender dip, usually about an inch back. Press the point with your thumb and massage slowly for one to two minutes on each foot, while breathing deeply. This is the source point of the Liver channel and is well known for easing stress and irritability and helping the body’s energy move more freely.

2. Liver 5 (Ligou): located on the lower leg, about one-third of the way up between the inner ankle to the knee, just under the inside edge of the shin bone. Hold or massage this point gently for one to two minutes per side, while bringing attention to your breathing. Liver 5 helps to balance our emotions and promotes lower abdominal health, addressing urinary and reproductive imbalances, along with relieving pelvic congestion and the supporting the external genitals.

images from A Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman, Mazin Al-Khafaji, Kevin Baker

3. Gallbladder 34 (Yanglingquan): located on the outside of the lower leg, just below the knee. Find the bony knob on the outer side of the knee and move slightly in front of and below it to a small hollow. Applying steady pressure here for about a minute per side can help relax muscles and tendons, support joint health, and encourage flexibility—both physically and emotionally.

4. Gallbladder 40 (Qiuxu): near the outer ankle, in the small hollow just in front of the ankle bone. Pressing and gently circling this point for about a minute on each side can support ankle stability, improve sleep, and relieve tension. This is the source point of the Gallbladder channel, which in Chinese Medicine is closely related to clarity and confidence in decision-making.

images from A Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman, Mazin Al-Khafaji, Kevin Baker

A simple qigong movement can help awaken the body’s spring energy. Stand comfortably with feet about shoulder-width apart and your knees relaxed. Let your arms hang loosely and begin gently swaying your torso from side to side so your arms swing naturally and lightly tap your sides. Breathe slowly and allow the body to twist softly through the waist. Continue for a few minutes, imagining yourself as a tree gently swaying in a spring breeze—rooted yet flexible, and alive with movement.

Spring foods naturally mirror what is appearing right now in gardens and markets. Fresh greens and sprouts nourish the Wood element and support the Liver system. Lightly steamed vegetables—especially greens such as kale, mustard greens, parsley, cilantro, dandelion greens, broccoli, and cabbage—are even more beneficial. If you’re not prone to digestive upset, this is a great time to enjoy freshly-squeezed green juices and fermented foods. If your digestion tends to be sensitive, you’ll want to reach for warm, easy-to-digest meals—e.g. soups with nourishing broth, cooked greens, and protein. Think of it like gently warming the soil so your new growth can thrive.

Spring reminds us that growth happens when energy is allowed to move. By nourishing ourselves with fresh greens, stretching and breathing deeply, and tending to the body with practices like acupressure and qigong, we can align with the same quiet force that pushes seeds through the soil and opens leaves toward the sun. Additionally, acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas are wonderfully supportive tools to help our Wood Element to flourish, helping us achieve our goals of improved health and stable, peaceful energy.