It’s not uncommon to experience some psychosomatic turbulence and need for recalibration in the spring. Spring is the windy season, and it’s the wind that carries and portends change: in the heavens, on the earth, and in our bodies. Microcosmically, the Liver is the organ associated with the youth of spring and the flexibility of the wood element. It circulates our qi and emotions (also qi), cleanses the blood, and commands the Hun (“ethereal soul”). The Hun is known as the free and easy wanderer (which comes and goes from the body when/if we sleep long enough to dream at night). When we’re depressed, the Hun has often been knocked out of the body, needing some assistance getting back in, and maybe even being called back if it’s somewhere far from the person. This means supporting and soothing the Liver, nourishing the blood, and freeing any blocked emotions.

The Liver has a special relationship with the Lungs (of the autumn season and metal element). Metal is the grandmother of wood. In the cycle of the five elements, metal controls wood (Chinese culture has carried a beautiful and supportive tradition of grandmothers caring for and often rearing grandchildren in a more involved way). Symbolically and tangibly, metal chops, prunes, and shapes wood. The breathing patterns of the Lungs controls the perception and experience of emotion circulated by the Liver which makes contact with emotion and inspiration through the qi in the blood (nourishment/postnatal qi) and dream body, respectively. The spirit contained by the Lungs is the corporeal soul, the Po. The emotions arise and emerge from the grandmother energy of the Po (body/body’s breath).

Some of the recalibration our bodies might be in need of is freeing any of the grief or sadness lodged within the Lungs. Metal, when unsupported, can overact on wood. The grandmother might (unintentionally or intentionally) injure the grandchild in her state of grief if unable to let go. The other connection the Liver and Lungs share is the going to and coming from the darkness/yin of winter— the element of water ruled by the Kidneys. Anyone experiencing a frazzled and angry Liver might be in lack of much sleep and rest (the activity for the water element). Grief doesn’t disappear because of sleep, but is softened by it.

Often, what is underneath stuck and chronic anger is lingering fear/shock (stagnated water) or unprocessed sadness/grief (dull rusting metal). Lying horizontally (napping) may be one of the clinical recommendations for you if you’re having Liver imbalances, but that must be applicable and movement is important too. Internal movement of layered, tangled emotions, feelings, and symbols is a significant way of bringing liberation to the Lungs in order to support Liver function and therefore, inspiration. Somatic experiencing is a nuanced and resourceful way to explore these elemental and emotional connections within your body and nervous system. It is through this modality that we can further support the letting go function that is natural to the metal/Lungs/Po and allow vitality to return in the spring. Sessions for this are available on the sessions page (look for Heaven and Earth: Integrative Somatics) and I invite you to explore what’s shifting in your body with me when it feels right.

Grandchild Wood: Exploring the liberation of grief and anger through a seasonal lens