Wood Season: Connect with Your Ethereal Soul and Inner Benevolence

A how-to on nourishing your Liver and Gallbladder to bounce into capacity

TL;DR:

By tending to our Liver's energy, releasing stagnation, and aligning with our Ethereal Soul, we create a spaciousness within ourselves that is calm, clear, and capable of compassion. When we root into ourselves deeply, drawing nourishment from the earth, we can grow towards the light, embodying the benevolence that heals both self and community. Let us focus on releasing to embody ourselves so we can show up fully resourced amongst the chaos and the noise. During this Wood season, let us quench the craving for inner benevolence.

Notes on now:

• Get outside, go for a walk and admire the beauty of growth right outside your door.

• Release that which no longer serves you.

• Eat fresh, wild greens.

• Drink some dandelion tea, reach for you ALCHEMIZE tincture and find movement.

One of my teachers recently told me, “Cassandra, get your news from the soil, get outside and put your hands in the earth, the microbes will tell you all you need to know” - Joseph Rothstein L.Ac. EAMP

Musings: I finally feel it; the release, emergence, upward expansion mixed with a mild headache. Wood season is in the air! I can’t lie to you guys, this winter was a tough turn for me. It has felt so heavy, so dark and oh so cold here in the damp PNW. So much so that when we gained that extra hour and the sun first began to kiss the patio (the one that I am writing to you from), my whole body sprung into a completely different mindset. I felt the ease again, a release, a smile took over my whole body.

We are entering a time of renewal, vision, and upward expansion. Just as trees awaken, pushing roots deep and branches wide, we too are called to stretch into what’s next, to dream boldly and act with clarity.

This morning I made a promise to myself that I would begin each morning on the porch, listening to the beautiful bird songs and taking in the sun on my face. Morning gratitudes have been my guiding light throughout the dark months so those will continue outside now, followed by some Qi Gong. Perhaps I’ll post another video on IG of my Qi Gong routine, so, if that is of interest to you, leave me a comment :)

A note for my neurodivergents: This piece is divided up into a few different parts, here in the beginning I will share about the 🌿 Essence of Wood as I understand it. From there I will touch into the ☯️ channel meridians, showcase 🏃‍♀️ productive movement for the season then end with supportive 🌱 herbs, 🥢 foods and 🍵 Beverages. I throw a poem and some inspiring words somewhere in between. Feel free to bop around to lean into what resonates :)

In Chinese Medicine we have 5 elemental seasons: Wood, Earth, Fire, Metal, Water. Each season brings forth its own energetics, harmonious patterns and special synchronicities. I plan to spend the start of each season writing a supportive piece for you all, just like this one!

We have just left Winter (Water) and have officially moved into Spring (Wood).

🌿 Essence of Wood:

Wood is beginning, it is the start of new life, it is birth, it moves quickly and doesn’t ask for permission. It is upward in motion and doesn’t need a plan, just growth. The Wood Element governs the Liver and Gallbladder, organs tied to detoxification, direction, and decision-making.

When this energy is flowing smoothly, we feel energized, purposeful, and clear-headed. When considering these concepts, we can begin to reflect on the energetics of the organs associated. The Liver, is the general of the vital organs, it governs and sorts out what it allows the body to receive and sends those nutrients to the correct places. It has a large, very important job and ensures the smooth flow of Qi and is home to our Hun, our Ethereal Soul. The Hun gives us our sense of purpose, vision and connection to something larger than ourselves. When the Hun is adequately supported, wood energy is balanced and we feel aligned with our inner purpose and destiny. From this space, balanced Wood offers the virtue of Benevolence, inner vision, extending outward, free flowing, effortless support. In harmony, it becomes leadership that serves, decision-making that uplifts the collective. A benevolent person in Wood alignment has clear boundaries, emotional intelligence, and purposeful direction, this often expresses as kindness, fairness, and the desire to uplift others.

When our liver is working optimally, we have much more understanding, we are less reactive, we have emotional spaciousness. We can see beyond our own limiting beliefs, we can move through our frustration and desires and instead lead with patience and kindness. We all have resources to move from.

Wood is about direction, justice, and action, therefore, when it stagnates, it may manifest as control, resentment, irritability, anger, headaches, hormonal imbalances, indigestion, or tight muscles, especially along the sides of the body.

So in the spirit of that, let’s dive into some seasonal advice with a short poem, mantra to contemplate the virtue of Benevolence.

“Mirroring a tree,

we grow upward toward the light,

however, our roots remain

in service to the earth.

In this balance lies benevolence,

strength that nourishes and communes,

movement that heals.”

Before we get into our supportive practices for the season, take a moment to find an intention for this season. It is the BEST time for it and I almost guarantee you will breeze through it. Let’s build up that momentum and self confidence. This should be something that generates, feels inspirational and up lifting. Feel free to take mine or use it as inspiration,

“I move forward with clarity and courage. I release any limiting beliefs and step into the reality that is serving my highest self, I plant seeds of vision, abundance, directness, health and wealth. Like the tree, I rise rooted, flexible, focused, and free.”

Release what’s stagnant and take in new life!

🏃‍♀️ Supportive Movement:

☯️ Activation of Liver and Gallbladder channels through massage, gentle pressure and stretching.

• Massage: The gallbladder channel runs and weaves through the skull and around the ear (see photo). I love to use my gua sha tool in the shower each morning and I pay special attention to these areas to get the qi moving.

• Side body stretches: Twists, and movements that open the hips, ribcage, and flanks these areas also correspond to the Liver & Gallbladder channels. Think: yoga flows, especially twists, side bends, and hip openers (like Triangle Pose, Pigeon, Seated Twist). I LOVE getting a yoga block out and doing chest opener, they get me every time. For a bit more fun, pair this with a little bit of canna and you’re in for a treat ;)

• Qi Gong: Gentle movements release tension and promote emotional and energetic flow. An easy way to get started on this is light tapping on the liver, the forehead or on the channel shared above.

• Cardio: Don’t shoot the messenger, get a hot girl walk in! Spring is about movement and waking up the body so by bouncing, skipping, or dancing lightly we can shake loose that liver stagnation and boost circulation. Listen to the birds, feel the wind on your face or plug in a feel good podcast, book or meditation. I’ve been loving listening to gratitudes. Listening to books, podcasts and learning while in active movement is an ADHD secret to getting it to stick in your brain! I’ve been using this trick daily to read through all my school textbooks and swear by it!

• Breathwork: You guys know I’m a Wim Hof girly, keep it simple, keep it consistent. Break up the Liver’s holds on anger, frustration, and unexpressed energy. Deep, intentional breathwork helps move stuck emotions and restores your bod.

🥢 Supportive Foods:

Wood Season Food Energetics, eat to: Move Liver Qi, gently detoxify the body, nourish and rebuild the blood, awaken digestion and find mental clarity.

Seasonal Flavors: Bitter, Sour, Lightly Pungent |Thermal Nature: Light, Warm, Slightly Cooling

Before we dive into a grocery list, I want to give you guys a core energetic theme:

• Lighten the load: Cook less, steam more, raw (if digestion allows)

• Eat upward, vibrant foods: Think greens, sprouts, fresh herbs

• Balance with warmth: Still use warming spices like ginger if you run cold

• Support flow: Meals should feel energizing, not heavy

Best preparation methods: Lightly steamed, Sautéed, Brothy, Infused, Raw (if tolerated)

• Bitter Greens (Wild + Cultivated) Dandelion greens, Mustard greens, Chicory, arugula, baby kale, Wild nettles (cooked!), Leafy greens.

  • Detoxifies

• Spring Alliums: Green garlic, garlic scapes, chives, wild onions

  • Support Liver, open the sinuses, move stuck energy

  • Use in pestos, sautés, broths, and to activate slow digestion

• Sprouts & Shoots: Pea shoots, sunflower sprouts, microgreens, fiddleheads

  • Echo spring’s upward energy

  • Nutrient-dense, light, and vibrant for Liver support

• Sour Flavors (small amounts): Rhubarb, vinegar-based dressings, lemon, wild berries (as they emerge)

  • Sour is the flavor of the Liver: it stimulates bile, tightens tissue, and encourages detox

  • Rhubarb compote with honey + rose? Pure Wood medicine.

• Mineral-Rich Broths + Infusions: Nettle, red clover, cleavers, dandelion root in broths or herbal teas

  • Fortify the blood, nourish after winter depletion, gently tonify Qi

  • Add spring greens to bone broth for deep seasonal medicine

I will make a separate post on this and link it here once complete.

• Light Proteins: Wild-caught salmon (as spring runs begin), trout, chicken, pheasant, rabbit, eggs, legumes

  • Choose proteins that support muscle repair and spring activation without weighing down digestion

  • Great paired with greens and bitter herbs

• Fermented & Cultured Foods: Fermented garlic honey, radish kimchi, sauerkraut, beet kvass

  • Move stagnation, support gut/Liver axis, and revitalize digestion

  • Think: a little sour with a little spice

• Flowers & Edibles from the Forest: Wild rose buds, fir tips, cherry blossoms, magnolia flowers

  • Offer gentle Liver-clearing, emotional opening, and seasonal joy

  • Use in teas, vinegars, salads, or as garnishes

🌱 Supportive Herbs:

• Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinale) Bitter and detoxifying — classic Liver-supporting herb. Helps move stagnation, support bile flow, and ease skin and digestive issues. Great as a tea or tincture. Emotionally clears heat from frustration + irritability.

• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Strengthens and protects liver cells, especially helpful after stress or toxin exposure. Supports regeneration and Liver resilience. Energetically: supports forgiveness and self-compassion.

• Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) Mineral-rich tonic that supports the blood and clears residual winter dampness. Strengthens vitality and supports the transition into spring. Grounds scattered energy, especially when you’re feeling overextended.

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Nervine that soothes overstimulation, anxiety, and irritability. Calms spasms, tension, and nervous energy — often tied to Wood imbalance. Emotionally, it softens reactive or frayed edges — good for “hot-headed” Liver Qi rising. I’ve been using this lately for my headaches with great success!

• Cleavers (Galium aparine) Gentle lymphatic and urinary tonic. Supports detoxification and the Liver’s secondary elimination pathways. Encourages easeful flow on both physical and emotional levels.

• Chrysanthemum Flower (Ju Hua – 菊花) Cooling and calming — clears Liver heat and supports the eyes. Often used for spring allergies, headaches, or red eyes. Emotionally cools anger and clears internal pressure, divine balancer.

• Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi – 五味子) Tonifies the Liver and balances the nervous system. Adaptogenic; brings clarity, focus, and emotional regulation. Great for creatives who need to anchor vision without overwhelm. Found in our STIMULATE blend.

• Turmeric (Jiang Huang) Moves Liver Qi and blood; anti-inflammatory and warming. Especially helpful for muscular tension or menstrual stagnation. Moves stuck emotions and uplifts a stagnant mood.

• Peppermint (Bo He – 薄荷) Cools Liver heat, soothes headaches, supports digestion. Light and dispersing — helps "unstick" stuck Qi. Refreshes the mind and lifts mental fog or frustration.

• It would be so rude if I made you do this all on your own wouldn’t it? Shameless plug for our ALCHEMIZE, your Liver’s bestie. This blend is focused on helping the liver let go. It features Turkey Tail, Dandelion root, Burdock, Milk thistle seed and Licorice root. 2 droppers full under the tongue or added into your morning hydration bev.

🍵 Supportive Bevs:

Mineral and Broth infusions: Use all broths as an opportunity to add in your seasonal herbs. Make medicine in each broth you come across. I couldn’t be more serious about this, I swear this is why we thrive at this house. I make broth every Sunday and take a moment to intuit what is outside/ around my apothecary that I can chunk in there to make it magical. This week it was nettles, we have so much!

Don’t have time for broth? Well we should dive into that but in the interim, make a nourishing infusion! 1Q of hot water to 1oz of dried herb (if using fresh fill the jar up).

My husband has been working on a Nettle Wine inspired by a post we saw from Pascal Baudar. I don’t currently have a wild yeast starter going as the recipe calls for so we are going to try and use a ginger bug, I believe he is also trying to see if he is able to capture yeast off pine needles he harvested. I will keep you posted via IG and perhaps another post here.

🧠 Supportive Thoughts:

If starting the New Year in January was difficult for you, if all of the goals you set for yourself fell off, bring that list back up and revisit it now. This is the season for goals, momentum and growth. Working with the seasons will bring you into your nature, you will find you are right on time, in the right place at the right time, filled with everything you need. Take it easy, drink some tea, head out for a walk, find your peace, enjoy the sunshine.

Chat again soon,

Cassandra

The art for thumbnail image was found via pinterest, in an effort to find the original artist i’ve come up short. If anyone has insight please leave me a comment so I can give credit to the beautiful work.