Natural Medicine for Seasonal Transition ~ Wood Element Workshop

Learn how to take care of your body and mind as we transition into spring, a season connected to the element Wood and to the Liver & Gallbladder.

Sunday April 23rd from 11.00-15.00 at European Yoga & Wellness

Right after the hibernation and retraction of Water element (Winter) the Wood element arrives with Spring and we sprout out into our dreams and visions. The wood element invites us to manifest our deepest desires, and blossom into the life we want to live. This is the power of creation. The power of envisioning what you are here to be, and do. The tree has to be quite flexible in the branches so that it can dance in the winds of life. The liver wants to adapt to change, understand that not every vision has to be exactly the way we imagine it to be, reminding us that we need to be detached in the outcome/fruits of action.

Wood Element

The Wood element governs the emotional and intuitive body. When it is nourished and well balanced, we bend and yield if our body requires to and we stand up and are strong when we need to. Very often when the Wood element has been negatively affected, people feel as if they are not in control of their emotions. They are subject to fits of rage, or reside in unhappy thoughts. When a person feels stressed this is also an indication that the Wood element is out of balance.

Out of Balance

From a TCM perspective, an imbalance of the Wood element may result in not only emotional responses, but many physiological conditions as well. For women, this can be most pronounced in the regulation of the menstrual cycle. The Wood element, particularly the Liver, governs the menstrual flow and ovulation.

When the Wood element is not balanced, many of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome may arise. Painful periods, breast distention, moodiness, headaches on the sides temples of the head, are all a result of being out of balance. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, idiopathic infertility and fibroids are also among the possible long-term effects of an imbalanced Wood element.

For both genders, an imbalance in the Wood element can lead to headaches and migraines, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety attacks, and cardiovascular problems, to name a few. Long-term imbalance may also result in chronic fatigue as well as back and joint problems.

With the Wood element being out of balance, confidence turns to tyranny and motivation turns to confrontation. Planning can turn to reckless impulsiveness and courage turns to aggression. Ambition turns to arrogance and competitiveness can turns to pretentiousness.

Physical and Emotional Symptoms in the Wood Element Imbalance

- Easy anger - Frustration - Feeling “stuck” - Volatile emotions - Depression - Headaches - Migraines - PMS - Hormonal imbalances - Joint/Rib pain - Arthritis - High blood pressure

In Balance

The Wood Element will allow you the ability to burst forth with assertive drive. Be a highly confident and motivated person. Have the power to envision the future and you have incredible insight. When the Liver is soothed with abundant Qi and Blood that is able to flow freely, the Wood Element can be a powerful positive force throughout a lifetime. Great vision, the ability to plan, decisiveness, and the motivating factor to take action can all be attributed to the Wood Element.

The Liver is often called the Dreamer. When this element is in balance, dreams are awake in our spirits and our ability to envision growth in our lives is present. We also become very compassionate people and can even become great caretakers. Just like the seed envisions itself to become the great oak, so do we awaken to grow in such grandness in our lives.

~ During the workshop we will dive into ~

-Taoist & Traditional Chinese Medicine -Techniques to clear/strengthen the Liver and Gallbladder -Acupressure & other Self-massage techniques -Nutrition, Plant remedies, Herbs, Essential oils -Qi gong, Yin yoga & Pranayama practices

~ Seasonal Guide ~

You will receive a detailed 55pg pdf of all topics covered as well as a recorded meditation and Qi Gong practice focused on the wood element that you will have forever(:

This guide and the recorded practices can be accessed on donation basis for those who can’t make it in person

~ Location ~ European Yoga & Wellness Av. d'Auderghem 150, 1040 Etterbeek, Belgium

~ Contribution ~

The investment in yourself is Early bird €88 ~ until 17th April ~ Regular bird €99

Spaces are limited, reservation is necessary ~ reach out to save your spot

With love & respect Dunja / Mariana