In the last few weeks I have noticed dissolutions or troubling times within numerous relationships in my friends and acquaintances. I couldn't help but question why all this  -- all at once. THEN I took notice of everything going on in the weather lately. It has certainly been a winter of highs and lows here in the northern part of the Midwest, to say the least. In Chicago we have had record breaking snow storms and low temps, a brief stint over St. Patrick's weekend (as Chicago celebrates an entire week!) where the weather shot up to the 60's, only to dive back into freezing days later.


Part of Chinese medicine therapy is based on Five Element Theory. If you are new to this concept, many "things" can be broken down into five categories (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) that interrelate according to the five elements. In attempt to simplify, let's focus on this season's element:

Wood: 
- Action: Growth
- Season: Spring
- Color: Green
- Taste: Sour
- Emotion: Anger
- Voice: Shout

Can you see where things are headed? As temperatures warm and the world around us thaws, there is a surge of growth. As flowers begin to emerge from the ground, so do our emotions that may have been suppressed over the winter begin to rise upward and outward. How do these manifest if our body is not well-balanced? People may be easily agitated, have general moodiness, involve themselves in arguments or feel depressed and confused. Of course those most affected by our emotions are our family members and loved ones. 


On the flip side, once our bodies are healthy and balanced, spring offers a beautiful opportunity for imagination to flourish and to harness and grow our visions. It is an active season -- allowing a prime setting for taking on projects, spending time outside and being active.