Wood is one of the five elements of Chinese alchemy.

Wood's attributes are considered to be strength and flexibility, as with bamboo. It represents springtime when new growth sprouts from the earth. Its associated direction is east.

In Chinese medicine, wood is associated with feelings of anger or depression. Organs associated with this element are the liver (yin) and the gall bladder (yang).

In the regenerative cycle of the elements, Water engenders Wood. Wood begets Fire. Fire burns to Earth. Earth creates Metal and Metal gives way to Water.

Wood is characterized by the color brown or green. Wood heralds the beginning of life, springtime and buds, sensuality and fecundity. Wood’s influence affects the liver, the gallbladder and, by extension, the digestion. Wood needs moisture to thrive. Its two opposite yet equally emotional forces are rage and altruism. The Wood person will be expansive, outgoing and socially conscious.

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