WOOD ELEMENT/SPRING DAILY PRACTICES

Drink lemon water upon waking to cleanse the liver.
Spring clean your home, your car, your office, and your life.
Get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose.
Spend time in nature.
Plant a garden. Grow indoor sprouts!
Eat lots of spring veggies and greens to freshen the body.
Be open to new people and opportunities as they arise.
Launch new projects in spring. Allow yourself to be open, flexible and adaptable.
Begin a stretching program to incorporate movement and flexibility into your days.

CRYSTALS THAT SUPPORT THE WOOD ELEMENT

GREEN JASPER - This stone breaks up accumulations related to the liver and gall bladder. It serves to promote elimination and detoxification of the mind, body and emotions.
GREEN JADE - This stone enhances the element of Wood. It fosters growth and assists in moving through cycles of transformation in life. Green Jade is known as a stone of intention connecting us to the palace of health.
PETRIFIED WOOD - Petrified Wood is known as the record keeper as it stands the test of time. It stabilizes the Hun, giving us access to the past and the future and engages with the collective consciousness.

Acupressure Points

Liver 3, Tai Chong, “Great Surge”
Located on the top of the foot in a depression distal to the junctions of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. This point provides a sense of security - knowing that nourishment is always available. As a source point, it brings just the right amount of fuel to the body.
Gall Bladder 41, Zu Lin Qi, "Foot Overlooking Tears"
Located on the lateral side of the top of the foot, proximal to the 4th metatarsophalangeal joint. This point clears away old, dead debris to make way for new beginnings.

FIRE ELEMENT/SUMMER DAILY PRACTICES

Dance, listen to music, move your body, delight yourself with being outside in the summer months.
Have FUN!
Connect with people who inspire and fascinate you.
Follow, develop and connect to your intuition.
Eat foods that make you feel cool and light.
Enjoy the fresh veggies and fruits that summer offers.

CRYSTALS THAT SUPPORT THE FIRE ELEMENT

FIRE AGATE - This stone regulates and disseminates Qi and fluids, by igniting transformative Fire trapped in the body. It serves serves and regulates the Triple Heater. Fire Agate is energized by the sun.
OBSIDIAN - Known as the "fire mountain stone" contains fire energy from deep within the earth. The Fire energy combined with the dark colors make the connection between the Heart and Kidneys. Obsidian has an ascending energy, drawing energy up and out, thus it is useful in treating all emotions.
SUNSTONE - This stone supports us during difficult times and reaffirms the faith that there is always hope. Additionally, it promoites Heart - Kidney communication and balances the Triple Heater.
HEMATITE - Hematite is associated with the Pericardium. It is the store that perpetuates the generations. The Pericardium affinity supports the ability to protect and heal oneself from the wounds of the world. Hematite is a grounding stone associated with the root chakra.

Acupressure Points

Heart 7, Shen Men, "Spirit Gate"
Heart 7 is located inside the wrist crease on the pinky side, medial to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. Like all gates, the "Spirit Gate" must open and close freely. The spirit must be able to move freely, responding appropriately to any need, within or without.
Small Intestine 3, Hou Xi, "Back Ravine"
This point is located on the pinky side of the hand at the transverse palmar crease where the red and white skin meet. By opening the spine via the Small Intestine, the heart is activated, which injects fire energy into the system so that the person can straighten their posture, strengthen their constitution, look up and then move forward in life with purpose.

Pericardium 6, Nei Guan, "Inner Pass"
This point is located centrally on the inside of the wrist, 2 cun above the wrist crease. As the messenger of the emperor, this point restores balance between the body and mind.
Triple Warmer 5, Waiguan, "Outer Pass"
Triple Warmer 5 is located on the back side of the forearm, 2 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist between the ulna and radius. The Outer Pass opens the gate between our internal environment and our external environment, balancing the two in harmony.

EARTH ELEMENT/LATE SUMMER DAILY PRACTICES

Engage in activities that build a sense of community.
Share your creations with others.
Be generous.
Connect with the earth.
Stay grounded and centered.
Be present.
Late summer marks the transition between the outward expression or spring and summer to the inward focus of autumn and winter.
Use the late summer to build strength in your body with your exercise routine, your diet and your disposition.
Be authentic, use your voice to share your truth and really hear others.
Have deep conversations.

CRYSTALS THAT SUPPORT THE EARTH ELEMENT

YELLOW JADE - It enhances the energy of Earth. Yellow Jade assists us in feeling comfortable in our "home", giving us the freedom do things the way we desire. It is useful in cultivating the virtue of loyalty, Zheng. This stone tonifies Spleen Qi.
STAUROLITE - Known as the "Fairy Cross", this constitutional stone works to harmonize the middle burner and resolve rebellious Qi. It can be carried as an amulet for good luck and protection.
MALACHITE - This stone harmonizes the middle burner. It tonifes Spleen and nourishes the Spleen's production of blood. It is very effective in cleansing one's energy field. Malachite has the power to make small things appear grand.
CITRINE - This stone is associated with the solar plexus chakra. It is used in tonifying and harmonizing Spleen Qi. It promotes self confidence and uplifts the emotions. Citine is also helpful in setting boundaries.

Acupressure Points

Spleen 4, Gongsun, "Yellow Emperor"
Spleen 4 is located on the medial side of the foot distal to the 1st metatarsal bone where the red and white skin meet. This point brings a sense of continuity through generations due to it's link to pre and post-Heavenly Qi.
Stomach 36, Zusanli, "Leg Three Li"
Stomach 36 is located four cun below the patella in the depression on the lateral side of the tibia. As one of the Sea of Nourishment points, this poing bestows longevity and endurance, conserving vitality and Qi.

METAL ELEMENT/AUTUMN DAILY PRACTICES

Meditate daily, focusing on your breath.
Welcome discipline, organization and order to your life.
Complete tasks and tie up loose ends.
Harvest the fruits of your labor.
Let go of anything that doesn't serve you.
Begin the seasonal process of turning within.
Engage in activities like contemplation, writing, reading and nurturing your family.

CRYSTALS THAT SUPPORT THE METAL ELEMENT

CLEAR QUARTZ CRYSTAL - Clear quartz crystals are great harmonizers of stone medicine. They are excellent conductors of energy. This stone strengthens the Lung - Kidney relationship. Clear quartz enhances meditation and contemplation.
BARITE - The Lung affinity brings the effect of Barite to the surface of the skin. It functions to clear dampness complicated by heat. The heaviness of barite is anchoring.
STALACTITE/STALAGMITE - The energy of stalactites/stalagmites are useful for moving stagnation. It helps give direction, especially to navigate a spiritual path. It is a stone of prophecy. It assists the Kidneys in grasping the Lung energy.
MOONSTONE - Moonstone is a very female stone. It represents the Sea of Yin and promotes the function of the Conception Vessel. It directs Lung Qi down to the Kidneys. The Lung affinity helps us to be naturally in sync with the cycles of the external world.

Acupressure Points

Lung 7, Lie Que, "Broken Sequence"
Lung 7 is located 1.5 cun above the wrist crease, superior to the styloid process of the radius. The "Broken Sequence" breaks patterns of repressing emotions and dispels grief, saddness and depression.
Large Intestine 4, He Gu, "Union Valley"
This point is located In the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side. A valley is a place where one can go to be receptive to the essential nature of life. The "Union Valley" joins the functions of receiving and letting go.  

WATER ELEMENT/WINTER DAILY PRACTICES

Enjoy foods that are warming and nourishing.
The winter season is a time of gestation, be certain to get lots of rest to rejuvinate yourself.
Be quiet with yourself and your energy.
Try not to launch new projects and ideas until springtime.
Focus on centering your energy and remaining grounded in exercise routines.

CRYSTALS THAT SUPPORT THE WATER ELEMENT

ONYX - This stone is associated with the Water element bringing it's energies to the lower pelvic region. Onyx benefits the sensory portals, especially through the aging process. Onyx is a stone for the brain, marrow and bones. It allows Kidney Qi to expand and circulate.
BLACK CALCITE - This stone resonates with the Kidney energy. Black Calcite addresses excessive adrenal activity and low estrogen levels.It absorbs heat well.
WATER SAPHIRE (Iolite) - This stone is detoxifying and heat clearing. It is useful in dispelling festering thoughts and obsessions. It facilitates forgiveness.
LABRADORITE - The darkness implies its connection to the Kidney Qi. It detoxifies and helps open the routes of elimination. It serves to bring out a person's warmth. It promotes intuition or inner knowing.
OPAL - Known as the "eggshell stone", eluding to it's fragility, Opal brings out vulnerability. It is a major stone in nourishing the Yin. The affinity of this stone is to the Essence, as well as the spirit of the Kidneys, Zhi, our willingness to live. It serves the Heart affinity indicative of hope. With the Kidney and Heart in communuication, there can be enthusiasm for life.

Acupressure Points

Kidney 1, Yongquan, "Bubbling Spring"
Kidney 1 is located on th sole, in depression of the foot between the base of the 2nd and 3rd toes. The bubbling spring brings a surge of energy which cleanses, revitalizes and brings youthfulness and effervescence to the body, mind and spirit.
Bladder 62, Shen Mai, "Extending Vessel"
This point is located in the depression below the lateral malleolus. The spirit of this point harmonizes the right and left, relaxing the sinews and calms the spirit.