The Chinese calendar marks September 8, 2025, as the beginning of the Yin Wood Rooster month, which is composed of the Yin Wood (Wind) trigram over the Yin Metal (Lake) trigram and represents Hexagram 61 of the I Ching. The Chinese calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. This hexagram is particularly significant in September 2025, the eighth month of the Chinese Year of the Yin Wood-Snake. This month is a convergence of the Yin Wood Year and the Yin Wood Month. The Yin Wood Rooster month extends until October 7, 2025.
The Yin Wood Rooster Month (Eighth Month, 2025): Inner Truth, Elemental Dynamics, and Health in the Year of the Yin Wood Snake
Introduction
As we enter the eighth month of the 2025 Chinese Calendar, we are greeted by the energies of the Yin Wood Rooster (乙酉) month, a period deeply resonant with the 61st hexagram of the I Ching—Zhong Fu (Inner Truth). This month is a unique convergence of cosmic, elemental, and seasonal influences, shaped by the interplay of the Wind (Wood) and Lake (Metal) trigrams, and further colored by the overarching Yin Wood Snake year. In this post, we will explore the intricate relationships between these elements, their impact on the body and mind, and practical guidance for harmonizing health in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The 61st Hexagram: Wind Over Lake—Zhong Fu (Inner Truth)
Hexagram 61, Zhong Fu, is formed by the Wind (☴, Xùn, Wood) trigram above and the Lake (☱, Duì, Metal) trigram below. This configuration symbolizes the gentle, penetrating influence of Wind over the receptive, reflective Lake. The core message is that true influence and harmony arise from sincerity, authenticity, and the alignment of inner truth with outer action. During the Yin Wood Rooster month, this hexagram encourages us to cultivate genuine self-expression, discernment, and heartfelt communication—especially as we navigate the tension between creative flexibility (Wood) and critical structure (Metal).
Five Element Theory: The Classical Relationship of Wood and Metal
The Ke (Controlling) Cycle
In the Five Element (Wu Xing) theory, Metal controls (restrains) Wood in the Ke cycle. This is classically illustrated by the image of an axe (Metal) cutting a tree (Wood). In the body, this dynamic is embodied by the Lungs (Metal) and Large Intestine (Metal), exerting regulatory control over the Liver (Wood), Gallbladder (Wood), Pericardium, and San Jiao (Triple Burner, associated with lymphatic and endocrine systems).
Lungs and Large Intestine (Metal): Govern the intake and distribution of Qi, regulate water metabolism, and control the skin and elimination.
Liver and Gallbladder (Wood): Responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
When Metal is strong and balanced, it keeps Wood’s expansive tendencies in check, preventing Liver Qi stagnation, emotional volatility, and excessive upward movement of energy. Conversely, if Wood becomes excessive or Metal is weak, Wood may "insult" Metal, leading to respiratory issues, skin problems, or immune dysfunction.
Meridian Relationships: Yin Wood and Rooster are Yin Meridians. Yin Wood is considered excessive, and the Rooster is considered deficient.
Yin Wood Trigram: Jueyin Channel and Liver Organ
Liver Meridian (Foot Jueyin): Originates at the big toe, ascends the leg, circles the genitalia, enters the lower abdomen, curves around the stomach, enters the Liver, and connects with the Gallbladder. Internal branches penetrate the diaphragm, spread into the chest, ascend to the throat and eyes, and connect with the Lungs.
Internal Connections: The Liver meridian links with the Pericardium, San Jiao (lymphatic/endocrine), Lung, Gallbladder, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine. This network explains the Liver’s influence on vision, emotional regulation, digestion, reproductive health, and the movement of Qi throughout the body.
Rooster (Yin Metal): Hand Taiyin Lung Channel and Organ
Lung Meridian (Hand Taiyin): Begins in the middle jiao (abdomen), descends to the Large Intestine, ascends to the Lungs, passes through the throat, and emerges at the chest. It travels down the arm to the thumb, with a branch linking to the Large Intestine at the index finger.
Internal Connections: The Lung meridian is connected to the Spleen, Bladder, Large Intestine, Liver, and Stomach. This reflects the Lung’s role in respiration, immunity, elimination, and fluid regulation.
Shared Connection: The Large Intestine
Both the Liver and Lung meridians have internal branches connecting to the Large Intestine, highlighting their central role in the interplay between Wood and Metal. The Large Intestine is responsible for elimination and the final stage of digestion, and its health is crucial for maintaining the balance between the Liver’s upward, expansive energy and the Lung’s descending, dispersing function.
Interplay of Organs, Meridians, and Systems
Liver’s Internal Connections
Pericardium: Emotional regulation, protection of the Heart.
San Jiao: Lymphatic and endocrine regulation, fluid metabolism.
Lung: Qi movement, emotional interplay (anger/grief).
Gallbladder: Decision-making, bile secretion.
Large Intestine: Elimination, immune defense.
Small Intestine: Digestion, nutrient absorption.
Signs of Disharmony during September 2025:
Emotional volatility, irritability, frustration (Liver Qi stagnation).
Digestive disturbances, bloating, constipation (Liver-Large Intestine disharmony).
Menstrual irregularities, reproductive issues (Liver-San Jiao).
Respiratory symptoms, cough, chest tightness (Liver-Lung imbalance).
Lung’s Internal Connections
Spleen: Transformation and transportation of fluids, immunity.
Bladder: Water metabolism, elimination.
Large Intestine: Paired organ, elimination.
Liver: Qi regulation, emotional balance.
Stomach: Digestion, nutrient absorption.
Signs of Disharmony:
Dry cough, shortness of breath, and skin dryness (Lung deficiency).
Constipation, abdominal discomfort (Lung-Large Intestine).
Fatigue, poor appetite (Lung-Spleen).
Emotional sadness, grief, or inability to let go (Lung imbalance) .
Wind and Lake Trigrams: Influence on Channels and Meridians
Wind (Wood) Trigram
Influence: Promotes movement, flexibility, and change. Associated with the Liver (yin) and Gallbladder (yang) channels.
Imbalance: Excessive Wind can cause erratic heat and movement in the yang channels, manifesting as tremors, spasms, headaches, or emotional agitation.
Lake (Metal) Trigram
Influence: Governs openness, reflection, and boundaries. Associated with the Lung (yin) and Large Intestine (yang) channels.
Imbalance: Deficiency dryness in the yin meridians, leading to dry skin, dry cough, constipation, and vulnerability to external pathogens.
Wood Insulting Metal: Clinical Manifestations
When Wood (Liver) insults Metal (Lung), typical signs include:
Cough, chest tightness, asthma (Liver Qi invading Lung).
Emotional tension, irritability, and difficulty letting go.
Dryness of skin, throat, and mucous membranes.
Digestive stagnation, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Causative Factors: Emotional stress, overwork, poor diet, seasonal transitions, and unresolved grief or anger.
Cosmic and Energetic Influences: The Yin Wood Snake Year and Rooster Month
The Yin Wood Snake Year (2025)
Snake: Transformation, subtlety, strategic growth.
Yin Wood: Flexibility, adaptability, gentle expansion.
Influence: The Snake’s wisdom and transformative energy support the Rooster’s analytical and precise nature, encouraging strategic growth, leadership, and self-cultivation.
The Yin Wood Rooster Month
Amplified Wood Energy: Both the year and month share the Yin Wood stem, intensifying themes of growth, flexibility, and subtle influence.
Metal Trio: The Snake and Rooster are part of the "Metal Trio," supporting authority, recognition, and structured progress.
Seasonal Transition: September marks autumn in the Northern Hemisphere (Metal season) and spring in the Southern Hemisphere (Wood season), aligning with the Rooster’s themes of review, refinement, and preparation for new cycles.
Patterns of Weakness: Taiyin and Shaoyang Meridians and Organs
Taiyin (Lung, Spleen) Weakness
Manifestations: Fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, and susceptibility to colds and allergies.
Underlying Pattern: Deficiency and stagnation in the Spleen/Pancreas/Lungs, leading to impaired transformation and transportation of fluids and nutrients.
Shaoyang (Gallbladder, San Jiao) Weakness
Manifestations: Alternating chills and fever, hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, and hormonal imbalances.
Underlying Pattern: Weakness and stagnation in the Gallbladder/San Jiao (lymphatic/endocrine systems), affecting decision-making, fluid metabolism, and hormonal regulation.
The Yin Wei Meridian, P-6 (Neiguan), and the Pituitary Gland
Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel): Connects all Yin channels, nourishes Blood and Yin, and calms the mind. It is especially important for emotional and hormonal regulation.
P-6 (Neiguan): The opening point of the Yin Wei Mai, located on the inner forearm. Used for anxiety, insomnia, chest pain, and digestive issues. It is also linked to the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, influencing hormonal balance and emotional stability .
Pituitary Gland: Modern TCM interpretations associate the Yin Wei Mai and P-6 with the pituitary gland, highlighting their role in neuroendocrine regulation and the management of stress, mood, and hormonal cycles.
Disharmony Patterns: Emotional instability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, and symptoms related to Blood and Yin deficiency.
Vertebral Imbalances: C2, T3, and T11
C2 (Axis): Associated with the Bladder meridian, affecting head/neck rotation, and linked to Liver and Kidney imbalances. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and visual disturbances.
T3: Corresponds to the Lung back-shu point (BL13), influencing respiratory health, immune function, and emotional states (grief, sadness).
T11: Near the Spleen (BL20) and Kidney (BL23) back-shu points, affecting digestion, energy, and reproductive health.
Clinical Relevance: Misalignments at these segments can disrupt the flow of Qi and Blood, leading to systemic symptoms in the Liver, Lung, Spleen, and Kidney organs.
Seasonal Health Patterns and Recommendations
Northern Hemisphere (Autumn)
Health Focus: Protect the Lungs, boost immunity, and prepare for colder months. Respiratory illnesses and allergies (ragweed, mold) are common. Mood changes (SAD) may occur as days shorten.
Diet: Emphasize warm, cooked foods (soups, stews), white-colored foods (pears, daikon, tofu), and pungent flavors (onion, garlic, ginger) to moisten the Lungs and support Metal.
Lifestyle: Maintain physical activity, practice breathwork, and manage stress. Go to bed early to support Lung and Liver restoration. Begin TCM herbal protocols to protect the respiratory system.
Southern Hemisphere (Spring)
Health Focus: Support Liver and Gallbladder, detoxify, and prepare for increased activity. Allergies (pollen) and asthma may flare as plants bloom.
Diet: Favor leafy greens, sour flavors (lemon, vinegar), and detoxifying foods (cruciferous vegetables, dandelion greens) to support Wood.
Lifestyle: Increase outdoor activity, practice stretching and creative movement, and engage in emotional release techniques. Complete flu vaccinations if not already done .
Interplay of Systems, Channels, and Common Conditions
The Yin Wood Rooster month is characterized by weakness, deficiency, and stagnation in the Spleen/Pancreas/Lungs (Taiyin) and Gallbladder/San Jiao (Shaoyang). The Large Intestine serves as a common internal connection, mediating the relationship between Wood and Metal.
Common Conditions:
Respiratory issues (cough, asthma, allergies)
Digestive disturbances (bloating, constipation, IBS)
Emotional imbalances (irritability, sadness, anxiety)
Hormonal and lymphatic dysfunction (PMS, fluid retention)
Skin dryness, eczema, or rashes
Musculoskeletal pain (especially neck, upper back, and lower thoracic regions)
Underlying Patterns:
Qi stagnation and deficiency in the Liver, Lung, Spleen, and Gallbladder
Blood and Yin deficiency, especially affecting emotional and hormonal health
Disrupted flow of Qi and Blood due to vertebral misalignments at C2, T3, and T11
Practical Recommendations for September 2025
Diet
For Wood (Liver) Support: Leafy greens, sour foods, cruciferous vegetables, dandelion, chrysanthemum, lemon water.
For Metal (Lung) Support: Pears, daikon, tofu, ginger, garlic, warm soups, and stews.
Balance Flavors: Incorporate both sour (Wood) and pungent (Metal) flavors. Avoid greasy, fried, and overly processed foods.
Lifestyle
Movement: Alternate between dynamic exercise (running, swimming, yoga) and reflective practices (meditation, breathwork).
Emotional Health: Practice mindfulness, journaling, and creative expression to process anger (Wood) and grief (Metal).
Acupuncture: Consider treatments focusing on the Liver, Lung, Large Intestine, and Yin Wei Mai (P-6) to harmonize Qi, support emotional balance, and address hormonal issues.
Spinal Health: Address vertebral imbalances with acupuncture, tuina, tai-chi, or qi gong, especially at C2, T3, and T11.
Conclusion
The Yin Wood Rooster month of 2025, under the guidance of Hexagram 61, invites us to align our inner truth with outer action, harmonize the dynamic between Wood and Metal, and attend to the subtle interplay of our organ systems and meridians. By understanding the cosmic, elemental, and seasonal influences at play, and by adopting supportive dietary and lifestyle practices, we can navigate this period with greater health, clarity, and authenticity—whether we are preparing for autumn in the north or embracing spring in the south.
May this month be a time of sincere self-cultivation, gentle transformation, and harmonious connection within and without.
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