Five-element theory, also referred to as Wu Xing or the five phases, has been part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. The theory outlines the relationship between the different elements in nature and the life force, or “qi,” that flows through them. The Five Element theory describes wood, fire, earth, metal, and water as the basic elements of the material world. In Chinese medicine, elements help us understand the patient and their personality. It also helps us determine the best and most effective treatment plan.
What are the Five Elements
The Five Elements are not static descriptions but described dynamic interactions. Each element is a description of one phase of constant movement. Each phase maintains a relative kinetic balance with the rest. The 5 Elements are continually evolving and changing within you, and some elements become stronger and more dominant at different stages in life. The five elements help explain physiology and pathology within the body. Each element has unique characteristics and is associated with the season, weather, color, personality type, and symptoms/disease states.
Wood
If you are a “Wood Personality,” you may be someone who is athletic, energetic, and adventurous. The body type of a wood personality is generally well-muscled. Wood personalities tend to be anxious and angry. Wood personalities may suffer from orthopedic issues, TMJ, migraines, or ADD.
Organs: Liver & Gallbladder
Season: Spring
Weather: Wind
Direction: East
Emotion: Anger
Color: Blue/Green
Taste: Sour
Sound: Shouting
Sense Organ: Eye
Sensation: Vision
Body Tissue: tendons, sinews
Fire
A “fire personality” consists of someone who is passionate, creative, and authoritative. Their body structure may be round in the middle with a pointy top. Fire personalities tend to be impulsive and irritable. Fire personalities may suffer from insomnia, high blood pressure, chest pains, or headaches.
Organs: Heart, Small Intestine
Season: Summer
Weather: Heat
Direction: South
Emotion: Joy
Color: Red
Taste: Bitter, Burned
Sound: Laughing
Sense Organ: Tongue
Sensation: Taste
Body Tissue: Vessels
Earth
An “earth personality” is someone who is nurturing, generous, and caregiving. Their body structure may be round and fleshy. Earth personalities tend to be worrisome and pensive. Earth personalities may suffer from abdominal issues or hormonal problems.
Organ: Spleen, Stomach
Season: Late Summer/Harvest
Weather: Damp
Direction: Center
Emotion: Worry
Color: Yellow
Taste: Sweet
Sound: Singing
Sense Organ: Mouth, Lips
Sensation: Touch
Body Tissue: Muscles, Flesh
Metal
A “metal personality” is someone who is meticulous, honest, and responsible. Their body structure may be somewhat angular and tall. Metal personalities tend to be melancholy. Metal personalities may suffer from constipation, lung & skin issues, or allergies.
Organ: Lung, Large Intestine
Season: Autumn
Weather: Dry
Direction: West
Emotion: Grief
Color: White
Taste: Spicy
Sound: Weeping
Sense Organ: Nose
Sensation: Smell
Body Tissue: Skin
Water
Water personalities are old souls. They are wise, reflective, and private. Their body structure may be puffy and round. Water personalities tend to be indecisive, fearful, and paranoid. Water personalities may suffer from back pain, knee pain, and kidney & bladder infections.
Organ: Kidney, Bladder
Season: Winter
Weather: Cold
Direction: North
Emotion: Fear
Color: Black, Dark Blue
Taste: Salty
Sound: Groaning
Sense Organ: Ear
Sensation: Hearing, Balance
Body Tissue: Bone, marrow (CNS)
Connection
The Elements are all connected. Wood feeds Fire, Fire makes Earth, Earth creates Metal, Metal holds Water, and Water nourishes Wood. Wood roots Earth, Earth dams Water, Water extinguishes Fire, Fire melts Metal, and Metal cuts Wood. Each element both controls and is controlled by another element. The system is connected, moving, and constantly in a process of balance. One element may manifest heavier within us than others. This is where we are strongest, yet most vulnerable.
The Elements and Your Treatment Plan
When elements become unbalanced, symptoms and diseases start to develop. The Five Elements help us understand imbalances within the body and where shifts need to occur to restore balance. All of the information that the practitioner gathers will be viewed comprehensively using the five elements model. For example, if a patient has a yellow cast to their complexion and is experiencing bloating, lethargy, and muddled thinking, the practitioner will examine the Earth element more closely (the spleen and stomach). The five elements theory is a sophisticated system developed over millennia in China. Modern TCM practitioners use this wisdom to treat patients safely, without invasive surgery or the harmful side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Remember that every person is a fusion of the elements, and in order to be truly healthy, these elements need to be balanced.
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