There are 5 primary elements in Chinese medicine: they exist in everything, everyone, and are essential for life.
Just like in our environment, the elements are constantly shifting and changing within us. We are a microcosm of the natural world that surrounds us. If we study nature and its cycles, we can learn how to support our own health with the five element theory.
The five elements correspond to different aspects of the natural world and the body. Each element has special associations with particular areas of life, certain emotions, personalities, shapes, colors, seasons, and organ systems in the body. Wood, for example, corresponds to spring and wind in nature, and to the liver, gall bladder, eyes and tendons in the body.
This Five Element theory has been used for over 2,000 years as a method of diagnosis and treatment, and helps to explain the processes that are occurring in the body throughout various stages of disease and healing. Good health happens when these five elements are balanced and working together in harmony.
the five elements
earth
is a gentle rolling hill, a long golden beach, or a staggering mountain range. Within us, Earth is family and friends. It is the fabric of life that we create and nurture with integrity. Earth generates Metal.
organ pair: spleen, stomach
season: late summer
fire
is brilliant and inclusive. Like Summer, it is abundant with the hum of bees and long full days, trembling with vibrant life. Within us, Fire is humor, affection, joy and imagination. Fire generates Earth.
organ pair: heart, small intestine
season: summer
metal
is the rock on a high mounting peak. It is the time of Fall, of nature withering and returning to the soil. Within us, Metal is discipline, efficiency, and order. It is the ability to be selfless. Metal generates Water.
organ pair: lungs, large intestine
season: fall
water
is a quiet stream, a torrential rain, and the powerful rolling ocean. It is the hidden depths of strength, much like the Winter. All is in hibernation. Within us, it is introspection, independence, tenacity, and wisdom. Water generates Wood.
organ pair: kidneys, urinary bladder
season: winter
wood
is a forceful wind or a graceful magnolia tree reaching for the sky. It is Spring with birth and growth. Within us, Wood instigates motivation, assertion and movement to reach our goals. Wood generates Fire.
organ pair: liver, gall bladder
season: spring
Check out our other articles on seasonal health to learn how to keep the five elements in harmony:
“Winter and the Water Element: A Chinese Medical Perspective to Seasonal Wellbeing”
“Why Fall Is The Perfect Time To Tidy Up (and other lessons from the metal element)”
