The Mystery of the 5 Elements, Explained: Introduction

The Ancient Chinese observed nature gathering insights into the mysterious inner workings of the human body

In the natural world, the ancient Chinese healers discovered 5 Elements; Fire, Wood, Earth, Metal and Water. Since humans are also creations of nature, they determined that we also possess these elements within us. The elements are expressed via particular organs, diagnostic patterns and even have their own personality traits. As a practitioner, we can utilize the characteristics of the 5 Elements to asses our patients as another diagnostic tool.

This is a fascinating aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine that I’m excited to share in this 6-part blog series.

The Creation or Support Cycle

Surprise, surprise, like the interconnectedness we observe in nature, the 5 Elements are no different. The Elements ideally should move in a cyclical motion, allowing an Element to nurture the Element that comes next.

Water Nurtures Wood (waters the plant)

Wood can make Fire

Fire generates Earth (ashes)

Earth brings forth Metal (buried deep in the Earth, refinement)

Metal produces Water (minerals in the ocean or heated to become liquid)

The Control or Restraint Cycle

To ensure that all the elements are being supported, sometimes restraints are put in place to achieve balance. Each element has its strengths and its weaknesses, especially in relation to one another, and this can be manipulated therapeutically to get the ideal Creation cycle back on track.

Water puts out Fire

Fire melts Metal

Metal cuts/chops Wood

Wood overcomes/shovels Earth

Earth can divert/contain Water (earthen pot or a concrete dam)

The Elements correspond to the following organs

Fire = The Heart

Wood = The Liver

Earth = The Spleen

Metal = The Lungs

Water = The Kidneys

Each organ is married to another organ that also shares their element:

Fire = The Small Intestines

Wood = The Gallbladder

Earth = The Stomach

Metal = The Large Intestines

Water = The Bladder

Please note, that Traditional Chinese Medicine views these organs differently from western medicine. They have similar, but often different descriptions of their physiological functions. They are also said to contain a Spirit, have emotional characteristics, prefer different flavours and even have a different time of day or night when their energy is at its zenith.

For this series, all I ask, dear readers, is to keep an open mind and recognize that these theories are not of the western world but evolved from the ancient Chinese culture of the east. If you’d like to learn more, Book an acupuncture session Here.