Learn how ancient wisdom can guide modern well-being by aligning with nature’s intricate patterns.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are a number of ways to assess a person’s health and identify any underlying imbalances causing illness. One of the diagnostic systems we use is the Five Phases or Wu Xing (Five Actions). These phases are basically a template that organizes all natural phenomena into five patterns in nature. The patterns or elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water and each has its own set of attributes such as season, climate, a direction, internal organs, body tissue, emotion, aspect of the soul, taste, color, sound, and food. The categories are limitless. By observing the cosmos, the Ancient Chinese found these qualities not only in the environment but also in every human being. Their spiritual path was to live in harmony with the natural world and for centuries elemental relationships guided them. Humans are an extension of nature and by understanding the interrelationships between the elements, a Chinese medicine specialist can aim to restore harmony and balance to all aspects of the body.
The Five Phases were first mentioned in the I Ching (The Book of Changes) sometime around the ninth century BCE in China, but many believe it predates this significantly. Some texts mention that it was farmers who actually uncovered the principles of the elements through tending their crops across seasons. In the centuries that followed, the phases went through many modifications and were integrated into the different branches of Chinese Medicine. These branches include: acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietetics and Taiji/Qi Gong and are all currently taught in Traditional Chinese Medicine programs around the world.
Understanding each element and their relationship between one another, is key. The interactions within them can either support or cause adverse symptoms when it comes to physical and mental health. Let’s look at the correspondences, interactions, and how they are all connected.
Expressions of the Five Elements
Wood symbolizes the energy of springtime – a time of birth and growth. The color green is associated with the liver and can be seen in all types of plants and trees in bloom. The liver stores blood and monitors the smooth flow of Qi. The gallbladder mainly stores and excretes bile and is responsible for the decision-making process and carrying out plans effectively. Imbalance can cause allergies, blurred vision, dry eyes, migraines, PMS, skin rash, impatient, indecisive, irritable.
Dietary and lifestyle guidance: incorporate some sour flavored foods such as lemon and lime, consume dark leafy greens, stay hydrated, consume less alcohol, control mental stress and stay physically active to move that Qi!
Fire is related to nature reaching its full potential; growth has reached maturity. Our fire aspect represents fulfillment or the complete expression of our being. The heart beholds the Mind/Consciousness (Shen) and governs blood and the vessels. The small intestine separates the clear from the turbid in the body such as absorbing nutrients from food and eliminating waste; mentally it is in charge of making clear decisions by distinguishing between what is beneficial and what is harmful. Imbalance can cause hot hands and feet, dizziness, heart palpitations, insomnia, cheerful, communicative, distractible, nervous, spontaneous.
Dietary and lifestyle guidance: eat bitter foods such as dandelion root and bitter melon, having cooling foods with your meals like cucumber, mint, watermelon and cilantro can help heat, moderately spicy foods like mild chili peppers, ginger and garlic can help circulation but avoid overly hot peppers, stress management and exercise is fundamental as well as healthy & positive relationships.
Earth represents a time of harvest and abundance which is a symbol of nourishment. The spleen produces Qi and blood and maintains the integrity of the body by holding everything together. The stomachs’ role is to break down food and liquids than transport it downward to the intestines and mentally has the same emotions of worry and overthinking of the spleen. Imbalance can cause: acid reflux, bad breath, sugar cravings, poor appetite, poor digestion (gas, nausea, bloating), difficulty in losing/gaining weight, chronic worry and overthinking.
Dietary and lifestyle guidance: enjoy naturally sweet foods such as bananas, dates, sweet potatoes, carrots and beets, have more warm cooked foods as they are easier to digest vs raw cold, try to eat meals at a regular time every day, chew thoroughly to ensure food is broken down and absorbed efficiently, prioritize emotional balance, practice moderate exercise such as walking and yoga and make sure to rest when possible.
Metal is the time of “letting go” as seen in nature when growth subsides and turns inward. The lungs rule all aspects of breathing and is in charge of defensive qi (exterior qi that guards against illness). The large intestine excretes wastes from the body received by the small intestine, absorbs water and can have difficulty releasing emotions or resistance to change. Imbalance can cause: asthma, chronic cough, dry skin, weak voice, distant, disconnected, reserved.
Dietary and lifestyle guidance: eat pungent foods like onions, garlic, ginger, radishes and spicy peppers, drink plenty of water to keep the organs hydrated, breathing techniques can help strengthen the lungs, process grief in a healthy way such as talk therapy or a support group, make sure to consume enough fiber for daily bowel movements, exercise and sleep is always important.
Water symbolizes a time of connecting with the source of life; storing our natural resources and slowing down. The kidneys are responsible for growth, development and reproduction. The urinary bladder stores and excretes urine; mentally is associated with staying balanced in stressful situations. Imbalance can cause: low back pain, bladder infection, urinary difficulties, night sweats, ringing in ears, weak bones, fear, insecurity, secretive.
Dietary and lifestyle guidance: incorporate black foods like black beans, black sesame seeds, blackberries, and seaweed, have salty foods in moderation, stay hydrated for kidney function, in the winter season have warm and nourishing foods like bone broth, stews and roasted root vegetables, get plenty of rest and quality sleep and find emotional balance in journaling, mediation, yoga.
Do you see the pattern? By incorporating the right foods and lifestyle adjustments into your daily routine, it can help promote your overall well-being and vitality. For some, an intervention is needed whether it be western or eastern medicine therefore, it is suggested to contact a health care professional if you have any underlying health concerns.
Interaction of the Elements
In the diagram, you will see solid and dash lines between each element. Solid lines represent the generating cycle (Sheng) and dash lines represent the controlling cycle (Ko). In the sheng sequence, the phases nourish each other so they can grow and thrive. In the Ke sequence there is restraint between the phases so they do not become excessive.
As you see, everything is connected therefore it is important to take care of our health physically, mentally and spiritually. In simple terms, my advice is to:
1 – Eat a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, carbs, proteins and fats.
2 – Stay Hydrated!
3 – Do moderate exercise.
4 – Rest when your body is tired.
5 – Maintain healthy family and social relationships.
6 – Stay on top of stress management with mindfulness activities such as journaling or meditation.
7 – Live in harmony with the seasons.
8 – Get a good night’s sleep.
To your health!
Sonal Patel
Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist practicing in the Houston area. If you’re looking for natural, effective ways to heal and support your body and mind, let’s connect!
https://www.renewwithacupuncture.com
