5 Element Overview and the Wood Element

Widad Nash Author

TCM is based on the principle that mental and physical well-being are intricately entwined. It is believed that optimal health is governed by balancing a person'sChi (vital life force) with the complementary forces of yin (passive) and yang (active) and the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.

This brief introduction provides an overview of the Chinese philosophical tradition that formed the basis for the development of the Five Element Theory

The ancient Chinese believed that the universe is filled with a fundamental energy or Vital life Force called ‘Chi’.It is an invisible force that gives life to all living matter.This energy is believed to flow through all things, our universe, our environment, our homes and it also flows in our bodies in special pathways called acupuncture ‘Meridians’.
This vital energy is the Fundamental Basis of Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM). The aim of TCM is to regulate, harmonize and enhance the ‘Vital Life Force Energy’ within the person.

The ancient Chinese believed that the foundation of life was ‘Chi’ energy and within this energy is contained the dual characters of Yin and Yang, ever changing, interactive motion, creation and transformation.
They represent the dynamic balance of opposing but complementary interconnected forces of Nature, neither is able to exist without each other.

There is no balance in the universe without Yin & Yang.
Yang is Active, Day, hot, fire, loud. summer, aggressive, expansive, it pushes out, Centrifugal.
Yin is Passive, Night, cold, winter, quiet, contractive, sedating, it pulls in Centripetal.

In the body we may feel the effects such as:
Too much Yang may cause headaches, pains, high fever, bad temper.
Too much Yin may cause, poor circulation, tiredness, slow immune system, depression.

Everything in the universe is made up of energy such as atoms and molecules, that contain information and vibrates at certain frequencies. But most of us go about our daily lives not really thinking about the fact they we are energetic beings with a human energy field surrounding us. We can therefore understand how this invisible world of energy has such a powerful influence on our physical and emotional health:
The ancient Chinese masters and scholars knew this long before Quantum physics confirmed that everything is made is of energy.

These fields are measured and recalibrated in the ACMOS Method

The Ancient Chinese Further developed their theory of the natural World beyond the duality of Yin and Yang, into the Five Phases or Five Element Theory, which are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, they outline the relationship between the different elements in nature and the life force of ‘Chi’ that flows through them.

When the studies were further developed it allowed the Physician of those times to be able to understand how the human body worked. They understood how the inner energies flowed within, how the Five Elements or phases influenced the functioning of the organs, how disease started and how blocked ‘Chi’ could be rebalanced and regulated to return a person to healing and health.

The Five Element theory gives us a way to understand and connect with our place in the cosmos as living beings. We are creatures of the earth, governed by the same cycles of change that influence all life: the growth and productivity of Spring, Birth, the maturation and intense activity of Summer, Growth, the harvest and abundance of Late Summer, Maturation the lying back and letting go of Autumn, Death, the dormancy and inwardness of Winter, Rebirth.

The 5 Elements interact according to patterns of generation and Control
The Sheng Cycle: is the nourishing and supporting cycle of each element.
The Ko Cycle: is the regulating and controling cycle of each element.Balance is maintained through these cycles.

In this Blog we will start with a description of The Wood Element

The Wood Element or phase, is in Sprıng which is infused with the upward movement of growth and development. Over the course of our lives, we equate this period to childhood through adolescence.
The colour is Green
The Liver and it’s partner the Gallbladder are the organs that correspond to the Wood Element.

Liver is responsible for the storage of Blood , flow of ‘Chi,’ and evenness of temperament. When the Liver is disturbed, there may be tension in the neck and shoulders , headaches, cramps, moodiness, PMS, high blood pressure, brittle nails, also anger, moodiness, or impulsive behaviour.

The eyes are the sensory organ related to the Liver.
If you have any eye issues, including blurry vision, red or dry eyes, itchy eyes, also a yellowish tint in the eyes these may be signs that deep down your Liver is not functioning smoothly.

The tendons are the tissue associated with the Liver.
TCM says that strength comes from the tendons, not muscles. Be like the cat that is strong, agile, and flexible, not the cow, which has huge muscles but little real strength.

The taste that corresponds to and supports the Liver is sour.
If you crave sour foods, that may be your Liver communicating that it needs an extra boost, so be sure to include high-quality vinegar and sweet and sour recipes in your diet.

Diet.
After the winter it is a good idea to do a gentle cleanse to your liver: Add Spring Greens to your diet: Beetroot is excellent for the blood. Chamomille, Peppermint and Green Teas can also support liver cleansing.

Anger is the emotion associated with the Liver.
The liver is the organ that is most affected by excess stress or emotions. If you are chronically irritable and get angry easily, or have trouble reasoning and letting things go, you could be experiencing an imbalance of the Liver function. Try to understand why you are angry. Feel that anger without suppressing it and without venting it. The energy that you get in touch with can be a powerful fuel for action.

Wood energy is easy to see in a person, they are active,athletic, and intense.

Intensity is the key word for wood energy. Not using this energy is depressed wood.

Wood Qualities: goal setter, achiever, planner, visionary, go getter, task oriented, list maker.

Wood Downfalls: over achiever, control freak, “it’s my way or the highway” attitude, Impatient, irritable, frustrated easily. They can be quick, and hot tempered.

Simple Tips for Everyday Liver Health.

• Stay calm, especially during the spring. Don’t get caught up in spring’s intense new energies! Take things easy and go slow; take a nice long walk in the park or do other gentle exercises to relax your mind, body, and spirit, instead of hard and fast exercises which overwork or overstretch the tendons, causing them to eventually lose their flexibility, impacting the Liver function of being “flexible.”
• Avoid alcohol! Because the Liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, drinking in moderation can go a long way towards preserving your Liver’s energy and giving it a break.