The 5 Elements - TCM
Understanding the dynamic relationships and interactions within the natural world and the human body.
The elements provide a framework for understanding patterns and relationships, but their application is individualized based on the specific needs and imbalances of each person.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are five elements that govern the functioning of the body and its various systems.
These elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element represents a specific set of organs, emotions, senses, colors, and tastes.
Wood represents the liver and gallbladder organs, and is associated with the emotions of anger and frustration. The Wood element is connected to the eyes, tendons, muscles, and sense of sight, and it is associated with the taste of sourness.
Fire represents the heart and small intestine organs, and is associated with the emotions of joy and excitement. The Fire element is connected to the tongue, blood vessels, heart rate, and sense of touch, and it is associated with the taste of bitterness.
Earth represents the spleen and stomach organs, and is associated with the emotions of worry and overthinking. The Earth element is connected to the mouth, lips, muscles, and sense of taste, and it is associated with the taste of sweetness.
Metal represents the lungs and large intestine organs, and is associated with the emotions of grief and sadness. The Metal element is connected to the nose, skin, immune system, and sense of smell, and it is associated with the taste of spiciness.
Water represents the kidneys and bladder organs, and is associated with the emotions of fear and anxiety. The Water element is connected to the ears, bones, reproductive system, and sense of hearing, and it is associated with the taste of saltiness.
In TCM, these elements interact with each other in a cyclical and complementary manner, known as the Five Element Cycle. Each element controls and is controlled by another element in the cycle. For example, Wood controls Earth, Fire controls Metal, Earth controls Water, Metal controls Wood, and Water controls Fire. Proper balance and harmony of these elements is integral to overall health and wellness in TCM.