The Elements

The five elements system of the ancient Chinese serves as an aid for understanding the limitless correspondences that pervade every facet of life. The five elements system was developed by Chinese sages who saw reality in terms of the most direct relationships between nature, humankind, and the elements. For instance they noted that kidney imbalance is related to fear and bone disorders.

Qi is unknown in Western medicine, but it is the vital energy or life force of your body and the universe. It keeps the blood circulating, warms the body and fights disease. Qi flows through certain channels forming a network within the entire body and linking all parts and functions together. The concept of Yin-Yang is probably the most vital piece of the Chinese medicine puzzle. Yin and Yang are opposites, yet they work together to make each of us complete.

WOOD/LIVER While the liver is found deep within the body but our dietary habits and emotions have a profound impact on it's functioning. The primary function of the liver network is to monitor flow, maintain evenness of emotions, clarity of judgment, giving grace and flexibility to the physical and mental body. People with a vital liver are calm, confident, and intuitive, having a clear vision of their own path in life and the patience to allow it to unfold.

People with a stagnant liver may have one or more of the following, distention, chronic indigestion, menstrual problems, neck/low back tension, eye problems, allergies, slow rising in AM, anger related emotions, nervous system problems, muscular pain, tendon problems.

METAL/LUNGS The lung is the intermediary organ between you and your environment and are the most exterior of the yin organs. The lungs receive the pure Qi of the air and mix it with the pure essences extracted from food and are involved with the rhythm of taking in and letting go in breathing but also in the formation of and dissolution of emotional attachments or bonds.

While there are many deficiencies associated with the lungs most prominent are, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma, thirst, weakness, fatigue, recurring illnesses.

FIRE/HEART The heart is considered the "Emperor/ FIRE/HEART The heart is considered the "Emperor" organ, the most important of all organs. The primary functions of the" organ, the most important of all organs. The primary functions of the heart network are housing the Mind and governing blood. These are complementary functions because of the mutual influence between the Mind and Blood.

Mental wandering, insomnia, memory loss, irrational behavior, palpitations, cold signs, are just a few of the imbalances that can happen due to a weak heart.

EARTH/SPLEEN/PANCREAS/STOMACH The Inner Classic (an ancient Chinese text) defines the major relationships of the Earth element: The mysterious forces of the earth create moisture in the Heaven and fertile soil upon the Earth; they create the flesh within the body and the stomach, spleen [and pancreas]. They create the yellow color…and give the voice the ability to sing…they create the mouth [the ability to taste], the sweet flavor, and the emotions of anxiety and worry. The Earth elements related organs are the spleen/pancreas and stomach. The season of the Earth element is late summer/fall. A balanced Earth element presents as a person who is hard working, practical and responsible. This person likes to nurture themselves and others. They are strong, active and stable with strong endurance, good appetites and digestion. They are strong of limb and tend to be orderly and careful. They are creative and have fertile imaginations.

General signs of an Earth imbalance are characterized by fatigue, mental and physical lethargy and compulsive sense of being stuck that prevents them from fully developing their personalities. Typically they have weak digestion often accompanied by nausea, decreased appetite abdominal bloating and loose stools. They may also have blood sugar imbalances. They tend to be overweight without overeating or thin and unable to gain weight. They tend to have a sloppy appearance, live in a chaotic order and accumulate useless possessions.

WATER/KIDNEYSThe Inner Classic states: The forces of winter create cold in Heaven and water on Earth. They create the kidney organ and the bones within the body…the emotion fear, and the ability to make a groaning sound. They create the black color. The season of Water is winter. The tastes of the water element is salty and bitter. The water element’s organs are the kidneys and urinary bladder. The kidneys are considered viewed as the root and foundation of the body.

A person with healthy water element presents as active yet calm, courageous yet gentle and can accomplish a great deal without a lot of stress. These people balance assertive action with an ability to nurture.

General signs of a water imbalance include: all bone problems, especially low back, knees and teeth. Ear disorders such as hearing problems, ear infections or other ear related disorders. Head hair problems such as hair loss, premature graying split ends. Excessive fear or anxiety. Urinary problems, sexual or reproductive problems or premature aging are also signs of a water/kidney weakness.