Source / Jingxin Reading (ID: JXYDH8)
The Five Elements are interrelated through generation and overcoming.
The Five Elements are interrelated through generation and overcoming.Generation: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood, representing development.Overcoming: Wood overcomes Earth, Earth overcomes Water, Water overcomes Fire, Fire overcomes Metal, Metal overcomes Wood, representing balance.In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we emphasize the “Five Elements, Five Qi, Five Organs, Five Flavors, and Five Colors”; they are interconnected, mutually supportive, and engage in generation and overcoming.The harmony of the Five Elements directly affects bodily functions; any imbalance can lead to corresponding physical symptoms. Therefore, understanding the Five Elements of the body is essential for health.
Wood
WoodSeason of Wood:Spring.Organs associated with Wood: Liver, Gallbladder, Eyes. When working too hard, the first organ to maintain is the liver. The liver is the organ that stores blood in the body; if you work hard, it must work hard to store blood.The Five Elements originally generate in the direction of Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. If the liver is overworked and weak, it affects the Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney, and the accumulated anger from overwork can also harm the liver.Therefore, snacks during overtime work can include sour foods, such as preserved plums. If any organ associated with Wood feels uncomfortable, consuming more green foods associated with Wood can be beneficial.These foods correspond to the liver and gallbladder, containing a large amount of chlorophyll, vitamins, and fiber, which can help the organs accelerate the elimination of toxins from the body.Emotions associated with Wood: Anger.Flavor associated with Wood: Sour.Foods associated with Wood: Green foods.Recommended foods: Cabbage, Bok Choy, and Spinach.
Fire
FireSeason of Fire:Summer.Organs associated with Fire: Heart, Small Intestine, Tongue.Emotions associated with Fire: Joy.Flavor associated with Fire: Bitter.Foods associated with Fire: Red foods. The heart belongs to Fire, and during this time, it is easy to have excess heat, restlessness, and increased heart rate, which adds burden to the heart. Therefore, it is crucial to nourish the heart in summer.In addition to consuming heart-nourishing foods, according to the principle of overcoming in the Five Elements, the Kidney overcomes Heart Fire, so nourishing Kidney Qi in winter is a wise approach.To nourish the heart, it is best to eat red foods, which correspond to the red blood and the heart responsible for blood circulation. Those with poor complexion and cold extremities can benefit from consuming more.Recommended foods: Red beans, Red dates, Carrots, Red peppers, Tomatoes.
Earth
EarthSeason of Earth:Late Summer. This refers to the period in summer when the dry heat passes and it begins to rain.Organs associated with Earth: Spleen, Stomach, Mouth.Emotions associated with Earth: Worry.Flavor associated with Earth: Sweet.
Foods associated with Earth: Yellow foods. Late summer is the wettest time of the year. Excess humidity can harm the Spleen and Stomach, and when the Spleen and Stomach are affected, appetite is influenced, which is why we often lack appetite in the peak of summer.
During this time, the diet should include “more sweet and more bitter”; consuming sweet foods can replenish Spleen Qi. According to the Five Elements, the Fire of the Heart nourishes the Earth of the Spleen, and consuming bitter foods that strengthen the heart also benefits the Spleen.
Problems with Earth organs correspond to yellow foods. The Spleen and Stomach play the role of nutrient providers in the body; when they are well-regulated, Qi and blood will be abundant.Recommended foods: Oranges, Pumpkins, Corn, Yellow soybeans, Sweet potatoes.
MetalMetalSeason of Metal:Autumn. The lungs should be nourished the most in autumn, and the most common ailment is coughing, which is influenced by the spirit of the Five Elements. In autumn, plants begin to wither, which can easily lead to feelings of melancholy.Organs associated with Metal: Lungs, Large Intestine, Nose.Emotions associated with Metal: Sadness.Flavor associated with Metal: Pungent.Foods associated with Metal: White foods. Foods associated with Metal primarily correspond to the lungs, and most are white foods.They are generally neutral and cool in nature, which can strengthen the lungs and promote gastrointestinal motility, enhancing metabolism and giving skin elasticity and luster.Recommended foods: Pears, White radishes, Yam, Almonds, Lily bulbs, Tremella.
Water
WaterSeason of Water:Winter.Organs associated with Water: Kidneys, Bladder, Ears. Excessive dining out can harm the kidneys, which are the organs we care about the most. A common characteristic of chefs is the heavy use of oil and salt, which makes food more flavorful.However, salty flavor belongs to Water and is associated with the kidneys; in moderation, it is beneficial, but excessive consumption is detrimental. If the complexion is dark, it may indicate kidney issues.Emotions associated with Water: Fear.Flavor associated with Water: Salty.Foods associated with Water: Black foods. These foods correspond to the kidneys and bones, and regular consumption can help maintain normal metabolism related to the kidneys, bladder, and bones, preventing excess water retention that can cause edema and strengthening the bones.Recommended foods:Black beans, Black sesame, Blueberries, Mushrooms, Black dates, Longan, Dried plums. Please share and promote traditional Chinese culture!
– END –
