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Editor: Sheng Tang Hui Huang
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The Five Elements (Wu Xing) are interrelated through generation and restriction.Generation: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood, representing development.Restriction: Wood restrains Earth, Earth restrains Water, Water restrains Fire, Fire restrains Metal, Metal restrains Wood, representing balance.In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we emphasize the “Five Elements, Five Qi, Five Organs, Five Tastes, and Five Colors”; they are interconnected, mutually supportive, and engage in generation and restriction.The harmony of the Five Elements directly affects bodily functions; any imbalance can lead to corresponding physical symptoms. Therefore, understanding the Five Elements in the body is essential for health.
01
Wood
Season associated with Wood: Spring.Organs associated with Wood: Liver, Gallbladder, Eyes. When overworked, the first organ to maintain is the liver, as it 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 order of Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. If the Liver is overworked and weak, it affects the Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney, and 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 is beneficial.These foods correspond to the Liver and Gallbladder, containing abundant chlorophyll, vitamins, and fiber, which can assist the organs in expelling toxins from the body.Emotions associated with Wood: Anger.Taste associated with Wood: Sour.Foods associated with Wood: Green foods.Recommended foods: Cabbage, Bok Choy, and Spinach.
02
Fire
Season associated with Fire: Summer.Organs associated with Fire: Heart, Small Intestine, Tongue.Emotions associated with Fire: Joy.Taste associated with Fire: Bitter.Foods associated with Fire: Red foods. The Heart is associated with Fire, making it prone to heat, restlessness, and increased heart rate, which adds burden to the heart. Therefore, nurturing the heart is crucial in summer.In addition to consuming heart-nourishing foods, according to the principle of restriction in the Five Elements, the Kidney restrains 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.
03
Earth
Season associated with Earth: Late Summer. This refers to the period in summer when the dry heat passes and rain begins.Organs associated with Earth: Spleen, Stomach, Mouth.Emotions associated with Earth: Thoughtfulness.Taste 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, affecting appetite, which is why we often lack appetite in the peak of summer.During this time, the diet should include “more sweet and bitter”; consuming sweet foods can replenish Spleen Qi; according to the Five Elements, the Fire-associated Heart nourishes the Earth-associated Spleen, and consuming bitter foods strengthens the heart and also benefits the Spleen.Problems with Earth-associated 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 flourish.Recommended foods: Oranges, Pumpkins, Corn, Yellow soybeans, Sweet potatoes.
04
Metal
Season associated with Metal: Autumn.In autumn, the most important organ to maintain is the Lung, and the most common ailment is coughing, which is influenced by the spirit in the Five Elements. As autumn arrives, plants begin to wither, which can easily lead to feelings of melancholy.Organs associated with Metal: Lung, Large Intestine, Nose.Emotions associated with Metal: Sadness.Taste associated with Metal: Spicy.Foods associated with Metal: White foods. Metal-associated foods primarily correspond to the lungs and are mostly white foods.They are generally neutral and cool in nature, which can strengthen the lungs and promote voice clarity, as well as enhance gastrointestinal motility, boost metabolism, and give skin elasticity and luster.Recommended foods: Pears, White radishes, Yam, Almonds, Lilies, Tremella.
05
Water
Season associated with Water: Winter.Organs associated with Water: Kidney, Bladder, Ears. Excessive dining out can harm the kidneys, which are our most concerned organs. A common trait of chefs is the heavy use of oil and salt, making food more flavorful.However, salty flavor is associated with Water and the kidneys; in moderation, it is beneficial, but excessive consumption is detrimental. If the complexion is dark, the kidneys may have issues.Emotions associated with Water: Fear.Taste 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, Shiitake mushrooms, Black dates, Longan, Dried plums.
The reason why Chinese people believe so firmly in the Five Elements is that they see themselves as part of the universe, and as part of the Five Elements, they naturally adhere to the eternal laws of generation and restriction.
Thus, the Five Elements are not only a philosophical principle for the Chinese but also a belief. People believe that as long as “the body possesses the righteous Qi of the Five Elements, the heart is as clear as a mirror.”
Rather than viewing the generation and restriction of the Five Elements as a metaphysical concept, it is more accurately described as a philosophy of moderation and harmony, as well as a belief in the eternal and unchanging nature of the universe.
For over 2000 years, the Chinese have used it to contemplate the universe, observe nature, understand society, and gain insights into life.
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