The Five Elements are interrelated through generation and restriction.
Generation: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood. —- Generation represents development.
Restriction: Wood restrains Earth, Earth restrains Water, Water restrains Fire, Fire restrains Metal, Metal restrains Wood. —- Restriction represents balance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the “Five Elements, Five Qi, Five Organs, Five Tastes, and Five Colors”. They are interconnected, mutually supportive, and generate and restrict each other. 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
Season of Wood: Spring
Organs of Wood: Liver, Gallbladder, Eyes.
When working excessively, the first organ to protect 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 are generated in the order of Liver → Heart → Spleen → Lung → Kidney. If the liver is overworked and weak, it affects the Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. Additionally, accumulated anger from overwork can also harm the liver. Therefore, snacks during overtime should include sour foods, such as preserved plums. If any organ associated with Wood feels uncomfortable, consuming more green foods, which correspond to the liver and gallbladder, is beneficial. These foods are rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, and fiber, which help the organs expel toxins from the body.
Emotions of Wood: Anger
Taste of Wood: Sour
Foods of Wood: Green foods
Recommended foods: Cabbage, Bok Choy, Spinach, and other leafy vegetables.
Fire
Season of Fire: Summer. Organs of Fire: Heart, Small Intestine, Tongue. Emotions of Fire: Joy. Taste of Fire: Bitter. Foods of Fire: Red foods. The heart belongs to Fire, and during this time, it is easy to experience excess heat, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat, which increases the burden on the heart. Therefore, it is crucial to nourish the heart 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. Foods that nourish the heart should be red, corresponding to the red blood and the heart responsible for blood circulation. Those with poor complexion and cold extremities should consume more of these foods. Recommended foods: Red beans, Red dates, Carrots, Red peppers, Tomatoes.
Earth
Season of Earth: Late Summer. This refers to the period in summer when the dry heat has passed, and it begins to rain. Organs of Earth: Spleen, Stomach, Mouth. Emotions of Earth: Worry. Taste of Earth: Sweet. Foods of 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 summer. During this time, it is essential to consume more sweet and bitter foods; 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 a role in nutrient supply in the body; when they are well-regulated, Qi and blood will be abundant. Recommended foods: Oranges, Pumpkins, Corn, Yellow soybeans, Sweet potatoes.
Metal
Season of Metal: Autumn. The lungs should be nourished in autumn, as cough is a common ailment, influenced by the spirit of the Five Elements. In autumn, plants begin to wither, which can lead to feelings of melancholy. Organs of Metal: Lungs, Large Intestine, Nose. Emotions of Metal: Sadness. Sadness is associated with Metal and the lungs; excessive sadness can damage the lungs. Taste of Metal: Spicy. Foods of Metal: White foods. Foods associated with Metal primarily correspond to the lungs and are mostly white foods. They are generally neutral and cool, 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, White fungus.
Water
Season of Water: Winter. Organs of Water: Kidney, Bladder, Ears. Excessive external food can harm the kidneys, which are of utmost concern. Chefs often use a lot of oil and salt, making food more palatable. However, salty taste belongs to Water and is beneficial in moderation; excessive salt can be detrimental, especially if accompanied by a dark complexion, indicating potential kidney issues. Emotions of Water: Fear. Taste of Water: Salty. Foods of 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 lead to edema and strengthening bones. Recommended foods: Black beans, Black sesame, Blueberries, Mushrooms, Black dates, Longan, Dried plums.
In summary:
Five Elements: Fire, Wood, Earth, Metal, Water
Five Organs: Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney
Five Bowels: Small Intestine, Gallbladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder
Five Senses: Tongue, Eyes, Mouth, Nose, Ears
Five Complexions: Face, Nails, Lips, Skin, Hair
Five Tastes: Bitter, Sour, Sweet, Spicy, Salty
Five Colors: Red, Green, Yellow, White, Black
Five Emotions: Joy, Anger, Worry, Sadness, Fear
Five Fluids: Sweat, Tears, Saliva, Mucus, Phlegm
1. The Five Organs and Five Bowels
In traditional culture, the liver corresponds to the gallbladder, hence the term “the liver and gallbladder illuminate each other.” When the gallbladder Qi rises, the liver Qi can also rise.
The heart corresponds to the small intestine. In daily life, from 11 AM to 1 PM is the time of the heart, but the heart is not affected by evil, so the small intestine may bear the brunt. If there are absorption issues, it can lead to small intestine diseases. When the small intestine is in its prime, if a person experiences blushing, palpitations, or chest tightness, it indicates a problem in the relationship between the heart and small intestine, which is a precursor to heart issues.
The spleen corresponds to the stomach; they are interdependent. If the spleen is weak, the stomach will also be weak, and vice versa.
The lungs and large intestine are interdependent. When a person needs to defecate, it is the lung Qi that helps expel the stool. Some skin symptoms are also related to the large intestine; in some cases, TCM may not directly treat the lung meridian but may directly address the large intestine meridian, as clearing the fire from the large intestine can resolve the issue.
The kidneys and bladder are interdependent. The bladder’s Qi transformation function depends on the strength of the kidney Qi; sufficient kidney Qi is necessary for the bladder to function properly, allowing for normal storage and excretion of urine.
The profound secrets of the Five Colors, Five Tastes, and Five Elements in dietary health! It is said that Bian Que had the ability to see through the Five Organs and Six Bowels; how did he achieve this? It is closely related to the Five Colors, Five Tastes, and Five Elements in dietary health. If you cannot apply these principles, your ailments will manifest on your face, and he could naturally discern where you are unwell. It is not about having a “seeing eye” but rather a deep understanding of the Five Colors, Five Tastes, and Five Elements in dietary health! Enough said, let’s move on!
Five Grains: This refers to Japonica rice, Adzuki beans, wheat, soybeans, and millet.
Five Fruits: This refers to peaches, plums, apricots, chestnuts, and dates. Peaches are beneficial for Qi and blood, and for generating body fluids, making them an ideal nourishing fruit.
Five Livestock: This refers to cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, and chickens. Beef is known to replenish Qi and strengthen the body, as the saying goes, “Beef replenishes Qi, equal to Huangqi (Astragalus).”
Five Vegetables: This refers to sunflower, mint, garlic, scallions, and leeks, indicating that vegetables play a role in nourishing the body.
Different foods contain different nutrients; only by achieving a reasonable combination of various foods can the body obtain a variety of nutrients.
2. The Five Colors and Dietary Health
The color of food corresponds to the Five Organs, and a reasonable combination is the foundation of dietary health. From the perspective of TCM, green corresponds to the liver, red to the heart, yellow to the spleen, white to the lungs, and black to the kidneys.
The heart color is red, corresponding to summer, so red foods nourish the heart and invigorate blood, also promoting blood circulation. Especially in summer, it is crucial to nourish the heart, so one should consume more red foods such as hawthorn (red fruit), tomatoes, red apples, red peaches, red radishes, and red peppers.
The kidney color is black, corresponding to winter, so black foods are beneficial for kidney anti-aging. In winter, it is especially important to nourish the kidneys, so one should consume more black mulberries, black sesame, black rice, black beans, He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti), and cooked Rehmannia.
The lung color is white, corresponding to autumn, so white foods have a nourishing effect on the lungs. Therefore, in autumn, one should consume more ginkgo, white pears, white peaches, white almonds, lilies, and pear syrup.
The spleen color is yellow, nourishing throughout the year, so yellow foods are beneficial for the spleen. Especially in late summer and the last 18 days of each season, one should consume more yam, sweet potatoes, yellow millet, and corn.
The liver color is green, represented by green foods, so green foods are beneficial for the liver. Especially in spring, one should consume more green bamboo shoots, green vegetables, green beans, and spinach.
3. The Five Tastes and Dietary Health
Excessively sour taste: Sour taste nourishes the liver, but excessive sourness can harm the liver, leading to excessive liver Qi, which can damage the spleen and stomach (Wood restrains Earth), resulting in digestive dysfunction.
Excessively alkaline taste: Alkaline taste nourishes the kidneys, but excessive alkalinity can harm the kidneys and damage bones (the kidneys govern bones and produce marrow). Excessive kidney Qi can lead to heart Qi deficiency (Water restrains Fire), causing palpitations and shortness of breath.
Excessively sweet taste: Sweet taste nourishes the spleen, but excessive sweetness can harm the spleen, leading to stomach bloating and can damage kidney water (Earth restrains Water), resulting in a dark complexion.
Excessively bitter taste: Bitter taste nourishes the heart, but excessive bitterness can harm the heart, leading to heart and lung dysfunction (Fire restrains Metal).
Excessively spicy taste: Spicy taste nourishes the lungs, but excessive spiciness can harm the lungs, leading to sluggishness in the tendons (Metal restrains Wood; the liver belongs to Wood and governs the tendons). Since the lungs govern Qi, harming Qi can lead to mental weakness.
4. The Mysteries Between Humans and the Five Elements
The earth has five directions, humans have five elements, and food has five tastes… How can we grasp the different dietary codes of the Five Elements to adjust health and fortune for different types of people? Chu Qi will introduce the characteristics and corresponding dietary adjustments for the Five Elements types: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth in the following five sessions.
Wood Type – Kind and Righteous
Physical Characteristics: Slim, some are tall and slender, while others are petite and delicate, appearing lean and upright, with a longer waist and less flesh on the back. Wood types have long faces and a greenish complexion.
What do Wood types like to eat? (Wood), (Water) foods (Wood) Wood types prefer sour foods, such as green plums, and enjoy vegetables, showing little interest in fatty meats. They like to drink tea, especially flower tea (as flower tea contains the most Wood element) (Water) and enjoy vegetable soup, fish, and jellyfish, favoring salty flavors and disliking sweetness.
What should Wood types eat for health and fortune adjustment? To enhance fortune: (Wood is strong, Earth is weak) should supplement Earth to improve fortune: (Earth) eat more meat, such as beef, pumpkin, desserts, and yellow soybeans. For health: (Wood is strong, Fire is weak) should supplement Fire to balance; Wood types with a pale complexion and poor circulation should consume warming foods: red apples, red dates, pig heart, etc.
Metal Type – Delicate, Authoritative, and Prestigious
Physical Characteristics: Large frame, solid muscles, high and wide forehead, fair skin, prominent nose, and a square appearance. Their voice is loud and clear, resembling a bell, and they may have sparse or dull hair.
What do Metal types like to eat? (Earth), (Metal) foods. (Earth) Sweet foods, they prefer meat, eight-treasure porridge, peanuts, etc. (Metal) Bean products, ginger, scallions, chicken, etc.
What should Metal types eat for fortune adjustment? Supplement (Wood) foods: Metal is strong and restrains Wood, so supplementing Wood balances fortune: (Wood) papaya, green tea, or Pu-erh tea, lemons, etc. Supplement (Water) foods: Metal is dry and needs moisture: (Water) snow pears, salted fish, chicken kidneys, pig ears, etc.
Water Type – Intelligent, Articulate
Water types have two physical characteristics:
1. Slim Water Type: Dark skin on the face and body, long and slender body, small and deep-set eyes, solid bone structure, and muscular. 2. Fat Water Type: Short and stout, with short, round hands and feet, large belly, buttocks, and ears, with more flesh and less bone, and loose muscles. Generally, slim Water types are more active, while fat Water types tend to enjoy life more.
What do Water types like to eat? (Water), (Metal) foods (Water) cold dishes, seafood, especially shellfish, and they prefer salty flavors. (Metal) pastries, corn, garlic, ginger, chicken feet, and they enjoy soup and like to add chili when eating noodles.
What should Water types eat for health and fortune adjustment? (Fire), (Wood) for fortune adjustment: (Water is strong, Fire is weak, should supplement Fire): dog meat, lamb, hawthorn, duck tongue, tomatoes, watermelon. For health: (Water is strong, Wood is weak) should protect the liver and kidneys: vegetables, green plum wine, fish heads.
Fire Type – Courteous, Active, and Proactive
Physical Characteristics: Round, large eyes, sparse beard, red nose, flushed complexion, solid muscles, and prominent bones. Fire types usually have a pointed head, a rosy complexion, a lively spirit, a slender figure, and quick movements.
What should Fire types eat for fortune adjustment? They should consume more Water-type foods. Fire is strong, and Water is depleted, so they should supplement Water to balance fortune. (Fortune adjustment) Water foods: bird’s nest, kelp, mung bean soup, water fish, stir-fried chicken kidneys, seaweed egg drop soup, coconut sago. Fire types should also consume more Earth-type foods for health: such as snow fungus sweet soup, water chestnut soup, honey, and red bean cakes.
Earth Type – Methodical and Trustworthy.
Physical Characteristics: Earth types usually have a thick waist and back, some are tall and large, but with loose muscles, while others are of medium height but have solid muscles. Relatively shorter Earth types tend to be more agile than taller ones. Earth types have thick waists and backs, large and heavy bones, short necks, and round heads, with thick lips and large noses, and their complexion is often red-black or yellowish. Earth types are generally tolerant, hardworking, honest, and value trust and justice. They are methodical and strategic, making them suitable for business. Earth types tend to be introverted and methodical, showing little interest in new things.
Health Aspects: Earth types are prone to gastrointestinal diseases and digestive issues. For fortune adjustment, Earth types should consume more Wood-type foods: vegetables, high-fiber foods, stir-fried mushrooms with celery, chicken stir-fried with tea tree mushrooms, green tea, pea sprouts, lemon water, etc. For health, they should consume more Metal-type foods: chrysanthemum tea, tofu, lotus root mung bean soup.
Spring Diet
1. Spring is the season of growth and the emergence of Yang energy. Friends engaged in design and planning work must maintain active thinking in a competitive market to create unique design ideas that gain recognition. These friends need to adjust their schedules to maintain optimal conditions to have more energy for work. In addition to adequate rest to maintain good spirits, diet is also a primary source for keeping bodily functions vigorous. So, what should one eat to enhance creativity and inspiration? In metaphysics, the “Wenchang Star” represents thinking and creativity, and learning ability. The Wenchang Star belongs to the Wood element, also known as the “Wenqu Star” which governs academic success and creativity. Starting from this issue, Chu Qi will recommend several dishes that enhance Wenchang in spring. The first dish: “Stir-fried Chives with Clams and Eggs” – Chives belong to the Wood element; cut them into sections rather than small pieces to strengthen their “Wood” power. Clams belong to the Water element, paired with eggs which belong to the Metal element, creating a strong Five Elements generative chain. This dish helps enhance thinking and eyesight; friends engaged in design and planning can eat this dish more often in spring.
2. The Wenchang Star is not only beneficial for friends in creative and design industries but also helps young students unleash their potential in learning. This issue, Chu Qi recommends the Wenchang dish: “Stir-fried Cucumber with Shrimp”. Cucumber belongs to the Wood element, rich in vitamins and malic acid, and is a fiber food that aids detoxification. Choose green cucumbers without peeling, remove the seeds, slice them, and stir-fry with fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp belongs to the Water element, and in metaphysics, Water has the ability to penetrate and connect, which helps the Wenchang Star express its Wood nature. Fresh shrimp is rich in protein, making it a brain-boosting food. Students should eat this dish more in spring, and combined with regular and sufficient sleep, it will yield great results.
5. The Five Elements System Diagram
Five Organs: Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, Kidney – the physical organs that transform and store the essence of the body.
Six Bowels: Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder – the hollow organs that serve as conduits for the body, digesting food and excreting waste.
Wood – Liver, Gallbladder governs meridians, opens to the eyes, corresponds to spring, green, and nourishes the liver and gallbladder.
Fire – Heart, Small Intestine governs blood vessels, opens to the tongue, corresponds to summer, red, and nourishes the heart.
Earth – Spleen, Stomach the foundation of postnatal life, the source of Qi and blood transformation, yellow, nourishes the spleen and stomach throughout the year.
Metal – Lung, Large Intestine governs skin and hair, opens to the nose, corresponds to autumn, white, and nourishes the lungs.
Water – Kidney, Bladder governs bone marrow, opens to the ears, corresponds to winter, black, and nourishes the kidneys.
Spring nourishes the liver, summer nourishes the heart, autumn nourishes the lungs, winter nourishes the kidneys, and throughout the year, the spleen and stomach are nourished.
6. The Running Points of the Fourteen Meridians in the Human Body
Lung Meridian – (from chest to hand) – Zhongfu – Chize – Lieque – Shaoshang
Large Intestine Meridian (from hand to head) – Shangyang – Hegu – Quchi – Binao – Jianyu – Yingxiang
Stomach Meridian (from head to foot) – Chengqi – Sibai – Touwei – Renying – Quepen – Ruzhong – Rugen – Tianshu – Liangqiu – Zusanli – Jiexi – Lidui
Spleen Meridian (from foot to chest) – Yinbai – Sanyinjiao – Yinlingquan – Xuehai – Daheng – Dabao
Heart Meridian (from chest to hand) – Jiquan – Shenmen – Shaochong
Small Intestine Meridian (from hand to head) – Shaoze – Jianzheng – Tianzong – Tinggong
Bladder Meridian (from head to foot) – Jingming – Zan Zhu – Tianzhu – Chengfu – Yinmen – Weizhong – Chengshan – Kunlun – Zhiyin
Kidney Meridian (from foot to chest) – Yongquan – Taixi – Yingu – Yufu
Pericardium Meridian (from chest to hand) – Tianchi – Quze – Ximen – Neiguan – Laogong – Zhongchong
Triple Energizer Meridian (from hand to head) – Guanchong – Sidu – Jianliao – Yifeng – Ermen – Sizhukong
Gallbladder Meridian (from head to foot) – Tongziliao – Shuaigu – Fengchi – Jianjing – Daimai – Huanjiao – Yanglingquan – Zuqiaoyin
Liver Meridian (from foot to chest) – Dadu – Xingjian – Taichong – Zhangmen – Qimen
Governing Vessel (Qi Regulation) – Yaoyuan – Yaoyangguan – Mingmen – Jizhong – Zhiyang – Shenzhu – Dazhu – Fengfu – Baihui – Shenting – Renzhong – Yinjiao
Conception Vessel (Blood Regulation) – Chengjiang – Lianquan – Tiantu – Shanzhong – Jiwei – Zhongwan – Qihai – Guanyuan
7. The Twelve Time Periods, Meridians, Five Organs, and Six Bowels in Health Preservation
Hand Three Yin Lung Meridian (1:00-3:00) – Lung fullness, cough, asthma, Quepen and throat pain – should regulate the lung meridian and ensure deep sleep.
Hand Three Yang Large Intestine Meridian (5:00-7:00) – Toothache, neck swelling – should drink warm water to promote bowel movements and regulate the large intestine meridian.
Foot Three Yang Stomach Meridian (7:00-9:00) – Abdominal rumbling, indigestion – should have breakfast on time and regulate the stomach meridian.
Foot Three Yin Spleen Meridian (9:00-11:00) – Stiffness at the root of the tongue, vomiting after eating, abdominal distension – should drink water in moderation and regulate the spleen meridian.
Hand Three Yin Heart Meridian (11:00-13:00) – Dry throat, headache, thirst, should have lunch, rest, and nourish Yin blood – regulate the heart meridian.
Hand Three Yang Small Intestine Meridian (13:00-15:00) – Throat and jaw pain, shoulder pain, arm pain – should regulate the small intestine meridian and eat less food.
Foot Three Yang Bladder Meridian (15:00-17:00) – Headache, eye pain, neck pain – should drink water and exercise to regulate the bladder meridian.
Foot Three Yin Kidney Meridian (17:00-19:00) – Cold extremities, lower back pain, tinnitus – should rest and regulate the kidney meridian.
Hand Three Yin Pericardium Meridian (19:00-21:00) – Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, hand heat – should have dinner, walk, and be happy to regulate the pericardium meridian.
Hand Three Yang Triple Energizer Meridian (21:00-23:00) – Tinnitus, muffled hearing, throat swelling – should maintain a calm mind to regulate the triple energizer meridian.
Foot Three Yang Gallbladder Meridian (23:00-1:00) – Dizziness, bitter mouth, sighing – should sleep to regulate the gallbladder meridian.
Foot Three Yin Liver Meridian (1:00-3:00) – Chest tightness, fatigue, dark circles – particularly prone to irritability.
8. The Skin is a Mirror of the Internal Organs
Complexion: Green – Liver Qi stagnation; Red – Excess Heart Fire; Yellow – Spleen and Stomach disharmony; White – Lung Qi not dispersing; Black – Insufficient Kidney Qi.
Tongue Color: Red – Heat syndrome; White – Insufficient Qi and Blood; Dark Purple – Blood stasis.
Tongue Coating: White – Cold syndrome; Yellow – Heat syndrome.
Stomach Deficiency: Black spots and wrinkles on the hairline and forehead.
Stomach Heat: Acne and bad breath on the hairline and forehead.
Dark Circles: Obstructed heart circulation; Eye bags: Obstructed bladder metabolism.
Insufficient Liver Qi: Pigmentation; Excess Liver Qi: Red blood vessels, rashes, constipation.
Lung Heat: Skin allergies; Lung Qi not dispersing: Enlarged pores, skin allergies.
Spleen Deficiency: Dark lips or pigmentation.
Uterine Damp Heat: Acne, pus (may indicate fibroids).
Uterine Cold or Pigmentation, Pigment deposition.
Food – Esophagus – Stomach:
A: Spleen deficiency: Dark lips or pigmentation. B: Stomach deficiency: Black spots and wrinkles on the hairline and forehead. C: Stomach heat: Acne and bad breath on the hairline and forehead.
9. Seven Aspects of Function Decline Due to Spleen and Stomach Dysfunction
1: Spleen and stomach decline – Liver insufficiently digests and absorbs proteins in the stomach – Insufficient liver blood storage – Insufficient liver Qi: Depression, pigmentation on the forehead, premature graying of hair; Excess liver Qi: Irritability, red blood vessels, dry and red eyes – Gallbladder circulation obstruction: Premature graying of hair on the sides, bitter mouth.
2: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Insufficient liver blood storage – Inadequate systemic circulation of the heart – Blood does not nourish the heart – Dark circles, cold hands and feet, frequent dreams or insomnia – Small intestine function decline – Mouth sores, diarrhea.
3: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Liver Qi stagnation, forming lumps – Leading to uterine appendage diseases – Uterine cold, scanty menstruation, dark pigmentation on the mouth edges or pigmentation, pigmentation under the cheekbones; Uterine damp heat, acne on the mouth edges and chin.
4: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Excess liver Qi – Lung heat – Red blood vessels, enlarged pores: Nasal congestion, sneezing – Lung and large intestine are interdependent – Large intestine dryness – Constipation.
5: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Reduced ability to transform Qi for the kidneys – Insufficient kidney Qi – Kidneys and bladder are interdependent – Bladder metabolism obstruction – Eye bags, facial swelling, tinnitus; Frequent urination, lower body edema, weakness in the waist and feet.
6: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Reduced ability to transform Qi for the kidneys – Insufficient kidney Qi – Inability to promote large intestine peristalsis – Constipation.
7: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Spleen deficiency – Insufficient blood production – Heavy menstruation (Blood Sea. Heavy menstruation – Spleen meridian; Light menstruation – Liver meridian).