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The Five Elements are mutually generating and mutually restraining
Mutual Generation: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood; this represents development.
Mutual Restraint: Wood restrains Earth, Earth restrains Water, Water restrains Fire, Fire restrains Metal, Metal restrains Wood; this represents balance.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concepts of “Five Elements, Five Qi, Five Organs, Five Tastes, and Five Colors” are interconnected, supporting and restraining 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 in the body is essential for health.
Wood
Season associated with Wood: Spring.
Organs associated with Wood: Liver (Gan), Gallbladder (Dan), Eyes (Yan).
When working excessively hard, 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 originally generated in the order of Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. If the liver is overworked and weakened, it affects the Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney, and the accumulated anger from overwork can also harm the liver. Therefore, when working overtime, it is advisable to prepare some sour snacks, 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 and are rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, and fiber, which can help the organs expel toxins from the body.
Emotional state associated with Wood: Anger.
Taste associated with Wood: Sour.
Foods associated with Wood: Green foods.
Recommended foods: Cabbage, Bok Choy, and Spinach.
Fire
Season associated with Fire: Summer.
Organs associated with Fire: Heart (Xin), Small Intestine (Xiao Chang), Tongue (She).
Emotional state associated with Fire: Joy.
Taste associated with Fire: Bitter.
Foods associated with Fire: Red foods.
The heart is associated with 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 mutual restraint 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. Individuals with poor complexion and cold extremities can benefit from consuming more of these foods.
Recommended foods: Red beans, Red dates, Carrots, Red peppers, Tomatoes.
Earth
Season associated with Earth: Late Summer. This refers to the period after the dry heat of summer has passed and the rains begin.
Organs associated with Earth: Spleen (Pi), Stomach (Wei), Mouth (Kou).
Emotional state associated with Earth: Worry.
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, it is important to consume “more sweet and bitter” foods; eating sweet foods can replenish Spleen Qi. According to the Five Elements, the Fire-associated Heart nourishes the Earth-associated Spleen, and consuming bitter foods that strengthen the heart also benefits the spleen. Problems with Earth-associated 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 associated with Metal: Autumn. In autumn, it is essential to nourish the lungs, as cough is a common ailment, 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 (Fei), Large Intestine (Da Chang), Nose (Bi).
Emotional state associated with Metal: Sadness.
Taste associated with Metal: Spicy.
Foods associated with Metal: White foods.
Foods associated with Metal 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 digestion, enhancing metabolism and giving the skin elasticity and luster.
Recommended foods: Pears, White radishes, Yam, Almonds, Lily bulbs, Tremella.
Water
Season associated with Water: Winter.
Organs associated with Water: Kidneys (Shen), Bladder (Pangguang), Ears (Er).
Excessive dining out can harm the kidneys, which are our most concerned organs. A common characteristic of chefs is the heavy use of oil and salt, making food more flavorful. However, salty flavor is associated with Water and the kidneys; moderation is beneficial, but excess is detrimental. If the complexion appears dark, it may indicate kidney issues.
Emotional state associated with Water: Fear.
Taste associated with Water: Salty.
Foods associated with Water: Black foods.
These foods correspond to the kidneys and bones. Regular consumption can help maintain normal metabolism related to the kidneys, bladder, and bones, preventing excess water retention that can lead to edema and promoting strong bones.
Recommended foods: Black beans, Black sesame, Blueberries, Mushrooms, Black dates, Longan, Dried plums.
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