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.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concepts of the “Five Elements, Five Qi, Five Organs, Five Flavors, and Five Colors” are interconnected and mutually supportive. 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 associated with Wood: Spring
Organs associated with Wood: Liver (Gan), Gallbladder (Dan), Eyes.
When overworked, 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, and accumulated anger from overwork can also harm the liver. Therefore, snacks during overtime work can include sour foods, such as dried 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 associated with Wood: Anger
Flavor associated with Wood: Sour
Foods associated with Wood: Green foods
Recommended foods: Cabbage, Bok Choy, Spinach, and other leafy vegetables
Fire
Season associated with Fire: Summer. Organs associated with Fire: Heart (Xin), Small Intestine (Xiao Chang), Tongue. Emotions associated with Fire: Joy. Flavor 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 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 are best when they are red, as they 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 in summer when the dry heat has passed and it begins to rain. Organs associated with Earth: Spleen (Pi), Stomach (Wei), 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, 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, and according to the Five Elements, the Fire of the Heart nourishes the Earth of the Spleen, so 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 associated with Metal: Autumn. The lungs should be nourished in autumn, as cough is a common ailment, reflecting the influence of the Five Elements. In autumn, plants begin to wither, which can lead to feelings of melancholy. Organs associated with Metal: Lung (Fei), Large Intestine (Da Chang), 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 are mostly white foods. They are generally neutral and cool, which can strengthen the lungs and promote digestion, enhancing metabolism and giving skin elasticity and luster. Recommended foods: Pears, White radishes, Yam, Almonds, Lily, White fungus.
Water
Season associated with Water: Winter. Organs associated with Water: Kidney (Shen), Bladder (Pang Guang), Ears. Excessive dining out can harm the kidneys, which are of utmost concern. Chefs often use a lot of oil and salt, making food more flavorful. However, salty flavor corresponds to Water and the kidneys; in moderation, it is beneficial, but excessive consumption can be 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 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 Beauties: Face, Nails, Lips, Skin, Hair
Five Flavors: 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 reflect 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 issues with absorption, it can lead to small intestine diseases. When the small intestine is in its prime, if a person experiences facial flushing, palpitations, or chest tightness, it indicates a problem in the relationship between the heart and small intestine, which may be 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 address the large intestine meridian to resolve issues.
The kidneys and bladder are interdependent. The bladder’s Qi transformation function depends on the strength of kidney Qi; sufficient kidney Qi is necessary for the bladder to function properly in storing and expelling urine.
The profound secrets of the Five Colors, Five Flavors, 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 Flavors, and Five Elements in dietary health. If you do not know how to apply these principles, your ailments will manifest on your face, and he will naturally discern where you are unwell. It is not about having a “seeing eye” but rather a deep understanding of the Five Colors, Five Flavors, and Five Elements in dietary health! Enough said, let’s move on!
The Five Grains: This refers to Japonica rice, Adzuki beans, wheat, soybeans, and millet.
The 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 ideal nourishing fruits.
The 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 Huang Xiang.”
The 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 enters the liver, red enters the heart, yellow enters the spleen, white enters the lungs, and black enters the kidneys.
The heart color is red, associated with summer, so red foods nourish the heart and invigorate blood. Especially in summer, it is crucial to nourish the heart, so it is advisable to consume more red foods such as hawthorn (red fruit), tomatoes, red apples, red peaches, red radishes, and red peppers.
The kidney color is black, associated with winter, so black foods are beneficial for kidney anti-aging. Especially in winter, it is essential to nourish the kidneys, so it is advisable to consume more black mulberries, black sesame, black rice, black beans, He Shou Wu, and cooked Rehmannia.
The lung color is white, associated with autumn, so white foods have a nourishing effect on the lungs. Therefore, in autumn, it is advisable to consume more ginkgo, white pears, white peaches, white almonds, lilies, and pear syrup.
The spleen color is yellow, which nourishes throughout the year, so yellow foods are beneficial for the spleen. Especially in late summer and the last 18 days of each season, it is advisable to consume more yam, sweet potatoes, yellow millet, and corn.
The liver color is green, represented by green, so green foods are beneficial for the liver. Especially in spring, it is advisable to consume more green bamboo shoots, green vegetables, green beans, and spinach.
3. The Five Flavors and Dietary Health
Excessively sour flavor: Sour flavor nourishes the liver, but excessive sourness can harm the liver, leading to excessive liver Qi, which can restrain the spleen and stomach (Wood restrains Earth), resulting in digestive dysfunction.
Excessively alkaline flavor: Alkaline flavor 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 suppressed heart Qi (Water restrains Fire), causing palpitations and shortness of breath.
Excessively sweet flavor: Sweet flavor nourishes the spleen, but excessive sweetness can harm the spleen, leading to stomach bloating and can restrain kidney water (Earth restrains Water), resulting in a dark complexion.
Excessively bitter flavor: Bitter flavor nourishes the heart, but excessive bitterness can harm the heart, leading to heart and lung dysfunction (Fire restrains Metal).
Excessively pungent flavor: Pungent flavor nourishes the lungs, but excessive pungency can harm the lungs, leading to sluggish tendons (Metal restrains Wood, the liver belongs to Wood, and the liver governs tendons). Additionally, as 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 flavors… 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 elaborate on the external characteristics of the five types of people corresponding to Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, along with the mysteries of dietary adjustments for each type in the following five sessions.
Wood Type People – Kind and Righteous
External 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 type people have long faces and a greenish complexion.
What do Wood type people like to eat? (Wood), (Water) foods (Wood) Wood type people enjoy sour foods, such as green plums, and prefer vegetables, showing little interest in fatty meats. They enjoy tea, especially flower tea (as flower tea contains the most Wood element) and like vegetable soup, fish, and jellyfish with a refreshing salty flavor; Wood type people prefer salty flavors over sweet.
What should Wood type people eat for health and fortune? To enhance fortune: (Wood is strong, Earth is weak) they should supplement with Earth foods to improve fortune: (Earth) consume more meats, such as beef, pumpkin, desserts, and yellow soybeans. For health: (Wood is strong, Fire is weak) they should supplement Fire to balance; Wood type people with a greenish complexion and poor circulation should consume warming foods: red apples, red dates, pig heart, etc.
Metal Type People – Delicate, Authoritative, and Respected
External characteristics: Large bone structure, firm muscles, high and wide forehead, fair skin, prominent nose, and a square appearance. They speak with a voice like a bell, loud and clear, and may have sparse or dull hair.
What do Metal type people 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 type people eat for health and fortune? Supplement with (Wood) foods: Metal is strong and restrains Wood, so they should balance by supplementing Wood: (Fortune) papaya, green tea, or Pu-erh tea, lemon, etc. Supplement with (Water) foods: Metal is dry and needs moisture, so they should consume (Health) snow pears, salted fish, chicken kidneys, pig ears, etc.
Water Type People – Intelligent, Articulate
Water type people have two external characteristics:
1. Slim Water Type: Darker skin on the face and body, long and slender body, small and deep-set eyes, strong bone structure, and firm muscles. 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 generally, slim Water Type people are more active, while fat Water Type people are more indulgent.
What do Water type people like to eat? (Water), (Metal) foods (Water) cold platter, 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 type people eat for health and fortune? (Fire), (Wood) to adjust fortune: (Water is strong, Fire is weak, they should supplement Fire to adjust): dog meat, lamb, hawthorn, duck tongue, tomatoes, watermelon. For health: (Water is strong, Wood is weak) they should protect the liver and kidneys: vegetables, green plum wine, fish heads.
Fire Type People – Courteous, Active, and Proactive
External characteristics: Round and large eyes, sparse beard, red nose tip, flushed complexion, firm muscles, and prominent bone structure. Fire type people usually have a pointed head, rosy complexion, lively spirit, slender build, quick movements, and walk very fast.
What should Fire type people eat for health and fortune? They should consume more Water attribute foods. Fire is strong and Water is depleted, so they should supplement Water to balance fortune. (Fortune) Water foods: bird’s nest, kelp, mung bean soup, water fish, stir-fried chicken kidneys, seaweed egg drop soup, coconut sago. For health, Fire type people should consume more Earth foods: snow fungus sweet soup, water chestnut soup, honey, red bean paste cakes, etc.
Earth Type People – Methodical and Trustworthy.
External characteristics: Earth type people usually have a thick waist and back, some are tall and large but with loose muscles, while others are of medium height but with firm muscles. Relatively shorter Earth type people tend to be more agile than taller ones. Earth type people have a thick waist and back, large and heavy bones, short neck, round head, and their most prominent facial features are thick lips and a large nose, with a complexion that is red-black and yellowish. Earth type people are generally tolerant, hardworking, honest, and value trust and justice. They are methodical and strategic, making them suitable for business. Earth type people tend to be introverted and are not interested in new things.
In terms of health: Earth type people are prone to gastrointestinal diseases and digestive issues. They should consume more Wood attribute foods for fortune: vegetables, high-fiber foods, stir-fried cloud ear mushrooms with celery, stir-fried chicken with tea tree mushrooms, green tea, and lemon water. For health, they should consume more Metal attribute foods: chrysanthemum tea, tofu, lotus root mung bean soup.
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, and nourishes the liver and gallbladder in spring.
Fire – Heart, Small Intestine – governs blood vessels, opens to the tongue, corresponds to summer, and nourishes the heart in summer.
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, and nourishes the lungs in autumn.
Water – Kidney, Bladder – governs bone marrow, opens to the ears, corresponds to winter, and nourishes the kidneys in winter.
Nourish the liver in spring, the heart in summer, the lungs in autumn, and the kidneys in winter; nourish the spleen and stomach throughout the year.
6. The Twelve Meridians, Acupuncture Points, and Nourishment
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 Warmer Meridian (from hand to head) – Guanchong, Sidu, Jianliao, Yifeng, Ermen, Sizhuzukong
Gallbladder Meridian (from head to foot) – Tongziliao, Shuaigu, Fengchi, Jianjing, Daimai, Huanjiao, Yanglingquan, Zuqiao Yin
Liver Meridian (from foot to chest) – Dadu, Xingjian, Taichong, Zhangmen, Qimen
Governing Vessel (Qi circulation) – Yaoyuan, Yaoyangguan, Mingmen, Jizhong, Zhiyang, Shenzhu, Dazhu, Fengfu, Baihui, Shenting, Renzhong, Yinjiao
Conception Vessel (Blood regulation) – Chengjiang, Lianquan, Tiantu, Shanzhong, Jiwei, Zhongwan, Shenque, Qihai, Guanyuan
7. The Twelve Hours, Meridians, Five Organs, Six Bowels, and Health
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 and have a bowel movement; regulate the large intestine meridian.
Foot Three Yang Stomach Meridian (7:00-9:00) – Abdominal rumbling, indigestion – should have breakfast on time; 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; 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; regulate the bladder meridian.
Foot Three Yin Kidney Meridian (17:00-19:00) – Cold extremities, lower back pain, tinnitus – should rest; regulate the kidney meridian.
Hand Three Yin Pericardium Meridian (19:00-21:00) – Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, hand heat – should have dinner, take a walk, and be happy; regulate the pericardium meridian.
Hand Three Yang Triple Warmer Meridian (21:00-23:00) – Tinnitus, blurred hearing, throat swelling and obstruction – should maintain a calm mind; regulate the triple warmer meridian.
Foot Three Yang Gallbladder Meridian (23:00-1:00) – Dizziness, bitter mouth, sighing – should sleep; regulate the gallbladder meridian.
Foot Three Yin Liver Meridian (1:00-3:00) – Chest tightness, fatigue, dark circles – especially 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 deficiency; Black – Kidney Qi deficiency.
Tongue Color: Red – Heat syndrome; White – Qi and blood deficiency; 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 on the hairline and forehead, bad breath.
Dark circles: Obstructed heart circulation; eye bags: Obstructed bladder metabolism.
Liver Qi deficiency: Pigmentation; Excess liver Qi: Red blood vessels, rashes, constipation.
Lung heat: Skin allergies; Lung Qi deficiency: 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 on the hairline and forehead, bad breath.
9. Seven Aspects of Function Decline Due to Spleen and Stomach Dysfunction
1: Spleen and stomach decline – Liver fails to digest and absorb proteins in the stomach – Insufficient blood storage in the liver – Liver Qi deficiency: depression, pigmentation on the forehead; 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 blood storage in the liver – Inadequate circulation to the heart – Blood does not nourish the heart – Dark circles, cold hands and feet, frequent dreams or insomnia – Small intestine dysfunction – Mouth sores, diarrhea.
3: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Liver Qi stagnation, forming lumps – Leading to uterine appendage diseases – Uterine cold, scanty menstruation, dark pigmentation around the mouth or pigmentation on the cheeks; Uterine damp-heat, acne around the mouth 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 – Kidney Qi deficiency – 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 – Kidney Qi deficiency – Inability to promote large intestine peristalsis – constipation.
7: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Spleen deficiency – Insufficient blood production – Heavy menstrual flow (Blood Sea. Heavy flow – Spleen meridian; Light flow – Liver meridian).