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 Tastes, and Five Colors” are interconnected and mutually supportive, embodying the principles of 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 of the body is essential for health.
Wood
Season associated with Wood: Spring
Organs associated with Wood: Liver, Gallbladder, Eyes.
When overworked, the first organ to protect is the liver, as it is the organ that stores blood in the body. If you work excessively, the liver 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 weakened, it affects the Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. Additionally, accumulated anger from overwork can also harm the liver. Therefore, when working overtime, it is advisable to prepare some sour snacks, such as dried plums. If any organ associated with Wood feels uncomfortable, consuming more green foods can be 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, Spinach, and other leafy greens
Fire
Season associated with Fire: Summer. Organs associated with Fire: Heart, Small Intestine, Tongue. Emotional state 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 excess heat, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat, which increases the burden on the heart. Therefore, it is crucial to nourish the heart during 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. 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 should consume 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, Stomach, Mouth. 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 during the peak of summer. During this time, it is advisable to consume more sweet and bitter foods; sweet foods can replenish Spleen Qi, while bitter foods nourish the heart and also benefit the Spleen. If there are issues with the Earth organs, yellow foods are recommended. The Spleen and Stomach play a vital role in nutrient supply; when they are well-regulated, Qi and blood will flourish. Recommended foods: Oranges, Pumpkins, Corn, Yellow soybeans, Sweet potatoes.
Metal
Season associated with Metal: Autumn. The lungs should be nourished during autumn, as coughs are the most common ailments, reflecting the influence of the Five Elements. As plants begin to wither in autumn, it can lead to feelings of melancholy. Organs associated with Metal: Lungs, Large Intestine, Nose. Emotional state associated with Metal: Sadness. Sadness is associated with Metal and can damage the lungs if excessive. Taste associated with Metal: Spicy. Foods associated with Metal: White foods. Foods corresponding to Metal primarily benefit the lungs and are mostly white foods. They are generally neutral and cool in nature, promoting lung health and enhancing digestion, metabolism, and skin elasticity. Recommended foods: Pears, White radishes, Chinese yam, Almonds, Lily, White fungus.
Water
Season associated with Water: Winter. Organs associated with Water: Kidney, Bladder, 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 taste is associated with Water and the kidneys; moderation is beneficial, but excess can be 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, 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 Manifestations: 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, Spit
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 interrelated. 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 interrelated. 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 mysteries 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 do not 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 to the next part!
The Five Grains: This refers to Japonica rice, Adzuki beans, Wheat, Soybeans, and Yellow 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 an ideal nourishing fruit.
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 Huangqi (Astragalus).”
The Five Vegetables: This refers to Sunflower, Mint, Garlic, Onion, and Chives, 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, also promoting blood circulation. 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 foods such as Black Mulberries, Black Sesame, Black Rice, Black Beans, He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti), and Shu Di Huang (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 foods such as Ginkgo, White Pears, White Peaches, White Almonds, Lilies, and Autumn 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 foods such as 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 foods such as 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 (Kidney governs bones and produces marrow). Excessive kidney Qi can lead to suppressed heart Qi (Water restrains Fire), causing palpitations and shortness of breath.
Excessively sweet taste: Sweet taste nourishes the spleen, but excessive sweetness can harm the spleen, causing stomach bloating and can also damage kidney water (Earth restrains Water), leading to 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; Liver governs tendons), and since the lungs govern Qi, harming Qi can lead to mental fatigue.
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 elaborate on the external characteristics of the five types of people associated with Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, along with the corresponding dietary adjustments in the following five sections.
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 to drink vegetable soup, fish, and jellyfish, favoring salty flavors and disliking sweetness.
What should Wood type people eat for health and fortune? To enhance fortune: (Wood strong, Earth weak) they should supplement with Earth foods to improve fortune: (Earth) eat more meats, such as beef, pumpkins, desserts, yellow soybeans, etc. For health: (Wood strong, Fire 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, Pork Heart, etc.
Metal Type People – Delicate, Authoritative, and Respected
External characteristics: Large frame, solid muscles, high and wide forehead, fair skin, prominent nose, and a square appearance. They speak with a loud and clear voice, and their hair may be sparse or lack luster.
What do Metal type people like to eat? (Earth), (Metal) foods. (Earth) Sweet foods, they prefer meat, congee, peanuts, etc. (Metal) Bean products, ginger, scallions, chicken, etc.
What should Metal type people eat for health and fortune? To enhance fortune: (Wood) foods: Metal strong restrains Wood, so they should supplement Wood to balance: (Wood) Papaya, Green Tea, or Pu-erh Tea, Lemons, etc. To enhance health: (Water) foods: Metal is dry and needs moisture, so they should consume (Water) Snow Pears, Salty Fish, Chicken Kidneys, Pig Ears, etc.
Water Type People – Intelligent, Articulate
Water type people have two external characteristics:
1. Slim Water Type: Dark skin on the face and body, long and slender body, small and deep-set eyes, strong bone structure, and solid 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 loose muscles. Generally, slim Water type people are more active, while fat Water type people tend to enjoy life more.
What do Water type people 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 type people eat for health and fortune? (Fire), (Wood) to enhance fortune: (Water strong, Fire weak) they should supplement Fire to balance: Dog meat, Lamb, Hawthorn, Duck Tongue, Tomatoes, Watermelon. For health: (Water strong, Wood 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, flushed complexion, solid muscles, and prominent bones. Fire type people typically have a narrow head and a wide lower body (narrow at the top, wide at the bottom). Fire type people usually have pointed heads, rosy complexions, lively spirits, slender figures, and quick movements.
What should Fire type people eat for health and fortune? They should consume more Water attribute foods. Fire is strong and Water is weak, 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: such as Snow Fungus Sweet Soup, Water Chestnut Soup, Honey, and Red Bean Pastries.
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 build but have solid muscles. Relatively shorter Earth type people tend to be more agile than taller ones. Earth type people have thick waists and backs, large and heavy bones, short necks, and round heads, with the most prominent feature being thick lips and a large nose, with a complexion that is red, black, and yellow. Earth type people are generally tolerant, hardworking, honest, and trustworthy, with a sense of justice. They are methodical and strategic, making them suitable for business. Earth type people tend to be introverted and prefer structure, showing little interest in novelty.
In terms of health: Earth type people are prone to gastrointestinal diseases and digestive issues. They should consume more Wood attribute foods: Vegetables, High-fiber foods, Stir-fried Cloud Ear Mushrooms with Celery, Tea Tree Mushrooms Stir-fried with Chicken, Green Tea, Pea Shoots, Lemon Water, etc. 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, nourish the heart in summer, nourish the lungs in autumn, nourish the kidneys in winter, and nourish the spleen and stomach throughout the year.
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 – Sihai – 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 – 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 – Shenque – 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 relax to regulate the pericardium meridian.
Hand Three Yang Triple Warmer Meridian (21:00-23:00) – Tinnitus, muffled hearing, throat swelling – should maintain a calm mind to regulate the triple warmer 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 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.
Insufficient liver Qi: 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, pigmentation deposits.
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 insufficiently digests and absorbs proteins in the stomach – Insufficient liver blood storage – Insufficient liver Qi: Depression, pigmentation on the forehead; Excess liver Qi: Irritability, red blood vessels, dry and red eyes – Gallbladder circulation obstruction: Early graying of hair on the sides, bitter mouth.
2: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Insufficient liver blood storage – Inadequate circulation to 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 or pigmented lips, pigmentation under the cheekbones; Uterine damp-heat, acne on the chin and jaw.
4: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Excess liver Qi – Lung heat – Red blood vessels, enlarged pores: Nasal congestion, sneezing – Lung and large intestine are interrelated – Large intestine dryness – Constipation.
5: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Reduced ability to transform Qi for the kidneys – Insufficient kidney Qi – Kidneys and bladder are interrelated – 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).
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