The Five Elements are interrelated, with mutual generation and mutual restraint.

Mutual Generation: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood. —- Generation represents development.

Mutual Restraint: Wood restrains Earth, Earth restrains Water, Water restrains Fire, Fire restrains Metal, Metal restrains Wood. —- Restraint represents balance.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concepts of “Five Elements, Five Qi, Five Organs, Five Tastes, 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 in the body is essential for health.

Wood

Season associated with Wood: Spring. Organs associated with Wood: Liver, Gallbladder, Eyes. When working too hard, 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 weak, it affects the Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. Additionally, accumulated anger from overwork can 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. Wood’s emotion: Anger. Wood’s taste: Sour. Wood’s foods: Green foods. Recommended foods: Cabbage, lettuce, and spinach.

Fire

Season associated with Fire: Summer. Organs associated with Fire: Heart, Small Intestine, Tongue. Fire’s emotion: Joy. Fire’s taste: Bitter. Fire’s foods: 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, nurturing the heart is crucial in summer. In addition to consuming heart-nourishing foods, according to the principle of mutual restraint, 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 associated with Earth: Late Summer. This refers to the period after the dry heat of summer when it begins to rain. Organs associated with Earth: Spleen, Stomach, Mouth. Earth’s emotion: Worry. Earth’s taste: Sweet. Earth’s foods: 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, while bitter foods nourish the heart and also benefit the spleen. Problems with Earth organs correspond to yellow foods. 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 nurtured in autumn, as coughs are common ailments, reflecting the influence of the Five Elements on the spirit. As plants begin to wither in autumn, it can lead to feelings of melancholy. Organs associated with Metal: Lungs, Large Intestine, Nose. Metal’s emotion: Sadness. Sadness is associated with Metal and the lungs; excessive sadness can damage the lungs. Metal’s taste: Spicy. Metal’s foods: White foods. Foods associated with Metal primarily correspond to the lungs and are mostly white foods. They are generally neutral and cool, promoting lung health and enhancing digestion, thereby improving metabolism and giving skin elasticity and luster. Recommended foods: Pears, white radishes, yams, almonds, lilies, and white fungus.

Water

Season associated with Water: Winter. Organs associated with 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 flavorful. However, salty flavors correspond to Water and the kidneys; moderation is beneficial, but excess can be detrimental. If the complexion is dark, it may indicate kidney issues. Water’s emotion: Fear. Water’s taste: Salty. Water’s foods: 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, shiitake mushrooms, black dates, longan, and 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 Features: 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 gallbladder Qi rises, 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 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 directly 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, 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 do not know how to apply these principles, your ailments will manifest on your face, and he will naturally see where you are unwell. This is not about having a “seeing eye” but rather his deep understanding of the Five Colors, Five Tastes, and 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 ideal nourishing fruits.

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 yellow rice.”

Five Vegetables: This refers to sunflower, mint, garlic, scallions, and leeks, indicating that vegetables have the role of 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’s color is red, associated with summer, so red foods nourish the heart and invigorate blood. Especially in summer, nurturing the heart is crucial, and one should eat more hawthorn (red fruit), tomatoes, red apples, red peaches, red radishes, and red peppers.

The kidney’s color is black, associated with winter, so black foods are beneficial for kidney anti-aging. In winter, one should eat more black mulberries, black sesame, black rice, black beans, He Shou Wu, and cooked Rehmannia.

The lung’s color is white, associated with autumn, so white foods have a nourishing effect on the lungs. In autumn, one should eat more ginkgo, white pears, white peaches, white almonds, lilies, and pear syrup.

The spleen’s 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, one should eat more yam, sweet potatoes, yellow millet, and corn.

The liver’s color is green, represented by green, so green foods are beneficial for the liver. Especially in spring, one should eat 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 too much sour can harm the liver, leading to excessive liver Qi, which can restrain the spleen and stomach (Wood restrains Earth), causing digestive dysfunction.

Excessively alkaline taste: Alkaline taste nourishes the kidneys, but too much 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 too much sweetness can harm the spleen, causing stomach bloating and can restrain kidney water (Earth restrains Water), leading to a dark complexion.

Excessively bitter taste: Bitter taste nourishes the heart, but too much bitterness can harm the heart, leading to heart and lung dysfunction (Fire restrains Metal).

Excessively spicy taste: Spicy taste nourishes the lungs, but too much spiciness can harm the lungs, causing sluggishness in the tendons (Metal restrains Wood, the liver governs 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 elaborate on the external characteristics of people of the five types: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, along with the corresponding dietary adjustments in the following five installments.

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 like to drink tea, especially flower tea (as flower tea contains the essence of Wood). (Water) They enjoy 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 is strong, Earth is weak) they should supplement with Earth foods to improve fortune: (Earth) eat more meats, such as beef, pumpkin, desserts, and yellow soybeans. For health: (Wood is strong, Fire is weak) they should supplement with Fire foods to balance the Wood type’s greenish complexion and poor circulation: red apples, red dates, and pig heart.

Metal Type People – Delicate, Authoritative, and Respected

External characteristics: Large bone structure, muscular, high and wide forehead, fair skin, large 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) They enjoy sweet foods, particularly meats, eight-treasure porridge, and peanuts. (Metal) They prefer bean products, ginger, scallions, and chicken.

What should Metal type people eat for health and fortune? To enhance fortune: (Wood) foods should be consumed: Metal is strong and restrains Wood, so supplementing with Wood balances fortune: (Wood) papaya, green tea, or Pu-erh tea, lemons, etc. To enhance health: (Water) foods should be consumed: Metal is dry and needs moisture: (Water) snow pears, salted fish, chicken kidneys, and pig ears.

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 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 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) They enjoy cold dishes, seafood, especially shellfish, and prefer salty flavors. (Metal) They like pastries, corn, garlic, ginger, and chicken feet, and enjoy spicy flavors in soups and noodles.

What should Water type people eat for health? (Fire), (Wood) foods. To enhance fortune: (Water is strong, Fire is weak) they should supplement with Fire foods to balance: dog meat, lamb, hawthorn, duck tongue, tomatoes, and watermelon. For health: (Water is strong, Wood is weak) they should protect the liver and kidneys: vegetables, green plum wine, and fish heads.

Fire Type People – Courteous, Active, and Proactive

External characteristics: Round and large eyes, sparse beard, red nose, flushed complexion, muscular, and prominent bone structure. Fire type people usually have a pointed head, rosy complexion, lively spirit, slender build, and quick movements.

What should Fire type people eat for health and fortune? They should consume more Water foods. Fire is strong and Water is weak, so they should supplement with Water to balance fortune: (Fortune) Water foods: bird’s nest, kelp, mung bean soup, water fish, stir-fried chicken kidneys, seaweed egg drop soup, and coconut sago. For health, Fire type people should eat more Earth foods: such as snow fungus sweet soup, water chestnut soup, honey, and red bean paste.

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 muscular. 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 are not interested in new things.

In terms of health: Earth type people are prone to gastrointestinal diseases and digestive issues. They should eat more Wood foods: vegetables, high-fiber foods, stir-fried celery with cloud ear mushrooms, stir-fried chicken with tea tree mushrooms, green tea, pea shoots, and lemon water. For health, they should eat more Metal foods: chrysanthemum tea, tofu, and 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 need to maintain active thinking and create unique design ideas to gain recognition in a competitive market. These friends need to adjust their schedules to maintain optimal conditions for more energy for work. In addition to adequate rest to maintain mental clarity, diet is also a primary source for maintaining bodily functions. So, what should one eat to enhance creativity and inspiration? In metaphysics, the “Wenchang Star” represents thinking and creativity, and it belongs to the Wood element. 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, and eggs belong to the Metal element. This combination forms a strong Five Elements growth chain, promoting thinking and improving eyesight. Friends engaged in design and planning should eat this dish more in spring.

2. The “Wenchang Star” not only benefits friends in creative and design industries but also helps young students unleash their potential for 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 fibrous food that aids detoxification. Choose green cucumbers without peeling, remove the seeds, and slice them to stir-fry with fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp belongs to the Water element, which in metaphysics has the ability to penetrate and connect, helping 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.

Five Elements System Diagram

Five Organs: Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, Kidney. The physical organs that transform and store the essence of the body. Five Bowels: Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder. The hollow organs that transport food and eliminate 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 spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal life and the source of Qi and blood. 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 the spleen and stomach are nourished throughout the year.

Six. The Running Points of the Human Body’s Fourteen Meridians

Lung Meridian – (from chest to hand) – Zhongfu – Chize – Lieque – Shaoshang.

Large Intestine Meridian (from hand to head) – Shangyang – Hegu – Quchi – Arm – 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 – Zhuanzhu – Tianzhu – Chengfu – Yinmen – Weizhong – Chengshan – Kunlun – Zhiyin.

Kidney Meridian (from foot to chest) – Yongquan – Taixi – Yinggu – 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 – Sizhuzhikong.

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.

Governor 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.

Seven. 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 Energizer Meridian (21:00-23:00) – Tinnitus, muffled hearing, throat swelling – should maintain a calm mind and regulate the triple energizer meridian.

Foot Three Yang Gallbladder Meridian (23:00-1:00) – Dizziness, bitter mouth, sighing – should sleep and regulate the gallbladder meridian.

Foot Three Yin Liver Meridian (1:00-3:00) – Chest tightness, fatigue, dark circles – particularly prone to irritability.

Eight. The Skin is a Mirror of the Internal Organs

Complexion: Green – Liver Qi stagnation; Red – Heart Fire excess; 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 and bad breath on the hairline and forehead.

Dark circles: Obstructed heart circulation; eye bags: Obstructed bladder metabolism.

Liver Qi deficiency: Pigmentation; excessive 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 accumulation.

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.

Nine. 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 blood storage in the liver – Liver Qi deficiency: depression, pigmentation on the forehead, early graying of hair; excessive 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 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 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 edges, pigmentation under the cheekbones; uterine damp heat, acne on the edges of the mouth and chin.

4: Spleen and stomach dysfunction – Excessive 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 – Kidney and bladder are interdependent – Bladder metabolism obstruction – Eye bags, facial swelling, tinnitus; frequent urination, lower body edema, weakness in the waist and legs.

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 deficiency – Insufficient blood production – Heavy menstruation (Blood Sea. Heavy menstruation – Spleen meridian; light menstruation – Liver meridian).

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