The Five Elements are interrelated through generating and overcoming cycles.

Generating Cycle: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood. —- Generating represents development.

Overcoming Cycle: Wood overcomes Earth, Earth overcomes Water, Water overcomes Fire, Fire overcomes Metal, Metal overcomes Wood. —- Overcoming represents balance.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, 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 of the body is essential for health.

Wood

Season of Wood: Spring

Organs of Wood: Liver (Gan), Gallbladder (Dan), 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 generate 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, during 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, 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.

Emotion 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 (Xin), Small Intestine (Xiao Chang), Tongue. Emotion of Fire: Joy. Taste of Fire: Bitter. Foods of Fire: Red foods. The heart belongs to 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 overcoming principle of the Five Elements, the Kidney overcomes 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. Those with poor complexion and cold extremities can benefit from consuming more. Recommended Foods: Red beans, red dates, carrots, red peppers, tomatoes.

Earth

Season of Earth: Late Summer. This refers to the period after the dry heat of summer when it begins to rain. Organs of Earth: Spleen (Pi), Stomach (Wei), Mouth. Emotion 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 element nourishes the Earth element, and consuming bitter foods strengthens the heart, which also benefits the spleen. Problems with Earth organs correspond to yellow foods. The spleen and stomach play a role in nutrient supply; 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 well-nourished in autumn, as coughs are common ailments influenced by the spirit of the Five Elements. As plants begin to wither in autumn, it can lead to feelings of melancholy. Organs of Metal: Lung (Fei), Large Intestine (Da Chang), Nose. Emotion of Metal: Sadness. Sadness belongs to Metal and is related to 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, yams, almonds, lilies, and white fungus.

Water

Season of Water: Winter. Organs of Water: Kidney (Shen), Bladder (Pang Guang), Ears. Excessive dining out can harm the kidneys, which are our most concerned organs. A common trait among chefs is the heavy use of oil and salt, making food more flavorful. However, salty taste belongs to Water and is beneficial in moderation; excessive intake can be detrimental, especially if the complexion darkens, indicating potential kidney issues. Emotion of Water: Fear.

Foods of 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 strengthening bones. Recommended Foods: Black beans, black sesame, blueberries, shiitake mushrooms, black dates, longan, and black 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

The five major organs of the human body are interdependent and mutually supportive—Liver generates Heart, which is Wood generating Fire; the Liver stores blood to support the Heart; Heart generates Spleen, which is Fire generating Earth; the Yang Qi of the Heart can nourish the Spleen; Spleen generates Lung, which is Earth generating Metal; the Spleen transforms the essence of food and drink to benefit the Lung; Lung generates Kidney, which is Metal generating Water; the clear Qi of the Lung descends to nourish the Kidney; Kidney generates Liver, which is Water generating Wood; the Kidney stores essence to nourish the Yin blood of the Liver.

Reishi mushroom enters the Five Classics, harmonizing the Five Organs, which everyone needs!

The Five Element characteristics of Reishi create a subtle microcosm of “Earth → Metal → Water → Wood → Fire,” stimulating the circulation and metabolism of the five major organs—Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney—forming a dynamic, ever-renewing balance.