Self-Care with 5 Elements
What is the relationship betwen the elements and our health?
An ancient philosophical thought that studies the conceptual characteristics of the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, and uses them to explain the development, changes, and interrelationships of all things in the universe.
In TCM 5 elements, we focus on 5 organs – liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney.
The organs do not refer to just the organs itself. It refers to the systems surrounding the organs.
Liver – circulation
Heart – cardiovascular
Spleen – digestion
Lung – respiratory
Kidney – reproductive
Traits of the 5 elements (五行)
Classification was done through observations of the elements and organs traits.
WOOD grows; LIVER ensures smooth circulation
木的升发，条达特性 – 肝气的疏泄条达
FIRE is warm; HEART has warming effect
火的温热，升腾作用 – 心阳的温煦作用
EARTH holds and transport the nutrients; SPLEEN holds and transports nutrients
土的承载，生化受纳 – 脾的运化作用
METAL is heavy, ‘kills’; LUNG ‘cleans’ the qi before transporting out
金的沉降，萧杀特性 – 肺主肃降功能
WATER is moisturizing, downward flowing ; KIDNEY works on the body fluid
水的滋润，下行特性 – 肾主水液的功能
Observe our internal health from the outside.
We cannot see our internal organs. However, we can observe the tell-tale signs from the outside.
When you experience issues with your EYES (SIGHT), TENDONS, NAILS, strengthen your LIVER.
When you experience issues with your TONGUE (SPEECH), FACE, BLOOD VESSELS, strengthen your HEART.
When you experience issues with your MOUTH (TASTE), MUSCLE, LIPS, strengthen your SPLEEN.
When you experience issues with your NOSE (SMELL), SKIN (SKIN HAIR), strengthen your LUNG.
When you experience issues with your EARS (HEARING), BONES, HAIR (HEAD), strengthen your KIDNEY.
Application: when I am experiencing dry eyes, I focus to take care of my WOOD element. I can consume more green leafy vegetables, I manage my anger and massage acupoints on liver meridian (e.g. Tai Chong 太冲).
We can go to the respective meridians when we want to strengthen any particular element (organ).
WOOD (LIVER): liver + gall bladder
FIRE (HEART): heart + small intestines
EARTH (SPLEEN): stomach + spleen
METAL (LUNG): lung + large intestines
WATER (KIDNEY): kidney + bladder
Meridians work in pairs like husband and wife. When one is good, the other will be good. If one is not good, the other one will not be good too.
Application: If you are coughing, stimulate your lung meridian would help. Do also stimulate your large intestines meridian.
Massaging the acupressure points along the meridians helps to clear the possible blockages. Less blockage helps in better qi flow, for better health.
With reference to the 5 elements chart, we can strengthen the respective organ with:
– respective food colour
– respective food taste
– managing respective emotion
– massaging the respective meridians
Note: These are general observations for simple self-care, for eductional purpose. Do not self-diagnose. Consult a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to have a better understanding of your condition and advise appropriately.
More in the E-Book: Learn About Wellness with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in 30 Minutes