The Five Elements

Another important philosophy in Eastern Medicine is what is known as the Five Elements, or phases of Qi that move through nature and our body. They are believed to be connected or paired with different organs, colors, emotions and seasons of the year. Each blend of elements needs to be balanced in order to be healthy, and each element promotes or controls another one. The five phases of movement describe stages of the growth cycle from birth to death and are used to describe the phases of life that we pass through.

The five elements or phases of TCM include:

  • Wood - The element of Spring, new life and growth. This time is filled with making plans, and looking forward. This governs our sense of vision. (Wind - Liver, Gallbladder, Tendons, Eyes)
  • Fire - The element of Summer filled with warmth, energy, and activity. This expresses joy, and gives us warmth and love. (Heat - Heart, Tongue, Pulse)
  • Earth - The element of Late Summer is believed to be a time of harvest and nurture ourselves. (Damp - Spleen, Stomach, Mouth, Muscles)
  • Metal - The element of Autumn is a time to reflect and wind down. (Dry - Lungs, Nose, Skin) 
  • Water - The final element time of Winter and enter a period of rest, and coldness. From here the cycle can renew. (Cold - Kidneys, Ears, Bones)

Kidney - Water Element 

In TCM the kidneys govern the urinary bladder, reproductive and growth system(bones), and open into the ears. They control the fluids of the body such as marrow for bones, salvia, perspiration, lubrication of the joints, and sperm. The emotion connected to the kidneys is fear. The kidneys' job is to store nutrients, cleanse the blood and produce urine to excrete wastes. The Kidneys grasp Qi, and are a driving force for all the organs in the body. The lungs control inhaling, while the kidneys control exhaling. The Kidneys store essence, referring to both our power source and genetic inheritance.

An imbalance of the Kidneys can look like:

  • Kidney failure - elevated enzymes 
  • Hip/low back pain- weakness of the lumbar regions, not holding for adjustments
  • Urinary disorders - unusual changes to urine color or frequent urination 
  • Feeling cold - poor circulation 
  • Infertility - poor sperm or egg quality 
  • Arthritis - joint pain or bones spurs 
  • Hair loss or dry/dull brittle hair 
  • Hearing loss 
  • Asthma - shortness of breath 

Lungs - Metal Element 

The lungs are a storehouse of fluid in the body and controls Wei Qi, which is the body's defense Qi or immune system. They are also in charge of the skin and the process of breathing. The lungs are paired with the large intestine, and the emotion connected to them is grief or sadness. Therefore being constipated also is believed to be a place of “not being willing to let go.” It is important for these organs to stay moist to function properly. Lungs in TCM are the receptor of Qi. They take in the air, the oxygen that our blood and brain need. Lungs in young ones are not developed right away which is why Wei Qi is weak and they are prone to getting sick.  

The Lung is considered the organ between our body and the outside world. Making external pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and climatic factors, are first met by the lungs. Cough, runny nose, and sweating are all symptoms manifested by an invaded lung and have the function to fight pathogens, and restrain further invasion of the body.

What causes the Wei Qi to be weak or deficient? Processed foods, sugars, high pollution areas, unbalanced yin and yang of other organs. 

Lung Qi (energy) should move downward, while Liver Qi should move upward, and these energies work in harmony.

The lungs being in spasm can cause unknown lameness's. 

An imbalance of the Lungs can look like:

  • Chronic cough
  • Fatigue
  • Cold intolerance
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Prone to common colds and flu- weak immune system 
  • Headaches, sore throat, runny nose, fever 
  • Allergies 
  • Spontaneous sweating 

Liver - Wood Element 

The liver is responsible for storing, detoxing and nourishing the blood. The liver governs the tendons, ligaments, and sinews and opens into the eyes. The emotion connected to the liver is anger, it is believed that it takes on the stress and mirrors the pulse. Since the liver is responsible for storing, detoxing, and releasing blood, liver stagnation results in nutrition deficiency and accumulation of toxins. Liver Qi can manifest into hormonal imbalance because if there is stagnant liver Qi, it weakens the movement of blood and it prevents the blood from reaching the uterus, resulting in painful or irregular cycles. The liver regulates the outflow of bile to facilitate the digestion process. When the Liver overacts the Spleen (and the Stomach) symptoms include poor appetite, abdominal distention, epigastric pain, feeling of pulsation in the epigastrium, sour regurgitation, nausea, belching, diarrhea, sometimes vomiting. Some causes for liver imbalance can be from stress and anger, drugs such as lasix, bute, etc - improper diet.

An imbalance of the Liver can look like:

  • Liver disease/ failure 
  • Vision problems - dry eyes or blurred vision 
  • Jaundice 
  • Poor appetite - digestive issues from liver overreacting on the stomach and spleen 
  • Painful or irregular menstrual cycle 
  • Circulation problems 
  • Menstrual imbalances
  • Muscle soreness, weak tendons and ligaments, tying up 

Heart - Fire Element 

The heart is responsible to govern blood, control the blood vessels, and is paired with the small intestine. The emotion connected to the heart is joy.

The Heart houses the Shen, which is our emotional and spiritual being. The Shen embodies consciousness, emotions, mental function and vitality. According to TCM, regulated blood circulation depends on the heart’s energy flow, or Qi.

An imbalance of the Heart can look like:

  • Poor circulation - cold limbs 
  • Palpitations - shortness of breath 
  • Anxiety, insomnia, restlessness 
  • Weak pulse 
  • Chest pain 
  • spontaneous sweating

Spleen - Earth Element 

The Spleen is responsible for converting food and liquids into Qi, to transform and transport nutrients. It is paired with the Stomach and the emotion connected to them is worry. Energy of the spleen is ascending - transforming the food that we eat and the fluids that we drink into nutrients, blood and energy, and transport them to the remaining organs and body tissues for nourishment. If this is deficient, then the muscles and body tissues are not being sufficiently nourished. When the spleen is weak the Qi sinks downwards and results in excess dampness and phlegm. This can cause bloating and loose stools because there is not enough digestive fire to warm the stool to dry it out. Energy of the stomach is descending in nature so excess fluid and food waste will be sent downwards to the excretion organs. If stomach energies rebel, the energy moves upwards instead of downwards, causing nausea, vomiting and excess gas. Excess water produced from the digestion process is circulated to the lungs and kidneys where it is vaporized to form perspiration and urine and excreted out of the body.

An imbalance of the Spleen can look like:

  • Fatigue or low energy 
  • Loose stools 
  • Loss of appetite or abdominal fullness after meals 
  • Slow or weak digestion 
  • Weak muscles