Qigong Fundamentals: Five Element Theory
The Five Elements are five expressions of the changing relationship between Yin and Yang, rather than five separate things. In Daoist cosmology, Yin and Yang describe complementary forces such as cold and hot, stillness and movement.
Continual interaction and transformation of these complimentary forces give rise to five distinct phases of energy and movement known as the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
These are not fixed substances but dynamic forces that describe the patterns of change found throughout nature and the “ten thousand things,” the vast array of life and existence.
Earth: the centering and transforming phase.
Metal: the contracting, refining movement of autumn.
Water: the deepest, inward and resting movement of winter.
Wood: the rising, expanding movement of spring.
Fire: the fullest, outward movement of summer.
The Five Elements Support and Control Each Other
Everything in our external and internal terrain can be understood through the Five Elements. Each element has both supporting and controlling relationships with the others. When the Five Elements within us are in balance, we experience greater health and harmony. When they fall out of balance, whether through overacting, counteracting, or failing to support one another, we may experience dis-ease in one form or another.
The body energetically contains the qualities of the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Our five Yin organs serve as repositories, gathering and storing the essence of the Five Elements, while the Yang organs mobilize and use this essence to carry out their specific functions.
The Creative Cycle: Wood (Liver) feeds Fire (Heart), the energy of the Liver feeds the Heart. Fire creates ash the energy of Fire creates Earth (Spleen). The Heart overflows to support the Spleen. From the Earth we get Metal (Lungs). The Spleen supports the Lungs. Metal becomes molten and creates Water (Kidneys) and so the energy of the Lungs give energy to the Kidneys.
Cycle of Control: Wood penetrates the Earth. Fire melts Metal. Earth absorbs and holds Water back. Water puts out Fire.
The Creative Cycle follows the seasons, stimulate one organ to create more energy in the other. The Controlling Cycle shows that if you strengthen one organ you are restraining another. These cycles are very important to diagnoses and treatment. The goal is to seek equilibrium.