Wu Xing Theory - Five Elements Theory

This theory was an ancient philosophical concept used to explain the composition and phenomena of the physical universe, also describes energetic balances and correspondences within the body and outside the body, and how these interact to generate health or disease.

The five elements theory (Wu Xing Theory) posits wood, fire, earth, metal, and water as the basic elements of the material world. These elements are in constant movement and change. Moreover, the complex connections between material objects are explained through the relationship of interdependence and mutual restraint that governs the five elements. In TCM, Five Elements theory is used to interpret the relationship between the physiology and pathology of the human body and the natural environment.

According to this theory, the five elements are in constant move and change, and the interdependence and mutual restraint of the five elements explain the complex connection between material objects as well as the unity between the human body and the natural world. In TCM, the visceral organs, as well as other organs and tissues, have similar properties to the five elements; they interact physiologically and pathologically as the five elements do. Through similarity comparison, different phenomena are attributed to the categories of the five elements. Based on the characteristics, forms, and functions of different phenomena, the complex links between physiology and pathology as well as the interconnection between the human body and the natural world are explained.

The five elements emerged from an observation of the various groups of dynamic processes, functions and characteristics observed in the natural world. The aspects involved in each of the five elements are follows:

Water
Water element represent the most extreme Yin state. It is the phase when the energy is stored, awaiting a time to explode outward, initiating a new life cycle. Winter is the season associated with Water. If the energy of water can be retained, it will provide strength through the life cycle. If the energy is wanted, the remainder of the cycle will be weakened. Deficiency of water manifests in fear, paranoia, poor resistance, cold, lower back and knee pain and general bodily weakness.

Wood
Wood element represents the concentrated energy developed in the Water phase explodes outward, starting a new period of activity. Spring is the season for the Wood phase. Wood energy rises and expands, resulting in what some experience as "spring fever". Wood is New Yang. This is a time of creation and growth. When the Wood energy is repressed, one can experience irritation, anger, hatred and rage. When the Wood energy is depleted, there may be lethargy and depression.

Fire
Fire element represents Full Yang, or the energetic phase of the cycle. Summer is the corresponding season. This is the most expansive time of the year. Activity is at a peak, and contentment and cooperation prevail.
When the Fire energy is blocked, it is expressed at heat or tension, especially in the neck, shoulders and head. When Fire energy is deficient, one may be suspicious, paranoid, lose the memory, or experience emotional unrest.

Metal
Fire element is followed by Metal element, which is representative of the Fall season. This stage begins the withdrawal process, where the energy of the Fire stage can be processed and readied for harvest. This is a time to get of excess turbid energy before the lean phase of winter begins. Metal represents a time of inner reflection and meditation, when one can draw in and store the essential energies that are useful.
Blockage of the Metal element may result in melancholy and grief. Physical manifestations can include chest pressure, breathing difficulties and low resistance to colds and flu. Excess can result in continuous sobbing and draining of the body's essential energies.

Earth
The Earth element is the centering and balancing element in the cycle. Thus the Earth element is always present, even in the other phases of the cycles. It acts as a non-judgemental influence, providing understanding, contemplation and a mature energy.
If the Earth influence is excessive, one worries too much, losing the overall perspective, resulting in hypochondria, digestive and blood disorders and menstrual disorders in women. When the energy is deficient, the mind becomes sluggish, resulting in depression and fatigue.

The Mutual Promoting (Creating) Cycle:
Water promotes (creates) Wood.
Wood promotes (creates) Fire.
Fire promotes (creates) Earth.
Earth promotes (creates) Metal.
Metal promotes (creates) Water.

The Mutual Restraining (Controlling) Cycle:
Water restrains (controls) Fire.
Fire restrains (controls) Metal.
Metal restrains (controls) Wood.
Wood restrains (controls) Earth.
Earth restrains (controls) Water.

TCM Overview

Basic Theory :

• Yin Yang Theory
• Wu Xing Theory - Five Elements Theory
• Zang Fu Theory
• Qi Xue and Jin Ye Theory - Qi Blood and Body Fluid Theory
• Jing Luo Theory - Channels (Meridians) and Collaterals Theory
• Causes of Disease Theory (Etiology Theory)

Diagnosis Methods :

• Four Principles of Patient's Examination
• Eight Principles of Diagnosis
• Differentiation of Syndroms

Treatment Methods :

• Acupuncture and Moxibustion
• Herbal Medicine