Five Elements
In Traditional Chinese Medicine there are 5 elements, these are a comprehensive template that organises all natural phenomena into 5 master groups or patterns in nature.
Each of the five groups Fire, Earth, Metal, Water & Wood has a limitless category such as seasons, emotion, personality, stage of growth, taste, colour, sound and aspect of the soul. In Touch for Health Kinesiology we used this interrelated relationship between the Five Elements and the internal organs to help us understand emotions and where any imbalanced energy may lie.
Whilst each 5 element stands independently, each influences and moulds the other. In Touch for Health we work with the Creative and Controlling cycle which goes further into the relationships the elements have with each other.
The depth of knowledge for each element is huge, reaching into which parts of the body and nervous system are governed by which element and also which emotions are associated with the yin or yang nature of the element. For example as a Wood element my negative Yang emotions are frustration, impatience and irritability. To release these emotions, the Wood type would benefit from writing down their feelings to vent them.
On a physical level it is fascinating to note where the physical imbalances can manifest relevant to each element, supporting the holistic viewpoint of symptoms being a physical manifestation of an emotional state.
So by connecting with your Five Element it further helps you to understand and then take responsibility for balancing your direct needs, which in turn would support and heal physical symptoms.
As an example, it’s important for Wood types to remain flexible and stay active, stretching their soft muscles to release tension.
Whilst nutritionally different food groups nourish and support each element, for me it’s green foods and sour flavours., whilst root vegetables help to detoxify my liver.
You can further explore which natural elements such as Essential Oils or Flower Essences can help to support you emotionally or relieve any stagnation in the body.
From a personal viewpoint, I find that identify as a Wood Element has been extremely helpful in understand myself, not only in terms of which organs hold my most likely energy imbalances (Liver & Gall Bladder) but also personality and seasons.
As a Wood element my season is Spring, it’s when I truly come alive and reach my full potential in the calendar year.
So I’m always excited to greet the Spring season with open arms and to implement any exciting plans I have.