“Nature is the source of all true knowledge” - Leonardo Da Vinci
The five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water are the foundations of nature according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM theory and acupuncture dates back over 5000 years and can diagnose and treat the constitution of the body using concepts and practices of the environment that exists around us and inside of us. The elements, coupled with the interconnectedness of yin and yang, are pivotal to understanding every harmony and disharmony in the human body. Each element, also known as a virtue, represents an organ pairing and other constitutional factors that make up an entire being’s physiology.
Acupuncturists well versed in five element theory will assess which virtues are excess and deficient in order to determine the most effective treatment strategy for the patient’s condition. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has been touted to help a variety of chronic conditions by stimulating the flow of energy throughout the body.
While there are many elemental attributes in Chinese Medicine theory, this blog will explore into how they relate to the organs, what influence they may have over the emotional and physical constitution, and seasonal times the elements needs the most attention. I will also highlight easy exercises to rebalance the elements in your body so that you can begin to live in harmony within yourself and the natural world.
Wood represents the liver and gallbladder. When the wood element is strong, a person may be decisive, strategic, creative and confident. When wood is out of balance, one may tend towards anger, irritability, indecisiveness, or feeling stuck. Physical manifestations may include tinnitus, feeling a lump in the throat, side body pain, and tight neck and shoulders. The fluid movement of liver qi, life force energy, is vital to making sure the body and spirit are moving forward. One is the most susceptible to wood imbalance during the spring when the winds of change are blowing strongly.
Fire represents the heart and small intestine. When fire is in balance in the body, one is often joyful, vibrant, happy, open, and heart centered. When the fire element is out of control, one may experience mania, panic, isolation, and heart ache. Other symptoms may include insomnia, palpitations, excessive heat, chest pain and speech disorders. Fire is the hottest and most energetically charged elementt in the body, so it is important to keep the heart grounded. Fire can easily become errant in the middle of the summer when the temperature rises.
Earth represents the spleen and stomach. When the earth element is harmonious, one might feel grounded, compassionate, nurturing, and analytical. If earth is undernourished, a person might feel be overly attached, anxious, and preoccupied with others. Physical symptoms may be difficulty digesting food, loose stools, fatigue, bloating, and brain fog. Earth is the middle of all elements, as it exists in the digestive center. If energy is stuck here, there may be separation of yin and yang with poor transformation of qi. Late summer often affects earth the most, when humidity and dampness are heaviest in the environment.
Metal represents the lungs and large intestine. When metal is robust, a person may feel integrity, presence, and be able to navigate changes with ease. If this element is out of balance, one may feel grief, sorrow, and rigidity. Other symptoms lung disharmony may include shortness of breath, chronic slouching of the shoulders, asthma and allergies. The lungs are responsible for taking in qi through the breath, so it is imperative that they are functioning optimally to sustain life. Metal often becomes out of balance in the autumn during the cool, dry transition.
Water represents the kidneys and urinary bladder. When the water element is in alignment, one may have strong willpower, endurance, and longterm focus. When this element is in disharmony, a person may experience fear, addiction, and lack of faith in oneself. Physical manifestations of water imbalance may include low back pain, urinary issues, excessive cold, water retention, and exhaustion. The kidneys are the root of primal source qi, so they need consistent nourishment and rest. The middle of winter is when the kidneys need the most attention in order to keep our bodies warm during the cold season.
A patient recently came in for an appointment soon after a loss of a loved one. She was slouching her shoulders and taking very short, quickened breaths, but claimed she was “holding it together”. After rebalancing the metal element of the lungs in her constitution, she cried on the table for the first time and was able to take deeper breaths at the end of her treatment. When we prevent our energy from completing its natural cycle, it is like a boulder in a riverbed, blocking the flow of water. Eventually, removing this obstruction releases the qi with force, and one can move forward in their body and in their life.
By focusing on the five elements, an acupuncturist is able to hone in on the root cause of disharmony in the body to create deep, lasting change. Another patient provided a testimonial after her five element treatments for anxiety and stress:
"Dani has played a pivotal role in helping me with my chronic anxiety. With her grounding presence and varied expertise, Dani provides the optimal space for healing. During each session, she was able to meet me where I was at and would help guide me back to a state of stability with her treatments. She was always very mindful of my comfort throughout and showed great dedication to my healing. Between the treatments given and the tools Dani taught me, I am able to move forward with a better quality of life."
One of my favorite prescriptions for patients is Qi Gong. Qi Gong is a low intensity movement therapy that can stimulate the viscera and meridians to improve overall health and wellbeing. If you sense that any of the elements are out of balance in your body, follow the associated qi gong exercise below:
Wood - With arms by your sides, rotate the torso from side to side, allowing the hands to hit the opposite side of the abdomen and back. Exhale through the mouth with a sigh as you rotate. Repeat this exercise until you feel calmer.
Fire - Starting level with the throat, place the palms down with finger tips facing each other. As you exhale, push the hands down towards the ground slowly until you are level with your pelvis. Repeat as many times as necessary until you feel grounded and cool.
Earth - Place one hand over the other on top of the navel. Rub the abdomen gently and slowly in clockwise circles until you feel relaxed. Breathe slowly and completely during this exercise.
Metal - Extend your arms in front of the body with thumbs pointed up to the sky. On your inhale, open the arms out to the sides, noticing a stretch on the inner part of the arm to the thumb. On the exhale, bring your arms back together. Repeat several times until you notice your breath becoming more fluid.
Water - Place your hands in fists on your lower back, directly over the kidneys, level with the natural waistline. Rub your lower back in circular motions with both hands until you feel warmth over the area.
In addition to Qi Gong, receiving regular acupuncture sessions during seasonal transitions will help to rebalance the elements within your body, mind and spirit. Book a consultation and treatment to discover the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine and ways you can heal your body from the inside out.
"The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature." - Joseph Campbell
Danielle Gaglini, L.Ac., MAOM., Dipl.OM. is a New Hampshire and Maine licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who practices at the NH Health & Wellness Center in Nashua, NH. Her integrative treatment style incorporates various eastern, orthopedic and esoteric healing modalities to address disharmonies in the physical and energetic body. To schedule a session or for more information email danielle@acupuncturenewengland.com or call 978-272-2402. If your health insurance covers out-of-network acupuncture, you may be reimbursed for your appointments.
