The Theory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Five Elements originated thousands of years ago from observations of patterns in the natural world. Based on these observations, the ancient Chinese mapped a cycle of nature that was understood to spread through all things. One can see this cycle most easily in the successive revolution of the seasons.
'Elements' might alternately be translated as Phases. Each of the five elements, translated as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, represents a different phase of the cycle. And these cycles or phases are attached to organ systems within Chinese Medicine. Just as these phases map out predictable patterns in nature, they can also be used to understand health in a person's life. By using observations of how the five elements translate to human life physically, emotionally, and spiritually, a useful and effective tool to treat illness was developed.
It is understood that we pass through the cycle of these phases within each day, as well as each month, each year, and through the entire course of our lives. Health is seen as the appropriate expression of each phase and an easy, natural transition from one phase into the next. As acupuncturist we look at the health of each of the elemental phases within a person to determine which ones are functioning optimally and which ones are not. This is part of the basis for planning an appropriate acupuncture and herbal treatment.
Another concept in traditional Chinese medicine, specifically five element theory is that each person has one element that is their constitutional factor; one phase which is their greatest strength and greatest weakness. This element tends to be at the root of most symptoms. Treating this element with acupuncture and herbs restores health to the entire system, yielding relief from symptoms as well as better long-term health. On another level, understanding one's own constitutional element can help to clarify deeply rooted strengths and weaknesses. This increased clarity is very useful for both practitioner and patient, adding depth to any discussion of preventative and restorative care. Taking into consideration this concept of constitutional factor it gives a more clear picture to the practitioner on the direction of treatment and what to address first.
It is important to remember that even though we each have a constitutional element, every person has all five elements within. To clarify this concept, one might think of the cycle of seasons in Florida as compared with the cycle of seasons in Alaska. Both states have seasons, but in Florida all of the seasons tend to cycle within the overarching season of summer, whereas in Alaska all of the season’s cycle more within the overarching season of winter. In this way, we each have one overarching element, while all of the elements of the cycle are present within us.
Below is a chart which illustrates how the Five Elements interact with one another. The circle of arrows in the chart illustrates how the elements are connected and related with one another, one becoming the next in the cycle. One can see this most easily in nature as the flow of the seasons; Winter becomes Spring, then Spring becomes Summer, Summer into Late Summer, into Fall then Fall back into Winter. The arrows in the center show how the elements control or contain one another, so that none grow out of control. One example of this can be seen in how earth controls water. High riverbanks prevent water from flooding an area, giving the river strength and direction by controlling it's flow.
