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Five Elements of Traditional Chinese
Medicine
by
Lee Bothamley, R.N., D.C.M, D.Ac.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M.) has been in existence for
3,000-5,000 years. The ancient Chinese did not have knowledge of
the internal organs of the body but gained their knowledge from
their observations of humans with their environment, their
reaction to the weather and certain foods, the impact of certain
emotions on the health and food in relation to health and
illness.
The Five Element theory is only one theory that is used for
diagnosis in T.C.M. The five elements are wood, fire, earth,
metal and water. This diagnostic method correlates each element
with a season, a colour, a taste, a sound, internal organs, an
emotion and many other factors.
Wood element
The wood element is affiliated with the energy of the Liver and
Gallbladder that governs the tendons and ligaments. Its energy
influences digestion, menstrual function and the immune system.
Spring is the season of the wood element and the unpredictable
nature of the wind in spring can imbalance the Liver energy
resulting in headaches, ulcers, increased blood pressure, tics
and spasms, tight muscles especially in the neck and shoulders
and restlessness and irritability.
Fire element
The fire element is affiliated with the energy of the Heart
(including the pericardium) and the Small Intestine. Its energy
affects the mind and spirit, circulation, and the digestion and
assimilation of nutrients. Summer is the season of the fire
element and an imbalance can lead to many “heat” symptoms like
heatstroke, restlessness & irritability with red face, increased
thirst, blood in the urine and constipation.
Earth element
The earth element is affiliated with the energy of the Stomach
and Spleen (including the pancreas). The earth energy influences
the digestive tract, the immune system and the muscles. This
element’s season is the late summer and imbalances in the Spleen
and Stomach energies can lead to digestive problems, chronic
phlegm conditions (sinus problems, etc.), immune imbalances,
weak muscles, and easy bruising or bleeding disorders.
Metal element
The metal element is affiliated with the Lung and Large
Intestine energies. It affects respiration, digestion,
assimilation of nutrients and elimination and connects with the
skin and controls the opening and closing of the pores. The fall
season is connected with this element and imbalances can result
in respiratory problem (asthma, shortness of breath, etc.),
constipation, skin problems and immune dysfunction.
Water element
The water element is connected with the Bladder and Kidney
energies and affects urination, metabolism, maturation,
reproduction including menstrual function, hormone balance, and
the brain and spinal column. It connects with the bones and
joints and the low back. The winter is the water element season
and imbalances can manifest as chronic coldness, cold hands and
feet, frequent urination, incontinence, menstrual irregularities
(including infertility), achy bones and joints, foot problems,
hypertension and thyroid problems.
Although this is a simplified explanation of the Five Element
theory, hopefully it has given you an idea of the holistic
nature of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The theory may seem
antiquated and complicated, but it still remains relevant today
in the diagnosis and treatment of modern Western illnesses.
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About the author:
Lee Bothamley, R.N., D.C.M, D.Ac., Doctor of Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Lee is owner of the Acupuncture & Natural Healing
Centre in Sarnia, Ontario. Specializing in
Acupuncture (Chinese, Japanese, Ear), Korean Hand Therapy,
Moxibustion, Medicinal Herbs, Dietary & Lifestyle Counselling,
Ear Candling, Bach Flower Remedies.
Tel:
(519) 336-7654
Email:
paws@rivernet.net
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