Five Elements Theories & Relationships;

“CREATION” (Mother-Child) & “DESTRUCTION”

(Control) Cycles

Fire

Wood Earth

Water Metal

The 5 Elements

We can also understand the Elements as the basic ingredients necessary for organic life. In
nature, we see that a plant comes from a seed (wood) and is nourished by soil (earth), air and
minerals (metal), sunshine (fire), and water. In people, all of the Elements make life possible
too: humans need earth beneath us, warmth, minerals and air, water and a genetic blueprint for
life to be possible. A balanced relationship of each Element as well as their presence are
necessary for life. The practitioner of Classical Five-Element acupuncture invigorates and
supports our self-healing ability by bringing balance, harmony and wholeness to the five
Elements.
 FIRE
Fire is epitomized by Summer, the most expansive phase of Nature’s cyclic flow, a time
when potentials are realized, life matures and activities are at their peak. Fire brings all
things to fruition - the heat and warmth of this Element regulate the transformative power
necessary for all physiological processes. Fire is expressed in emotional warmth, love,
humor, spontaneity, compassion, joy, humanity, fellowship, equality, passion and
intimacy. Fire illuminates awareness, learning, reason, intuition and insight, and at a
deep level the Fire Element reveals our capacity to feel warmly connected to all beings.

Notes:
 EARTH

The Earth Element embodies the harvest, a time for enjoying the fruits of our labors.
Ultimately, the Earth is the foundation, center and provider of all nourishment;
physically, the Earth Element is responsible for the digestion and distribution of food
and drink. This Element also maintains the processing and transfer of information and
ideas which feed our minds and spirits. The nature of this Element is motherly,
supporting, sustaining, and embracing unconditionally. The Earth Element fosters our
ability to appropriately care for oneself and others, encouraging stability, security,
understanding, contentment, satisfaction, abundance, unity and peace.
Notes:
 METAL
The crisp, cool air and decaying leaves of autumn characterize the Metal Element. Metal
exemplifies quality, purity, precision, brilliance and richness. In nature, the Metal
Element is differentiated in the air, stones, metals and trace minerals which enrich the
soil. This Element regulates respiration and elimination, blessing us with the ability to
breathe and dispose of waste and toxins. On a non-physical level, these include pride,
vanity, arrogance and filthy ideas which can contaminate the mind, and spirit. The
emotion associated with Metal is grief ,which is felt when we lose something of value.
Nevertheless, a timely letting go of the old is necessary for new energy, inspiration,
value and a sense of higher purpose to enter. Metal commands honor, virtue, respect
and defines our sense of self-worth, granting us the ability to acknowledge and
appreciate our humility and divine, radiant nature.

Notes:
 WATER

Water is characterized by the rest, inactivity and contraction reflected in winter. The
ability to endure this season depends on the stores and reserves that have been
carefully set aside from our previous harvest. The Water Element governs the urinary
system and all aspects of the distribution and storage of water; it supplies fluidity,
cleansing and rejuvenation. Associated with the one’s energetic reserves, power and
innate potential of our genetic inheritance, Water marshals our ambition, drive and
willpower. Survival is threatened by a shortage or overabundance of water, releasing
fear, anxiety, and panic. This response protects life, however when fear is excessive or
absent we tally in danger. A balanced cultivation of one’s resources reassures and allays
fear from overwhelming our wisdom and inner calm.

Notes:
 WOOD

Spring arrives with a burst of life, demonstrating birth, re-awakening, growth, creativity,
enthusiasm and upward, forward and forceful movement. The Wood Element, like a
plant, organizes the other four Elements into a living being - planning, coordinating, and
directing the seamless operation of all physiological processes. Wood promotes a vision
of our goals and hopes for the future. When the energy of Wood is blocked, anger and
frustration arise. Acceptance, surrender, forgiveness and kindness allow for flexible and
sound decisions as well as well directed self-assertion. This advances growth beyond
the obstacles we confront.

Notes:
 Classical 5 Element Acupuncture Theory

For over 2,000 years, Classical Five-Element Acupuncture has been used to effectively treat and
prevent all types of physical and emotional imbalances. It is one of the safest and most
comprehensive systems of medicine in the world.

This system focuses on restoring and strengthening a flow of life energy at a deep level, the
cycle of life, or five Elements. This medicine not only powerfully encourages healing for the
body, mind and emotions - it also supports an elevation of consciousness and awakening of the
spirit.

This ancient system of healing has been taught in the oral tradition from generation to
generation and brought to the West by master acupuncturist, J.R. Worsley.
 Classical 5 Element Acupuncture Theory
(Cycle of “CREATION” or Referred to as Mother Child)

Notes;
 Classical 5 Element Acupuncture Theory
(Cycle of “DESTRUCTION” or Referred to “CONTROL”)

Notes;
 Classical 5 Element Acupuncture Theory

Generating Cycle Controlling Cycle

SEASONS CLIMATE FORTIFIES TASTE EMOTIONS SOUNDS ODOURS

FIRE SUMMER HEAT ARTERIES BITTER JOY LAUGHING SCORCHED

EARTH LATE SUMMER HUMIDITY MUSCLES SWEET SYMPATHY SINGING FRAGRANT
METAL AUTUMN DRYNESS SKIN/HAIR PUNGENT GRIEF WEEPING ROTTEN
WATER WINTER COLD BONES SALTY FEAR GROANING PUTRID
WOOD SPRING WIND LIGAMENTS SOUR ANGER SHOUTING RANCID
 Classical 5 Element
Acupuncture Theory

Meridians:
The ancient Chinese created a map of the pathways by
which our life energy flows throughout our system. These
pathways run on the torso, limbs, and head, on the surface
as well as deeper in our bodies. These pathways carry
nourishing life energy (called Qi) to every cell of our bodies.
Like our blood circulation, the circulation of Qi energy can
become blocked, restricted, or depleted, which leads to
disease. In health, the flow Qi energy is balanced, smooth, The Liver Meridian
and strong.

Our internal organ systems, such as the Liver, Stomach, and

so on, are responsible for maintaining and sustaining life. Because of their highly valued roles, the
ancient Chinese called these systems the Officials. The Officials have distinct functions, but they work
together, coordinated as a team.

Each Official is connected to its own energy pathway. For example, the Liver Official is connected to the
Liver meridian. The meridian system is interconnected to allow Qi to flow to all parts of the body, mind,
and spirit, and also to enable the Officials to work together and support each other.

For more information about:

• Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, and Three Heater see Fire.

• Spleen and Stomach see Earth.
• Lungs and Large Intestine see Metal.
• Kidneys and Bladder see Water.
• Liver and Gallbladder see Wood.

Acupuncture Points
Acupuncture points are located along the course of the meridians. The practitioner uses very thin
needles as well as moxa, a dried herb which is burned, to contact and affect the vital Qi energy of
acupuncture points. The points can be used to not only free the flow of vital Qi energy in the meridians;
they also bring balance, strength and vitality to the Officials.

Acupuncture points strengthen our spirit as well by freeing trapped life energy that is caught in
unconscious patterns of dysfunction.

Conditions Treated by Acupuncture:

The World Health Organization recognizes the ability of acupuncture and traditional Oriental
medicine to treat over 43 common disorders including:

Gastrointestinal and Internal Disorders, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea,
constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, hypoglycemia, colitis,
hemorrhoids, diabetes, and gastritis.

Uro-genital Disorders & Gynecological Disorders, such as stress incontinence, urinary tract infections,
and sexual dysfunction. irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, infertility, impotence, pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID), vaginitis, morning sickness, induction of labor and premenstrual syndrome
(PMS).

Respiratory Disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, allergic rhinitis, hayfever, colds
and flues, and bronchitis.

Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System, such as arthritis, headaches, neuralgia,
stroke, Bell’s Palsy, cerebral palsy, polio, tempromandibular dysfunction (TMJ), insomnia, dizziness,
sciatica, and low back, neck and shoulder pain, sprains, postoperative pain.

Circulatory Disorders, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, adverse reactions to

radiation or chemotherapy and anemia.

Dermatological Disorders, such as eczema, acne, and herpes.

Emotional and Psychological Disorders, including stress, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

Addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs.

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders, such as tinnitus, earaches, menier’s, deafness, poor eyesight,
sinusitis, sorethroat.

*Note: Acupuncture is often effective therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders which
have no clear explanation or origin.
Qi Gong
Qigong (pronounced chee gong, aka Chi Kung) means energy cultivation. It is a traditional Chinese
practice of building, restoring, and circulating vital life energy. Qigong is believed to have originated over
5,000 years ago and, in China, millions of people practice daily in public parks in the morning hours.

Qigong reduces stress, cures and prevents disease, increases vitality, relieves pain, and enhances
mental clarity, wellbeing, and athletic performance. Qigong also helps us to open to the living energy of
nature, earth, and the cosmos. In this way, it can act as a non-religious spiritual practice.

Qigong movements are gentle and fluid and are practiced with inner awareness. Qigong forms gently
exercise and relax the body, calm the mind, and allow for healing and transformation.

There are countless styles of Qigong - some forms are new, while others are ancient and have been
passed down from generation to generation. Qigong is often a foundation of the martial arts, where
one's power comes from one's inner resource of Qi. Tai Chi (Taiji), which originated in the 18th century,
is both a type of Qigong and a martial art.

Qigong is an important aspect of Chinese medicine because it easy to do by oneself or in a group. It is

a very valuable adjunct to acupuncture and other healing modalities.