The Elements
Jul 19, 2021 2023-05-25 3:30The Elements
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The 5 Elements
In Five Element Acupuncture, as it is known, there are a number of factors that are used in diagnosis and treatment, that follow the laws of natural healing throughout the seasons.
The influence of the Elements, Fire, Earth, Metal Water, and Wood, occurs throughout the year in what are called “PHASES”. The Phases are related to specific seasons of the year, each lasting for about 73 days. Each phase has specific influence on health and state of mind, each phase is related to a specific organ, so is used to bring about health by keeping these organs in harmony and working together with the other. Taking all of this into consideration, the elements are used to diagnose and treat disease, injury, pain and other symptoms of suffering, as well as the state of heart and mind.
Fire
The Fire Element, related to the HEART, occurs in the season of Summer.
In the season of Summer, the energies are expanded and have reached a pinnacle. It is associated with the emotions on the continuum between Anxiety and Joy. The Fire Element has great influence on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the Heart, Small Intestine, Endocrine System and in protection of the Heart from outside influences. It is also very important in the treatment of Mental Health.
Needles are small and relatively low in sensation. Occasionally you will feel a slight pinch or a sensation of energetic flow, but for the most part, acupuncture is safe, easy and very relaxing.
Other associations
- The Color of Fire is Red
- The Sense of Fire is Taste
- The Sensory organ of Fire is Tongue
- The Time of Day for Fire is 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm
Earth
The Earth Element, related to the Spleen, occurs in the season called Late Summer.
This is the distinct time of year following the Height of Summer, right before the Fall. This is when the energies are turning inward and down, but are still laden with the fruits of summer. It is the time of Abundance that may be known as Harvest time. The Abundance of the Harvest is important in seeding the future of the coming year. The Earth Element has great influence on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the Spleen and Stomach, and is associated with the emotions on the continuum between Sympathy and Contentment. It is used in the treatment of inner and outer pathologies that affect these organs. It is also very important in the treatment of Stagnation as it occurs in disease or injury, and with problems that impede Movement.
Other associations
- The Color of Earth is Yellow
- The Sense of Earth is Touch
- The Sensory organ of Earth is Mouth
- The Time of Day for Earth is 7am-11am
Metal
The Metal Element, related to the Lungs, occurs in the season of Autumn.
The time of year when the energy is moving downward and inward, and the fruits of the year are going to seed for the next year’s growth. The Metal Element has a great influence on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the Lung and the Large Intestine, and is associated with the emotions on the continuum between Grief and Humor. Treatment on the Metal Element will help in respiration and elimination and assist greatly in supporting Quality of life.
Other associations
- The Color of Metal is White
- The Sense of Metal is Smell
- The Sensory organ of Metal is Nose
- The Time of Day for Metal is 3am-7am
Water
The Water Element, related to the Kidneys, occurs in the season of Winter.
Throughout the duration of the Winter months, the cold and dark provide little support for excess activity, therefore being a time for contemplation, rest and rejuvenation, in preparation for the coming season of growth and new purpose. The Water Element has a great influence on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the Kidneys and Bladder, and is associated with the emotions, on the continuum, between Fear and Courage.
The Water Element, when used in treatment, assists with diagnosing and treating ailments that are associated with strength and longevity.
Other associations
- The Color of Water is Blue
- The Sense of Water is Hearing
- The Sensory organ of Water is The Ear
- The Time of Day for Water is 3pm-7pm
Wood
The Wood Element, related to the Liver, occurs in the season of Spring. In the Spring, a surge of growth is necessary for the energetic push needed to move upward out of the stillness of Winter. Creativity is essential for this growth to sustain its force. The Wood Element has a great influence on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the Liver and Gall Bladder, and is associated with the emotions, on the continuum, between Anger and Resolution. The Wood Element is used to treat menstrual inconsistency. It is also used when addressing issues with vision, and fortitude.
Other associations
- The Color of Wood is Green
- The Sense of Wood is Sight
- The Sensory organ of Wood is Eyes
- The Time of Day for Wood is 11pm-3am
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