You may believe emotions are only mental, however Chinese Medicine teaches us otherwise. Remember when you experienced a powerful feeling like joy, anger, sadness, fear, love, or worry. While remembering, notice any physical sensations and try to observe them with curiosity and without forming opinions. Pay attention to your negative emotions the feelings could be slight, and at other times, they are intense. These experiences imprints our bodies that holds emotional traumas; if we ignore it and not deal with these feelings in a positive way, they will still impact us negatively leading to many health challenges.
Theory of Five Elements
TCM uses the five-element theory to help us comprehend how our emotions affect us physically. In TCM theory, all energy can be categorized into one of the five elements, each corresponding to an organ system in the body. Every set of emotions impacts each organ system and plays a role in various aspects of our consciousness.
Explanation of the Five Elements
- Wood Element
The Wood Element signifies a time of thriving and expansion. It embodies the essence of Spring and new beginnings, brimming with energy and vitality. Currently, power is flowing outward. It is a hopeful period filled with anticipation and excitement for the future.
We originate from complete tranquility in the womb, a space of ultimate feminine energy within feminine energy. As soon as we are born, we start absorbing the energies of heaven and earth through our first breath and meal, initiating the development process.
This is when our Yang energies rise, and Yin exists within Yang. Though we are tiny and Yin, we are also brimming with the power and flourishing of Yang.
This stage is known as the Wood phase, during which we experience the energy of progress and advancement. Throughout our lives, we associate this time frame with being from childhood to adolescence.
- Fire Element
Transitioning from Wood to Fire, we enter a state of pure Yang energy. Fire is the Essence of Summer, brimming with heat and motion. Currently, energy is rising and moving upwards. This is a period of busyness, bonding, and joy.
This is the time of maximum productivity when we are actively establishing our identities, careers, families, and social networks. This is the stage of early adulthood.
- Earth Element
Earth aligns with late summer, a period designated for reaping crops. This is the season when the summer crops are ripe for picking. The flow of energy is crucial, constant, and inert. This is a moment for nourishment.
It is connected to equilibrium and is not linked to any of the four Yin and Yang movements. It is pivotal, symbolizing the transitions between seasons and serving as the central point around which the other stages revolve.
This is when we harvest the rewards of our efforts during the Fire stage. Our professional lives progress, our families expand, and we establish roots in our houses.
- Metal Element
Metal is the stage where Yang energies persist while transitioning into Yin. This is Autumn’s cleansing phase as energy starts to shift inward.
We start to absorb our energy, decreasing our actions. We decrease our duties and transition into a role of honor associated with the Metal element. This is when we transition into being a senior.
Now, we tap into our reservoir of knowledge and education, a period for contemplation of our inner being and a moment where aridity starts to set in and make our physical selves fragile.
- Water Element
Water represents the last stage in the cycle. During the winter season, energy descends and reaches a state of calmness. Everything feels chilly and compressed.
Our pace decelerates as we transition into a relaxation phase, preparing to progress and complete the cycle.
Conclusion
The five elements theory in Chinese Medicine closely connects emotions to physical health. Each of the five elements, including Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, represents various phases of life and energy flow, impacting our emotional and physical well-being. Through comprehending these correlations, we can more effectively deal with and combine our emotional encounters, promoting equilibrium and well-being. Using techniques such as the five elements theory aids in releasing past emotional patterns and encourages overall health and well-being by harmonizing body and mind with intentional vibrational healing.
