Chinese Medical Book

Wu Xing

Wu Xing - or the 5 elements are found in nature in the form of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. They describe fundamental processes and the ability to transform, and for this reason are often called the 5 processes/phases. Everything can be divided into these 5 basic elements. The elements are not static, but are subject to constant change and transformation. In Chinese philosophy 5 is considered to be the number of life, consisting of the number 2 - the number of earth and yin - and of 3 - the number of heaven and of yang. To be human means to pass through the cycle of birth and death.

In therapy, one must understand the natural and physiological cycles of the yin and yang organs, referred to as the nourishing and controlling cycles. Symptoms of the sense organs, tissue, internal organs and also certain emotions are characterized by a corresponding element. Anger and rage, e.g., belong to the wood element and affect the related liver organ.