Chinese Medicine is based on the concept of the 5 elements-Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each of these elements are associated with certain organs in the body, emotions, colors and more. When one of these elements is out of balance, it can lead to health problems. In Chinese Medicine, treatment is often aimed at restoring balance within the individual by using acupuncture, herbs or dietary therapy.
The five elements of Chinese Medicine and how they affect your health
Chinese Medicine is based on the concept of the 5 elements-Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each of these elements are associated with certain organs in the body, emotions, colors and more. When one of these elements is out of balance, it can lead to health problems. In Chinese Medicine, treatment is often aimed at restoring balance within the individual by using acupuncture or herbs or dietary therapy.
The emotions and organs associated with each element
Wood: Liver/Gallbladder: Anger, frustration and resentment.
Fire: Heart/Small Intestine: Joy, excitement and enthusiasm.
Earth: Spleen/Stomach: Sadness and grief.
Metal: Lungs/Large Intestine: Worry, guilt and regret.
Water: Kidneys/Bladder/Urinary Bladder: Fear, anxiety, low self-esteem and shame.
Each element has two main qualities: Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are interdependent opposites that work together to create balance within the body. If this cycle of energy is disrupted it can lead to illness in either your physical, mental or emotional state of being. Some examples include;
Yin qualities of fire: it is dark, humid and cold.
Yang qualities of fire: it’s bright, dry and hot.
Yin qualities of wood: it’s dark, soft and cold. The color is blue-green and the tone is smooth/soft.
Yang qualities of wood: it’s bright, dry and cold.
These are just some basic examples to understand the system; we could say that everything has these Yin and Yang properties – each one on its own scale. It’s not necessary to say that something is just one or the other; it can be both or neither, depending on the situation.
Acupuncture balances the elements
Acupuncture balances all five basic elements that exist within you: Wood (your sense), Fire (your passion), Earth (your grounding), Metal (your creativity) and Water (emotions). Dr. Lucky identifies which element needs balancing before inserting a needle into an appropriate trigger point. Acupoints correspond with the elements that need restoration. This process will create a state of harmony and well-being throughout the entire body, mind and spirit.
These different elements work together to create an environment of balance within the body. If this balance is thrown off it can lead to illness. Acupuncture and TCM are used to expose these elements and bring them into balance.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy can be used to restore balance within the 5 elements by using different Chinese Herbs that resonate at different frequencies. Singing bowls are used to create a balancing effect within the body. The bowl emits a deep tone that can help open up blocked channels in your body by opening chakras along the spine and dispersing blockages throughout the organs of your body. With daily use, you will be able to feel the effects of this therapy and can shift your state of being to a more happy and content place.
Balance your Elements
All of these techniques and ways to restore balance within your body can be made into a daily routine that will help you feel better and more restored in mind, body and soul. This includes exercising daily, taking time for yourself to de-stress (do yoga, meditation or any other form of self-care) and surrounding yourself with people who bring positivity in your life.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule your initial exam with Dr. Lucky. He can help relieve some of your symptoms with personalized acupuncture treatments or an herbal remedy that works specifically for you. There are many different types of ailments and problems within the body that can be treated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).