What Are Yin and Yang

Correspondences?
To understand traditional Chinese medicine, it helps to learn more about some
important underlying concepts, including Yin and Yang. These two elements
define Yin-Yang Theory and have various properties that inform the
philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine and healing. Nothing in the
universe can exist without these elements, which are opposite but also
dependent on one another. But what are Yin and Yang exactly?

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of Yin is:

"[T]he feminine passive principle in nature that in Chinese cosmology is

exhibited in darkness, cold, or wetness and that combines with [Y]ang to
produce all that comes to be"

The definition of Yang is:

"[T]he masculine active principle in nature that in Chinese cosmology is

exhibited in light, heat, or dryness and that combines with [Y]in to produce all
that comes to be"

Learning more about the properties of Yin and Yang and how they relate to
and interact with each other will help you understand what they represent and
how they influence the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine.

The aspects of Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang complement and balance each other via four aspects, which
define the relationship between them. These are the four aspects of the
relationship between Yin and Yang:

 Opposition of Yin and Yang

 Interdependence of Yin and Yang
 Mutual consumption of Yin and Yang
 Inter-transformation of Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang are opposite, but one cannot exist without the other, which
means they are also interdependent. Just as day transforms into night, Yin
constantly transforms into Yang. As Yin and Yang change balance, it makes
an impact at the individual and big picture levels.

The correspondences of Yin and Yang

According to Chinese theory, two forces exist in the universe. Yin is
a passive, negative force, while yang is an active, positive force. According to
this theory, these forces exist in the seasons, food and everything else in
nature and the world. These concepts also help underscore diagnosis and
treatment in traditional Chinese medicine.

Yin-Yang Theory teaches that everything is a product of two principles, Yin is

considered weak, female and destructive, while yang is considered strong,
male and creative. The interaction between these two principles produces
the five elements.

The five essential substances

The five essential substances, or elements, are aspects of qi — or life force

energy — and have their own associations. They are:

 Wood
 Fire
 Earth
 Metal
 Water

They each have associations with seasons, colors, characteristics, organs and
specific health problems, which a practitioner of Chinese medicine can help
treat. Someone who is healthy will experience a unique, but harmonious,
balance of these five elements.

Examples of Yin and Yang correspondences

Yin-Yang Theory applies to different categories in the natural world, and

manifests different meanings. Remember that Yin and Yang are constantly
changing and cyclical. You can look at the Yin Yang correspondences chart
and see, for example, that under the category of sky, Yin manifests as the
moon, while under Yang, sky manifests as the sun.

To understand Yin and Yang further, it may help to learn about more specific
correspondences. Here are several examples of Yin-Yang in nature from the
correspondences chart. The first word represents the category, while the
second word corresponds to Yin, and the third word corresponds to Yang:

Sky: Moon-Sun

Time: Midnight-Midday

Season: Winter-Summer

Temperature: Cold-Heat
Humidity: Wet-Dry

Spectrum: Dark-Luminous

World: Hidden-Evident

Solidity: Dense-Porous

Texture: Hard-Soft

Mass: Heavy-Light

Stage: Forming-Transformer

Shape: Material Substance-Subtle Influence

The fundamentals of Yin and Yang

In summary, these are the most important aspects to remember about the
concepts of Yin and Yang:

 Yin Yang is the most important theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine,

underlying all physiology, pathology and treatment

 Yin has a component of Yang, and Yang has a component of Yin,

represented by the dots in the Yin-Yang symbol

 Yin and Yang are constantly changing and cyclical

What Are Yin and Yang Aspects?

You have probably seen a classic Yin and Yang symbol before. It looks like
two elongated teardrops — one black, one white — nestled within a circle.
Each has a dot of the opposite color in the head of the teardrop. Yin and Yang
are fundamental concepts in the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine.
References to Yin and Yang date back to 700 B.C.E. in the book I Ching,
according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation.

What are Yin and Yang? Yin and Yang are meant to represent everything in
the universe and exist in balance as complementary, but opposite, elements.
To deepen your understanding of the concepts of Yin and Yang, it helps to
learn about their four aspects.

The four aspects

The four aspects of Yin and Yang may seem at odds with one another until
you learn a little bit more about how they play into the philosophy of Chinese
medicine. Yin and Yang are:

 Opposites
 Interdependent
 Mutually consuming
 Inter-transformative

Yin and Yang complement and balance each other via these aspects, which
define the relationship between them. Read more to learn about each aspect.

1) Opposition of Yin and Yang: Think of Yin and Yang as the opposite
stages of a cycle or of states of being. For example, think of water — Yin is
relative to steam, while Yang is relative to ice. Their relationship to each other
is also relative — you can only think of one in relationship to the other.

2) Interdependence of Yin and Yang: Yin and Yang are opposite, but that
means they are also interdependent. One cannot exist without the other.
Additionally, nothing in the universe is totally Yin and nothing is totally
Yang.For example, there is no day without night. Think of the two elements
as constantly transforming into one another.

3) Mutual consumption of Yin and Yang: When either Yin or Yang falls out
of balance, they affect each other. That means they change their proportion
and relationship to one another to achieve a new balance.

There is normally a harmonious balance of Yin and Yang. However,

they weaken — or consume — one another when they fall out of balance.
These are the four states of Yin and Yang imbalance:

 Preponderance or excess of Yin

 Preponderance or excess of Yang
 Weakness or deficiency of Yin
 Weakness deficiency of Yang

4) Inter-transformation of Yin and Yang: Yin and Yang have a dynamic

relationship. Don't think of the two elements as static — they transform into
each other. The transformation is not random; it occurs at the right exact
moment. Think of how spring arrives when winter is over as a way to
understand the idea. Or think of how day transforms into night.

More about Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang are two halves that make a whole, or that create wholeness.
They are constantly achieving a new state of balance. Yin and Yang also have
associations with various other worldly elements like heat, ice or steam. Or
concepts like youth, age, lightness, darkness and so on.

The concepts of Yin and Yang are extremely important in understanding the
philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, and inform how practitioners make
diagnoses and what healing techniques are employed.

The Five Essential Substances in

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Philosophy
Wood, fire, earth, metal, water — you are no doubt familiar with these
elements in a variety of contexts. But did you know that these five
substances together make up the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine?
Understanding this ancient health tradition requires knowledge of how
these five essential substances underpin everything from the universe to the
human body.

Associations with the elements

The five substances are aspects of qi, or the life force energy, that flows
between acupuncture points and throughout the body via meridians, or
channels of energy flow. Each element has associations with seasons, organs
in the body, colors, senses and emotions. These concepts inform the
understanding of the body and its relationship to nature and the world in the
philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine. On an individual level, they help
us understand who we are, what illnesses we might be prone to and how to
stay healthy.

How imbalances create health problems

Unlike traditional Western medicine, this philosophy treats the mind and body
as inexorably combined. Each person is made up of a unique and individual
blend of these five essential substances. A person in good health will
experience a harmonious balance of the elements. However, an
imbalance will create both mental and physical health problems, according to
traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, and those are what the practitioner
aims to address through holistic rebalancing therapies.

Learn about some of the characteristics of and associations with the five
essential substances and what health problems might arise with an imbalance
of that element.

1. Wood
Season: Spring

Color: Green

Characteristics: Forward-thinking, clear headed, decisive

Associated organs: Liver, gall bladder

Potential health problems: Addiction, digestive issues, migraines, eye

problems, sinus ailments and menstrual problems in women

2. Fire

Season: Early summer

Color: Red

Characteristics: Charismatic, social, warm

Associated Organs: Heart, small intestine

Potential health problems: Hypertension, heart irregularities, anxiety, insomnia

and other sleep disorders

3. Earth

Season: Late summer

Color: Yellow

Characteristics: Empathetic, compassionate, grounded

Associated Organs: Stomach, spleen

Potential health problems: Digestive issues, heartburn, food allergies and

sensitivities, eating disorders, fatigue

4. Metal

Season: Fall

Color: White

Characteristics: Disciplined, organized, principled

Associated Organs: Lungs, large intestine

Potential health problems: Asthma, allergies, eczema and other skin issues,
bowel diseases

5. Water

Season: Winter

Color: Black/blue

Characteristics: Adaptable, courageous determined

Associated Organs: Kidneys, bladde

What is Qi (Chi) Energy?

You may have heard the words "qi" or chi" with regard to acupuncture and
alternative medicine. But do you even know how to pronounce it, let alone
understand the concept? If you've ever wondered: "What is (qi) chi energy?"
then read on. Understanding this important concept will help you better
comprehend how Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture work.

The basics of understanding Chi | AMC Acupuncture School Miami

Qi or chi — pronounced "chee" — is the energy flow created along the

pathways that connect the acupuncture points on the body. The pathways
between the points are called meridians, which also connect to internal organs
in the body. Using acupuncture needles, pressure or heat to manipulate a
point or two separate points on the body can improve a person's qi — which is
also thought of as one's life force — and relieve the symptoms of a variety of
medical conditions, including chronic pain, digestive issues, respiratory
problems and more. This understanding of the human body comes from
Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is thousands of years old. It's a different
way of thinking about how the body works than conventional Western
medicine.

Diving deeper in Chi

Chi possesses the following characteristics:

 Vibrations
 Oscillations of the meridians
 Carriers of the effect of acupuncture on a pressure point to other parts
of the body

Imagine manipulating an acupuncture point, or acupressure point, like

strumming a guitar string — plucking one part of it sends vibrations along the
length of the string. If plucked with the proper technique, the string will
produce a beautiful sound. That's just one way to visualize how chi flows
through the body and effects your health.

Why it Acupuncture works

Acupuncture points are physical places on the body where chi energy can be
accessed and manipulated. Acupuncture treatment helps the body's natural
healing process and also serves a preventive function. Energy imbalances or
congested energy flow can create or accentuate pain, or impede the body's
natural ability to heal itself. Promoting the unobstructed flow of chi improves
health and well-being. Depending on how sensitive a patient is, they may feel
the chi as it travels along the meridians during a treatment, others may feel
pressure at the acupuncture point and some may feel nothing at all.

Treating different ailments through Oriental Medicine

Qualified acupuncture practitioners know what points to use for treating

various medical problems, from pain to anemia to hormonal disorders.
Each acupuncture point has certain diseases and conditions associated with
it, though sometimes a practitioner will manipulate a combination of points to
improve the flow of chi through the pathways and balance a patient's energy
flow. Many people use acupuncture in tandem with other treatments as part of
a health regimen that addresses the whole person — mind, body and spirit.

Five Element Healing: Nature's Healing System

The Five Element Theory, also called the five-phase theory, holds that everything in the
universe, including our health, is governed by five natural
elements: WOOD, FIRE, EARTH, METAL and WATER. This theory underscores the
Chinese Medicine understanding that human beings, both physically and mentally, are
intertwined with nature. Although it is difficult for Westerners to relate this philosophy to
the Western approach to medicine, it is fundamental to the understanding of Traditional
Chinese Medicine.

In the five element theory, each of the five elements has a season, particular organs,
emotions and senses associated with it, such as taste, smell, color, sound. The wood
element, for example, is associated with spring, the liver, and the gall bladder. Similarly,
the fire element is associated with early summer, the heart, and small intestines; the earth
element corresponds to late summer, the stomach and spleen; metal is associated with
autumn, the lungs and large intestine; and water is associated with winter, the kidneys
and bladder.

Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are interrelated aspects of energy that are evident
throughout nature, including in the human body. An individual's state of health manifests
according to the balance between these Elements. In contrast to Western medicine's
teaching of a separation between the mind and body, TCM views each organ as having
particular body and mind functions, as illustrated in the belief that the liver is involved in
planning, and in the storage of anger, while the gall bladder is the organ of decision-
making.

We encourage you to read on and learn about your constitutional type,

and gain a better understanding of yourself and those around you...

The Five Elements and Constitutional Typing

The WOOD element is associated with new beginnings, renewal and springtime. It
corresponds to the Liver and Gall Bladder meridian systems as
well as vision, the color green, and the emotions of anger and
self-assertion. Wood people excel or have trouble in planning,
decisions, and action. The future and their ability to see it can
be their strength. When out of balance they may procrastinate
or have a sense of no hope.

The FIRE element is associated with maturity and awareness,

warmth, growth and summertime. It corresponds to the Heart,
Small Intestine, Pericardium, and Triple Warmer meridian
systems, the color red, and the emotion of joy. Fire people love
to reach out and be in relationship with all people. They enjoy to laugh and sometimes
they carry a sadness or lack of joy deeper in themselves.

The EARTH element is associated with balance and transition, such as Indian summer. It
corresponds to the Spleen and Stomach meridian systems, the color yellow, and the
emotions of worry and sympathy. Earth people have the ability to nourish like a mother
can nourish and care for a child. Thus sympathy and understanding are important.
Sometimes an Earth person can feel a sense of emptiness or neediness in their own life

The METAL element is associated with the harvest of the autumn season, of taking in and
letting go. It corresponds to the Lung and Large Intestine meridian systems, the color
white, and the emotions of grief or Inspiration. Metal people search for what is pure and
spiritual. They set the highest standards for themselves and others, self-respect is
important. Sometimes they live in a sense of what could have been.

The WATER element is associated with adaptability, conserving resources and the
dormant phase of winter. It corresponds to the Kidney and Bladder meridian systems, the
color black/blue, and the emotions of fear or courage. Water people have a persistence,
willpower and determination and will often excel in situations that others find too
scary. Sometimes they may hide a deep sense of being frozen or washed away by their
own fear.

Click here for detailed information about Five Element Constiutional

Typing. What type are you?
Click here for detailed information about body typing - Chinese,
Ayurvedic and Traditional systems

links: Compliments of Holistic Health Topics.com

Five Element Energy Cycles

The Five elements or phases are most interesting in the way they work
together.
They function in a cycle of creation or support and a cycle of destruction
or regulation, as shown below.
 Generating Energy Cycle (Chi)
Based on Five Element Theory, each
elemental force generates or creates the
next element in a creative sequence.

For example:

 Water generates wood. Rain

nourishes a tree.
 Wood generates fire. Burning wood
generates fire.
 Fire generates earth. Ash is created
from the fire.
 Earth generates metal. Metal is mined from the earth.
 Metal generates water. Water condenses on metal.

Regulating or Overacting Energy (Chi)

Based on Five Element Theory, each
elemental force regulates or antagonizes
the next element in a creative sequence.

For example:

 Water regulates fire. Fire is

extinguished by Water.
 Wood regulates earth. Earth
restrained or broken by Wood.
 Fire regulates metal. Metal is melted
and forged by Fire.
 Earth regulates water. Water is dammed and absorbed by Earth.
 Metal regulates wood. Wood is cut or displaced by Metal.

In the table below we can see how the Five Elements relate to seasons, climate, organs,
senses,
body tissues, emotions, color, and taste.

Five Element Table of Correspondences

Element WATER WOOD FIRE EARTH METAL

Season Winter Spring Summer Late Summer Autumn

Climatic Chi Cold Wind Heat Damp Dryness

Yang Organ Bladder Gallbladder Sm. Intestine Stomach Lg. Intestine

Yin Organ Kidney Liver Heart Spleen Lung

Sense Organ Ears Eyes Tongue Mouth Nose

Body Tissue Bone Sinews Blood Vessel Muscles Skin

Emotion Fear Anger Joy/Shock Worry Sadness

Color Black Green Red Yellow White

Taste Salty Sour Bitter Sweet Pungent

Click on link for comprehensive, detailed Five Elements Chart. Five Elements Chart

When applying this "supportive relationship" to the human body, we

see that each internal organ embodies the energetic qualities of the element
it's related to. Each organ is responsible for
providing the energy needed by the next
organ in the generative cycle.

For example:

 Kidney (water element) supports

the Liver (wood element).
 Liver (wood element) supports
the Heart (fire element).
 Heart (fire element) supports
the Spleen (earth element).
 Spleen (earth element) supports
the Lung (metal element).
 Lung (metal element) supports the Kidney (water element).

When applying this "regulating relationship" to the human body, we

see that each internal organ embodies the energetic qualities of the element
it's related to. Each organ is responsible for providing energy to regulate
or control excesses or deficiencies in the
energy of the organ it's associated with in
this cycle.

For example:

 Lung (metal element)

controls Liver (wood element).
 Heart (fire element)
controls Lung (metal element).
 Kidney (water element)
controls Heart (fire element).
 Spleen (earth element)
controls Kidney (water element).
 Liver (wood element)
controls Spleen (earth element).

In summary, your internal organs play a dual role in promoting and

maintaining your health: generating and regulating energy for each
other. Each organ passes energy to the organ it supports, and, when
necessary, controls imbalances in the energy of the organ which it
regulates.

Five Element Therory, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Life

Force (Chi)

The five elements, or

five-phase theory, is
also grounded in the
notion of harmony and
balance. The concept
of chi, which means
something like "life
force" or "energy," is
perhaps most different
from Western ideas.
Traditional Chinese Meicine asserts that chi is an invisible energy force that flows freely in
a healthy person, but is weakened or blocked when a person is ill. Specifically, the illness
is a result of the blockage, rather than the blockage being the result of the illness.

Acupuncture is the practice that most often comes to mind when thinking of Chinese
medicine, but TCM represents a much broader system of medicine that includes herbs,
massage, diet and exercise therapy. The underlying basis of TCM is that all of creation is
born from the interdependence of two opposite principles, yin and yang (see the Eight
Guiding Principles below). These two opposites are in constant motion, creating a
fluctuating balance in the healthy body. Disease results when either yin or yang is in a
state of prolonged excess or deficiency.

One of the body constituents is Chi (pronounced "chee"), which is the energy that gives
us the ability to move, think, feel, and work. Chi circulates along a system of conduits, the
principle ones being channels or meridians. There are twelve principle bilateral
channels of Chi, each intimately connected with one of the viscera of the body, and each
manifesting its own characteristic Chi (e.g. Liver Chi, Gallbladder Qi, etc.). When the flow
of Qi becomes unbalanced through physical, emotional, or environmental insults, illness
may result.

Traditional Chinese physicians did not learn about the structures of the human body from
dissection because they thought that cutting open a body insulted the person's ancestors.
Instead they built up an understanding of the location and functions of the major organs
over centuries of observation, and then correlated them with the principles of yin, yang,
chi, and the Five Elements. Thus wood is related to the liver (yin) and the gall bladder
(yang); fire to the heart (yin) and the small intestine (yang); earth to the spleen (yin) and
the stomach (yang); metal to the lungs (yin) and the large intestine (yang); and water to
the kidneys (yin) and the bladder (yang). The Chinese also believed that the body
contains Five Essential Substances, which include blood, spirit, vital essence (a principle
of growth and development produced by the body from qi and blood); fluids (all body fluids
other than blood, such as saliva, spinal fluid, sweat, etc.); and Chi.

A unique feature of traditional Chinese medicine is

the meridian system. Chinese doctors viewed the
body as regulated by a network of energy pathways
called meridians that link and balance the various
organs. The meridians have four functions:

1. To connect the internal organs with the exterior of

the body, and connect the
person to the environment and the universe;

2. To harmonize the yin and yang principles within

the body's organs and Five
Substances;

3. To distribute Chi within the body;

4. To protect the body against external imbalances

related to weather (wind,
summer heat, dampness, dryness, cold, and fire).

To determine a patient’s composition of the five elements, a Five Element practitioner

asks many detailed questions that will provide clues as to the nature of their imbalances.
They will ask about the person’s occupation, stress associated with it, what they like to
eat, what physical problems they are experiencing, etc. Although a person may be
oriented towards a particular element -- a person who is aggressive might be described as
having a "wood" personality -- the Chinese believe that aspects of each of the five
elements are present in every person at different times.
 The Eight Guiding Principles
In addition to the theory of the five elements, Five Element practitioners employ the Eight
Guiding Principles to analyze and differentiate the energetic imbalances in the body or the
nature of a patient’s condition. The eight guiding principles actually consist of four polar
opposites: yin/yang, cold/heat, deficiency (xu)/excess (shi), and interior/exterior.

 Cold / Heat: This principle is used to determine the overall energy of the patient. A cold condition would
marked by a slow metabolism, chills, pale skin, and a low-grade fever, while a hot condition would be
characterized by a heightened metabolism, sensations of heat in the body, high fevers, and a flushed co

 Interior / Exterior: This principle describes symptoms in terms of the location of the patient’s problem. E
conditions are those caused by the invasion of the body by pathogens, and are usually acute and super
located with a short duration. Exterior symptoms are those that affect the hair, skin, muscles, joints, peri
nerves and blood vessels. Interior conditions result from pathogens that enter the interior of the body. In
symptoms affect the organs, deep vessels and nerves, brain, spinal cord, and bones.

 Deficiency / Excess: This principle describes the strength of an illness. A deficient condition would be v
a lack of blood (such as in anemia), energy (Chi), heat, or fluids. Chronic illness would fall in this catego
excess condition, by contrast, means that the body has too much of something, such as Chi or blood. A
condition would be seen as an excess condition.
 Yin / Yang: These principles are the generalization of the above principles, and a condition can be cate
terms of the relative dominance of either yin and yang. In Chinese medicine, all organisms have both yi
yang qualities and a balance of the two is necessary for good health. In general, yin energy is associate
cold, female energy, and represents the solid organs. Yang is associated with hot, male energy, and re
the hollow organs. Chronic illness is seen as yin, while acute illness is seen as yang.

According to Five Element theory, the combination of these eight principles determine the
nature or quality of the three constituents of the body, which are energy (Chi), moisture,
and blood. As described above, Chi is vital life energy. Moisture is the liquid medium
which protects, nurtures, and lubricates tissue, and blood is the material foundation out of
which we create bones, nerves, skin, muscles, and organs.

Five Element practitioners analyze health problems using various combinations of the
eight guiding principles. For example, a patient might be diagnosed as having an "internal
cold" or "external heat" condition. Used in conjunction with the five element theory, the
eight guiding principles give the Five Element practitioner a more complete picture of a
patient’s energy imbalances and determine the treatment to be pursued through nutrition,
supplements, homeopathy, herbology, massage, acupuncture and exercise.

The Five Elements

The Five Elements, or Five Phases, are aspects of Qi. These are Wood,
Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. In the poetic language of the Five Elements,
health is a harmonious balance of all the elements. The Qi of the elements
waxes and wanes in daily and seasonal cycles. Each one of us is a unique
and characteristic blend of the influences of all the elements.
Wood
Meridians: Liver/Gallbladder

People who have strong energy of the Wood element

have a clear vision and goals, and know how to bring
them into being. They excel at planning and decision making. They can be
forceful in disagreements and can strongly argue their opinions. Their
piercing, penetrating eyes may attract you, but avoid their wrath.

Wood Imbalance

When the wood Qi is weak, people can be indecisive, without strong

direction in life, and stuck. They may be constrained emotionally, unable to
express anger. When the Liver Qi is congested or stagnant, people can be
arrogant, over controlling, and have angry dispositions. They may have a
tendency to be workaholics or have addictive personalities, including the
possibility of abusing drugs and alcohol. They may have digestive problems
like bloating, gas, alternating constipation and diarrhea.

When Liver Qi is imbalanced, hot and spicy foods may cause too much
heat. Sour and bitter flavors are said to benefit the Liver
meridian. Excessive frustration and irritation can be especially difficult
when the Liver meridian is out of balance. Physical exercise and reading
can help restore balance. The fall is a vulnerable time, as well as the winds
of March, and extremely hot weather.

Common signs of Liver meridian stress include dry, brittle, thickened nails
and pain just below the ribs. Common illnesses include migraines, eye
problems, and sinus problems. The Liver meridian circles the genitals, and
rashes and discharges are associated with its imbalance, as well as
hernias. For women, menstrual problems are common including PMS,
painful periods, and heavy bleeding. Uterine fibroids may be related to
imbalance of the Liver meridian as well. The Liver and Gallbladder meridian
pathways traverse the top and sides of the head, the most common sites
for migraine headaches.

The Qi of the Wood element flourishes in the spring when plants are
sprouting new growth; and the color of this element is green.
Fire
Meridians: Heart, Small Intestines, Pericardium, Triple
Warmer

People with strong Fire energy may be quite

charismatic. They excel at commanding others to action. They may love
talking and socializing.

Fire Imbalance

When the Fire Qi is weak, a person may be lackluster or bland. They may
suffer from anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. They may stutter, talk too
much and too rapidly, or laugh nervously. They may be too excitable, easily
stimulated to excesses, or they may be emotionally cold and unfeeling.

Common illnesses include palpitations, hypertension, heart problems, and

sores on the mouth and tongue. People strongly influenced by the Fire
element may be vulnerable in very hot weather, and may be calmed and
centered by walking. The bitter flavor favors the Fire Qi. Coffee is a bitter
flavor, but its effects may aggravate the Heart Qi. The healthy bitter flavors
include dark, green leafy vegetables.

Earth
Meridians: Stomach/Spleen

Someone with well developed Earth energy is a well

grounded, nurturing, compassionate person, sometimes
depicted as the archtypical “earth mother”. Earth people like to bring others
together and make good mediators or peacemakers and reliable friends.
They often enjoy both preparing food and eating. You may be attracted by
their generous mouth and full, sensuous lips.

Earth Imbalance

When people have weak Earth Qi, they can be worriers and meddlers.
They are prone to pensiveness. They may overwork, especially in studying
or other intellectual work. They are vulnerable to digestive problems and
diarrhea. They may gain weight easily and lose it with difficulty. Their
bodies have a tendency to make excessive mucus, and they may suffer
from cloudy thinking, muzzy-headedness, and a lack of clarity.

Those with weak Earth Qi often feel better when they limit cold, raw foods
and dairy products. They should eat warming foods and grains to stay well
grounded. They may crave sweets. The sweet taste can be satisfied by
eating sweet grains, vegetables, and fruits rather than processed sugars.

Common illnesses include: fatigue, diarrhea, gas & bloating, food allergies
& sensitivities, eating disorders, heartburn, and canker sores. Excessive
mucus may collect in the lungs or in the sinuses. In women, menstrual
problems may include either excessively light or heavy periods.

The Qi of the earth element flourishes in Indian Summer, those golden

moments of fullness before the waning of the light. The earth color is
yellow, like the sun, and the ripened crops, and the root vegetables. Sitting
meditation is said to strengthen the earth element.

Metal
Meridians: Lungs/Large Intestines

A person with well balanced Metal energy is well

organized, self disciplined, and conscientious. They like
structure in their life. They are most comfortable in situations when they
know the rules and can succeed by following them. Metal Qi bestows a
deep inner strength, like ore mined from the mountains.

Metal Imbalance

A person with Metal Qi imbalance may be grief-stricken, steeped in

sadness. They may be overly critical. They may have trouble letting go.
When the Metal energy is weak, there can be illnesses of the lungs –
asthma, allergies, frequent colds. The Lung meridian rules the skin, so
rashes, eczema, and problems with sweating can be related to Metal
imbalance. The Large Intestine meridian can be affected by chronic
constipation or diarrhea, or other bowel diseases.

The Metal energy peaks in the fall. In the cool, crisp, clean air of autumn,
metal people feel they can accomplish anything. The color of Metal is
white, and people strongly influenced by the Metal Qi may have pale
complexions.

Water
Meridians: Kidneys, Bladder

The Water energy is a strong generative force centered

in the lower belly. When the Kidney Qi is strong, a
person is fearless, determined, and can endure many hardships in pursuit
of their goals. Persevering by will power is characteristic of those with
strong Kidney Qi. Longevity is also considered to be associated with
healthy Kidney Qi, signified by large, elongated ear lobes, like those of the
Buddha.

Water Imbalance

When the Kidney Qi is weak, there can be problems with water

metabolism, urination, fertility, or sexuality. This person could be anxious,
fearful, and withdrawn, and in more severe cases, phobic.

Kidney Qi declines with aging. There may be diminished hearing or ringing

in the ears. In menopause, the Kidney yin declines, which is associated
with classic signs of heat and dryness – hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin
and mucous membranes. Kidney yang weakness is associated with cold –
cold extremities, cold back and belly, declining sexual vigor, urinary
frequency or incontinence.

The color of the Kidney is black, like the night, or like black ice. When the
Kidney Qi starts to weaken, dark circles or pouches appear under the eyes.
The Kidney Qi rules in the winter, a time when living things are contracted
with cold. Like a seed deep in the cold ground, Qi is dormant, waiting for
the time to sprout.