Turning Point Healing Center: Five Element Theory

What Is Five Element Theory?

The Ancient Chinese healers, as well as other ancient cultures, understood that man and nature were (and are) interrelated. They also realized that two forces converge and evolve into a new force or energy. They referred to this energy as "qi" (or "chi," pronounced "chee"). In fact, "qi" means "energy." And, the two forces which create "qi" are Yin and Yang.

Yin and Yang are the principle dual dynamic forces from which all other energy patterns arise. Both are seen as a necessary part of the whole. In a living being, when they flow in harmony, there is a forward movement, stamina, and health. When there is an imbalance, there is stagnation, fatigue, and disease (dis-ease).

According to the Chinese Five Element Theory, there are internal laws that govern mutual relationships among the organ systems in our bodies. This theory also states that there is an energetic relationship between nature and man.

The five elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The principle action of the five elements is to circulate Yin and Yang Qi (energy).

Energetically speaking, Wood and Fire are Yang. Metal and Water are Yin, and Earth is in-between.

How Does Yin & Yang Energy Affect the Body?

The energy of Yin and Yang are also related to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Each generates Ions.

When Yang energy increases, positive ions are released. This triggers the sympathetic nervous system, causing elevations in blood pressure, heartbeat, breathing, and sexual drive. These higher ions can result in hypertension, stress and headaches.

When Yin increases, negative ions are released. The parasympathetic nervous system then responds with a reduction in blood pressure, heartbeat, breathing, and sexual drive. These higher levels of negative ions coupled with the Yin energies, can lead to depression, sadness, weakness and drowsiness.

Chinese meridian theory holds and imperfections/imbalances in meridians are passed on by both parents at conception; however, the mother's imperfections continue to impact the fetus and developing child until her imbalances are corrected. The quality of Qi seven days prior to conception sets the stage for the constitutional qualities of the off-spring.

Balancing the Body Using the Five Element Theory

The Ancient Chinese Healers mapped Qi in relationship to bodily organs and bio-rythms. The ancient Chinese believed that each energy pathway, called a meridian, has a "peak flow time" of Qi. This peak flow time is a time when the energy is at its zenith. These meridian pathways are specific and nourish specific organs.

Organs also correspond to the seasons and certain elements. Each season was seen as an energy cycle. The five elements mirror the natural earth cycles and have been named Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Organs and organ systems were cleansed and tonified according to these specific seasons.

The Ancient Chinese also understood that we were a microcosm of the macrocosm. In other words, our bodies reflect the bio-rythms of the environment. In fact, many of the acupuncture points are named after environmental locations such as spring points, river points and sea points, each of which disburses a cooling affect on the system.

Turning Point Healing Center
uses the Five Element Theory
used in Ancient Chinese Healing to promote health and well-being in the human body.

Fire gives birth to Earth, Earth controls Water
Water gives birth to Wood, Wood controls Earth
Earth gives birth to Metal, Metal controls Wood
Wood gives birth to Fire, Fire controls Metal
Metal gives birth to Water, Water controls Fire