Chinese scholars understand that everything in the universe can be classified according to the principles of Yin and Yang and the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are in constant motion, driven by the universal energy, Qi, creating an ever-changing interplay between Yin and Yang and the 5 elements. Any imbalance in one element disrupts the entire energy system.
The concept of the 5 elements is central to various Chinese traditions, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), nutrition, and Feng Shui. These disciplines all rely on the 5 elements and the balance between Yin and Yang. For a better grasp, we've compiled essential explanations about the 5 elements. On the right, you'll find links to dedicated pages.
Pro Tip: Uncover your personal elemental composition with our Five Elements Test.
The Characteristics of the 5 Elements
The Wood Element - the fresh and active energy of spring
Wood generally represents playfulness, creativity, creativity, a desire for freedom, and not only symbolizes spring but also the exuberant childhood of humans. Wood wants to grow - preferably dynamically and without constraints. When it reaches its limits, it can sometimes react angrily or feel offended. The vibrant green shades of nature belong to the Wood Element, as well as elongated, tall forms and a sour taste. On a physical level, organs such as the liver and gallbladder are associated with this element. Emotions, especially anger, can accumulate in the liver and lead to serious health problems in this functional area.
The Fire Element – Infusing Life with Heat and Energy
The element of fire symbolizes activity and pure life force, as well as the overall expansion of the human mind and spirituality in its broadest sense. Seasonally, fire is most closely associated with the warm summer. In the human life cycle, this element represents the readiness for connection with others and the initial steps towards self-realization. The color red in all its shades represents the fire element, as do sharp or triangular shapes and the bitter taste. Within our bodies, organs such as the heart and small intestine are associated with the fire element. A disrupted fire element can manifest in conditions such as heart and circulatory diseases.
The Earth Element - Stability and Security for One's Center
Earth represents stability, security, but also a sense of family cohesion in a broader sense, and a rather conservative mindset. Earth also signifies tradition, connection, and the willingness to advocate for others. This element symbolizes the center and, in general, a time of maturity – in life as well as in the annual cycle. Earth Element includes all shades of yellow, ochre, and brown, flat, and level shapes, as well as the sweet taste. In our bodies, the Earth Element includes organs such as the stomach, spleen, and pancreas. On an emotional level, Earth is characterized by its constant worrying – it's no coincidence that concerns often affect our stomach.
The Metal Element - Well Sorted in the Autumn of Life
The Metal element represents initiative, determination, progressiveness, resilience, and an idealistic detachment from things. Metal also stands for cool strategic thinking and a rational approach to money. Autumn is the corresponding season here, and in the life cycle, Metal heralds the time when one gradually becomes capable of separating the wheat from the chaff and letting go of old habits. White is a color of this element; round shapes and a sharp taste also represent Metal. On a bodily level, disturbances of the Metal element often manifest in the lungs, colon, and immune system.
The Water Element - Source of Wisdom and Spiritual Power
In the Water Element, emotions and enthusiasm no longer play the predominant role, as the spiritual dimension comes into play. Water fundamentally questions everything and thinks beyond the bounds of the tangible. In our life cycle and in the annual cycle, winter arrives with water - a time to retreat inward and focus on the essentials. The colors black and dark blue symbolize water, as do irregular and wave-like shapes and the salty taste. The Water Element in the body is represented, among other things, by the kidneys and the bladder, which can be particularly thrown out of balance by a sense of fear.
