The Five Elements

Image above: ‘Temple’-Tanabe-Shi-Honguchohongu (Japan 2018, Elaine West)

It roots date back to Traditional Chinese Medicine, developed in the East 1000’s of years ago, and uses the traditional 5 elements system. In the Japanese language, “Shiatsu” literally means “finger pressure”, although it the the relational quality of the touch that has been developed for treatments.

Earth

“We are part of the earth, and it is part of us.” Chief Seattle.

Earth represents stability, nourishment, and grounding. Earth is the foundation upon which everything rests. It symbolises reliability, patience, and the ability to give and sustain life. For this reason, in nearly all cultures, the earth is described as the “mother.” It is dependable and solid and supports us and our lives.

Intellectually, this capacity for fertility, growth and nurturing can be applied to our mind and the body, and earth energy provides the ‘ground’ for intellectual concepts and ideas to grow.

Earth is linked to digestion (the stomach and spleen are its organs). It nourishes itself through food and emotional and intellectual pursuits. Earth embodies all of us and is our home here on the planet, and also in our bodies.

In balance, Earth fosters security and harmony, but excess may lead to stagnation, over-responsibility, and overthinking.

Metal

“I hold the duality of life within me.”

Metal has associations with gold, and the Chinese generally use ‘gold’ rather than metal, which relates to its intrinsic value and worth. These are two key aspects of the metal element.

The organs associated with it are the Lungs and Large intestine, which both take in vital substances to the body (air -Ki, and food from the stomach) and transform them into their valuable components to be ingested by the body for energy and expel what is no longer needed, in the process of exchange and elimination. It not only works with the physical but also the mental, and spiritual. This ability to conduct and connect also goes on with our environment. It relates to boundaries, both physical and emotional, it is what connects us to both ourselves and the whole universe.

Associated with clarity, precision, and strength, Metal embodies structure and refinement. It represents cutting through confusion and establishing order, linking it to discipline and focus. Healthy Metal in balance can reflect good self-esteem and the ability to discern and change as necessary, remaining in harmony with our environment. Metal out of balance can manifest in rigid thinking and boundaries, which can lead to a state of constipation or depletion.

Water

“I flow, I move with grace and life.”

Water is where life begins; it is the source, the essence. The bladder and kidneys are the associated organs because they are related to the body’s water channels. Water is the most powerful element; even a small drip can erode metal or stone over time.

Water represents duality in that it can be shallow, deep, clear, murky, flowing, or stagnant. These reflections of life force and ki can be seen within us. Healthy water is resilient, full of life (ki), and able to see the potential in life. It provides impetus and movement forward.

Water symbolises wisdom, intuition, and deep emotions. It can shape landscapes over time, teaching the value of patience and persistence. When balanced, it fosters courage, confidence, and flexibility, but in excess, may lead to feelings of overwhelm, fear, or insecurity. Water also relates to the teeth and bones in the body, and water imbalances may also show up as issues with the bones or skeleton.

Wood

“…the force that through the green fuse drives the flower..” Dylan Thomas

Wood is a symbol of growth, expansion, and vitality. Its primal strength is characterised by its ability to grow upwards through and around any obstacle to self-actualise, bloom, and blossom. Wood represents ambition and the drive to move upward. Like trees reaching towards the sky, it embodies strength and resilience while staying rooted in the earth. Wood energy is strong and flexible; healthy wood will bend, whereas unhealthy wood will become brittle and break.

It relates to the organs of the liver and gallbladder in the body and the emotions of anger, impatience/patience, and humour.

In harmony, it fosters innovation, leadership, growth, vision, planning and adaption, but unchecked can lead to restlessness or aggression.

Fire

“Let your heart be fire, and your soul be wild.”

The Fire element also brings transformative energy in its expression; it can warm us in our homes and hearths and yet can rage out of control, destroying all in its pathway and transforming matter back to earth. We use it to cook our food; this process involves alchemy and transformation.

Fire represents both destruction and renewal. It fuels enthusiasm, inspiration, and connection but can become uncontrollable if not managed. When we gaze into the fire as in a candle, we can connect with the stillness at the centre of the flame. This relates to the spiritual aspect of fire, which is calm and connected to all.

Fire connects to the heart which can become passionate and excited; a quickening heartbeat is the body’s expression of excitable fire. Fire also relates to love, both physical and spiritual.

When balanced, Fire brings warmth and joy, but in excess may lead to impulsiveness, burnout, or mania.