According to TCM principles, there are Five Elements in nature with corresponding seasons, organ systems and emotions. We are all a reflection of both the Five Elements and nature, by embodying the same relationships within ourselves that occur in nature. Each individual’s physical and mental constitution can be described as a balance of all of the elements in which one or more may naturally dominate.
The Elements of Water, Wood and Metal– Fear, Anxiety, Anger and Grief
During this time of uncertainty, there are 3 dominant Elements that manifest and interact. The Water Element shows up as fear of the unknown, Winter and the kidney organ system. Excessive fear can manifest as anxiety and prevent us from tapping into our will power which helps us cultivate wisdom in the face of fear.Some physical and emotional symptoms we may be experiencing are shortness of breath, fatigue, back pain, anxiety, panic attacks and feeling overwhelmed.
The Wood Element corresponds with both the emotions of anger and depression, the Spring and the liver organ system. Wood is about growth, planning, flexibility and being firmly rooted. When the Wood element’s growth is blocked due to external events that are swiftly changing, this creates tension physically and emotionally throughout the body. Some physical and emotional symptoms experienced are headaches, allergies, digestive issues, stiff neck/shoulder, nervous tension, frustration and depression.
The Metal Element corresponds to the emotion of grief, the Fall and the lung organ system. When we think of Metal both in nature and within us, we observe it in the form of minerals that make up all plants, animals and humans, providing us with structure, inner strength and stability. The lungs connection to quality of air/O2 through inhalation, taking in what is essential and needed and letting go of what no longer serves us in the form CO2. In addition, the lung organ system distributes and provides a barrier that protects the body from illness = our Immune System.
When we perceive something of value has been taken away from us, grief can manifest both physically and emotionally as upper respiratory problems, wheezing, asthma, cough, phlegm, loss, melancholy, isolation and issues with self-worth.
In my next blog, I’ll share with you some Acupuncture points for Acupressure, their functions and how to balance your Water, Wood and Metal Elements.
Nice information