The Five Primordial Elements (Wu Xing)

theory foundations

The theory of the Five Elements describes five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—and their dynamic relationships. The cycle of generation defines how each element nourishes the next; the cycle of control defines how the elements restrain one another. The phases are associated with organs (liver–wood, heart–fire, spleen–earth, lungs–metal, kidneys–water), emotions, tastes, and seasons. This model explains physiology, pathology, and principles of treatment.