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The Five Elements of Oriental Medicine
Together with the theory of Yin and Yang, the theory of the Five Elements (wu xing) makes up the basis of Chinese medical theory.
The Yin-Yang theory dates to the Zhou dynasty (about 1000-770 BC) and the Five Element theory dates back to the Warring States Period (476-221 BC).
According to Chinese medicine, every living thing and person is a unique embodiment and combination of the five elements: fire, earth, metal, water, wood. They represent five different qualities of natural phenomena, five movements and five phases in the cycle of seasons. The application of this theory is especially important for physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and dietary and herbal therapy.
We are now at the beginning of the phase relating to Spring:
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WOOD — Spring— Green — Gall Bladder, Liver — Eyes — Sour — Shouting — Anger
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The wood element is associated with birth, spring, rising energy, vision, organized and orderly growth . Seeds thrust their way and plants burst forth through the earth with astonishing strength—they contain the blueprint for future growth. This element is associated with the the gall bladder and liver systems and these hours: 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. and 1-3 a.m.
Stiff, tight muscles and joints, visual disturbances, dry eyes, eyestrain, vertex headaches and migraines, especially from excessive computer work are signs of imbalance for this element.
via The Five Elements.
Centre for Balance 