02/14/2022
Clinically I work with the 5 Elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. I weave 5E theory into my acupuncture point selection, and dietary, lifestyle and herbal therapy guidelines.
The elements have specific characteristics, qualities & functions associated with each of them. Each one, corresponding to different aspects of the body, mind and emotional states and having an effect on each other in generative or controlling ways.
Each element contains a pair of organs, one designated as more Yin in nature, and the other more Yang. Remember as we learned from the Tai ji symbol, that the seed of each is in the other.
Let’s start with Water since it governs the Winter!
The organs associated with Water are the Kidneys (yin) and the Urinary Bladder (yang). The Bladder governs transformation & elimination of fluids. The Kidneys govern our bones, joints, teeth, ears, brain, and marrow.
The Kidney’s store the “Fire of the Gate of Vitality”, also known as the Ming Men.
The Kidney's are the source of Water & Fire, and as such they are the foundation of our core energy and original Yin & Yang in the body.
The Kidney's pertain to the storehouse of Jing (essence), our source of vitality, resistance and longevity. They include the adrenal glands and are the foundation of Qi (energy) and Shen (the mind). They play an important role in the proper functioning of all of our systems, particularly the endocrine and reproductive systems.
The spirit of Water is called Zhi and translates as our will.
Without this primal and powerful Water energy, we would not survive.
Water types can be introverted, introspective, isolated, self-sufficient, modest, contemplative, wise & reflective. They can also be sentimental, powerful, overbearing and have an enormous amount of endurance.
Water is associated with Winter, the North, the color Black, the taste Salty, the climate Cold, the sense organ Ears, the tissue Bones, the emotion Fear, the sound vibration Groaning.
It rules the time of day between 3-7pm. Ever get an energy crash during those hours? Your Kidney’s might need a tune-up!
With a Water imbalance we might experience any variety of the following: fear, shock, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, hormonal imbalances, urinary difficulties, infertility, sexual problems, menstrual irregularities, or issues with growth, development & premature aging, peri-menopausal symptoms, dryness, excessive heat or water retention in the body, tinnitus, or issues with the bones, joints, hair, teeth, low back, knees and brain.
To keep the water element nourished focus on the following, especially during the Winter months:
Eat warm, nourishing, seasonally available foods: winter squashes, sweet potato, garlic, onion, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, seaweeds, micro-algae, miso, barley, quinoa, tofu, beans, almonds, walnuts, black sesame seeds, berries, ghee, and sardines. Take hot baths, drink herbal teas, enjoy hearty soups and bone broths, journal, observe natural water sources. Bring water into your home; a bowl with floating flowers, a fountain.
Replenish your resources in the Winter! Winter is yin water time, so we must honor the energies of the season and slow down, go inward, get quiet and cultivate introspective practices. Connect with your essence in the stillness. From this place a stronger vitality and new growth will emerge in the Spring.
Give thanks daily to the spirit of water and all that this element offers! I am so grateful for warm, clean water that revives me beautifully. Honor this valuable resource!
