Which Element Are You? 5-E Theory Explained
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water - which CF to Treat?
Feb 2, 2009
A Five Element Acupuncturist will treat the Causative Factor – CF for short. Like any system, it is believed that the human energy system is only as strong as its weakest part, known as the CF for short.
What is an Element in Chinese Medicine?
The meridian system consists of a “main circuit” which acts as a reservoir for the five pairs of superficial meridians that take chi (energy) to all parts of the body. Each pair of meridians is connected in a circuit ti the other meridians, and they share energetic similarities. Each pair is regarded as a separate element, and their names reflect their qualities.
Wood Element Facts
Wood element consists of Liver and Gall Bladder meridians. The energy of wood is strong, rising and vigorous, just like the energy of plants that can split rocks as their roots grow fatter. In balance, Wood CF people love to create things and always have a plan forming in their minds. They are energetic and can have a mischievous sense of humor. They are also people whose sense of right and wrong may lead them to become activists.
Out of balance they can be disorganized, over ambitious or very angry as their plans fail to mature.
Fire Element Facts
The Fire Meridians, Heart, Small Intestine, Triple Burner and Pericardium are all connected with love and relationships. The energy of the fire meridians is warming. The Fire CF personality, when in balance, can be a high achiever whose life and career blossoms, just as the summer brings forth colour and vibrancy. They are often high profile people who love to party – many actors and comediens, for example, are Fire CF.
Out of balance Fire people can feel unloved and vulnerable. They may blow hot and cold and they may need their Fire stoking with lots of love and reassurance.
Earth Element Facts
Earth meridians include Stomach and Spleen, and their energy quality is grounding. Deeply thoughtful, Earth people are carers who can be relied upon. They love to make eye contact so that they can understand what you are thinking. Out of balance they can become very needy and can be great worriers.
Metal Element Facts
Lung and Large Intestine Meridians make up the Metal Element, which is charged with governing the quality aspect of life. Metal CF people can be perfectionists who need to achieve highly. This is a blessing and a curse, since perfection is rarely achieved.
Out of balance, metal people can become some of the scruffiest individuals around as their quest for perfection is totally abandoned. Or they may get stuck in a dreadful loop of always striving for the impossible leading to a sense of loss, emptiness or grief.
Water Element Facts
Bladder and Kidney meridians make up this element. Water people are often very deep and impenetrable, or they are so fearful that they hide behind a mask. They often succeed in life because they have worked out what could go wrong and have already factored this into their planning. Out of balance they can be paralysed by fear and withdraw into their “cave” until it is safe to come out.
What Happens in an Acupuncture Treatment?
In Five Element Treatment the acupuncturist will try to assess which part of the system is the weakest by observing Color, Sound, Odor and Emotion. Each of the elements gives off its own particular set of signals and the more out of balance they are, the more obvious the signs will be. By strengthening the weakest link, the whole system becomes more robust and symptoms are aleviated.
To find out more about the individual Elements take the five element tour starting with The Wood Element.
References:
Professor J.R.Worsley, The Five Elements and The Officials, Volume III, pub: JR & JB Worsley, 1998
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