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An ancient perspective on the present moment. Whether you are wondering about world peace or inner peace, 5 Element theory has something to offer. Like any theory, the more you wonder, question and investigate each Element, the more they will reveal themselves to you. Elements are living “Spirit” – turn your attention toward them and…
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Self-care redefined The 5 Elements of Chinese medicine express themselves in our body-mind-emotion-spirit. Imbalances within ourselves are eased by taking a little time to care for ourselves. Using the wisdom of the 5 Elements, we have access to innovative possibilities for self-care. Below is a short list to get you started: Earth -Nourishing, giving and receiving…
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Mental focus happens! As a card carrying member of the busy mind club, I can say that mental focus is possible! There are many different theories and approaches that promise to improve your focus. There are drugs, supplements, vitamins, and exercises! With so many choices, how do you find that one technique that will work…
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The Earth Element of Chinese Medicine One big resource of the Earth Element is our ability to give and receive. I have noticed that health care practitioners in general, tend to “over-give” and “under- receive.” The Earth is literally our planet and our biological mother. To survive as infants, we rely on our ability to receive…
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Water is one of the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine The Water Element is associated with Winter. Each of the Five Elements is associated with a season: Water Element- Winter Wood Element – Spring Fire Element- Summer Earth Element – Late Summer Metal Element – Fall When first learning about the elements of Chinese medicine, I found it was…
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Pause before you eat. Digestion takes energy. When our energy is scattered, it is difficult to accomplish any task. Digestion is no different. The Spleen is the center of energy that drives digestion from the Chinese medical perspective. The Spleen appreciates a little peace and quiet in order to properly manage digestion. One very simple technique to…
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“Quitting” has many connotations. If I quit school, I’m a failure. If I quit smoking, I’m a success story. Personally, I have quit many things – some would be declared failures and others successes. Quitting is an ending of one thing, and the beginning of another. Endings, letting go, limiting – these balance all the beginnings, the…
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Fall is the season of the Metal Element. Letting go, turning inward and self-reflection mark the time of the Metal element within the cycle of the 5 Elements. As trees let go of their leaves, we are reminded of the bare essentials hidden beneath our exterior. The Metal Element fosters our ability to sort out…
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How much is enough? The Earth Element is all about nourishment, satisfaction with our accomplishments, eating, digesting, knowing when we’ve had enough, and then the enjoyment of sharing our abundance. Lately, I have noticed myself coming to meals as if I am starving. I am eating too quickly. It’s as if I am afraid I will…
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When Yin and Yang are balanced, all is well. The two fundamental forces of Yin and Yang are reflected in the elements of Water (Yin) and Fire (Yang). Water and Fire are two of the 5 Elements of Chinese Medicine. Every Element is associated with a pair of organs, one Yin and the other Yang.…
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