A journey through the Five Elements

Imagine the body being a microcosm of the universe where different waves of energy travel through channels in a cyclical manner, like an inner garden that is able to synchronise with the ebbs and flows of life and connect to the world around. The universal theory of the Five Elements organises natural phenomenon into five groups to reflect a profound understanding of the order underling all things. Let’s go on a journey through the Five Elements!

Everything in the universe is interconnected.

Eastern philosophy teaches that the foundation of everything is made out of the five interconnected elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each element has distinct characteristics and vital energy (Ki). These are associated with different categories such as seasons, directions, climates, internal organs, emotions, taste, color and sound. The philosophical language of the Five Elements shows with great responsibility how everything in the universe is interconnected and influences the natural flow of life.

This profound connection is something that the modern society has been neglecting for quite a while causing imbalances and bringing to surface a need to go back to the basics of being human.

Generation and Support

Life is energy in motion. The Five Elements are not static and they specific qualitues influences one another. Eastern practices believe that health is a reflection of the harmonious relationship between the elements which facilitate the flow of vital energy (Ki). To maintain the order, this relationship is based on generation and support where there’s a health balance between creation and distruction.

Generation refers to creating, nurturing and providing growth, while support represents the restraining energy that holds thing from falling out of proportion. If one is out of balance, there’s no harmony.

In the generation (creation) cycle Wood is burn to make Fire whose ashes decompose into Earth where Metals are born and mined to enrich Water which nourishes the trees (Wood).

In the support (destruction) cycle Wood is cut by Metal, Fire is extinguished by Water, Earth is penetrated by Wood, Metal is melted by Fire and Water is contained by the Earth.

Shiatsu integrates the Five Element Theory to help diagnose and treat imbalances in the body and vital energy.

What are the Five Elements?

Wood

The Wood element represents growth, change, alertness and flexibility. Associated with the spring, wood provides the energy for new beginnings, setting intentions and planting seeds for growth and change. Within the body, wood represents the liver and gallbladder meridians. Read more about the wood element here.

Fire

The Fire element provides warmth, transformation and enthusiasm for life. Associated with summer, fire represents the energy of expansion, the will to mature and embrace all facets of life. Within the body, fire is connected to the heart, small intestine and pericardium meridians. Read more about the fire element here.

Earth

The Earth element is the energy of stability, nourishment, grounding, holding and abundance. Associated with late summer, earth invites for introspection, going inwards and nourishing the whole being. Within the body, earth is associated with the spleen and stomach meridians. Read more about the earth element here.

Metal

The Metal element represents structures, routines, discipline and precision. Associated with autumn, metal is all about organising, taking action, and developing routines that support holistic well-being. Within the body, fire is connected to the lungs and large intestine meridians. Read more about the metal element here.

Water

The Water element provides fluidity, adaptability and wisdom. Associated with winter, water is the energy of rest and reflection that creates space for inner healing and integration. Within the body, water is connected to the kidneys and urinary bladder meridians. Read more about the water element here.

The five elements are interconnected and they manifest differently in each person influencing personality, emotions, behavioral patterns and their vital energy. When the elements are balanced, vital energy (Ki) flows abundantly there is harmony between all layers of being. Since everything is the universe is connected, harmony withing causes a ripple effect in the world around.

Conclusion

While the theory of the Five Elements can be found across various Eastern practices, in Shiatsu they provide another layer of complexity and personalisation for the treatment. This creates a unique blend where the Shiatsu practitioner selects acupoints, postures and sequences that fulfills the needs of the receiver.