The Five element theory
The east offers traditional wisdom, knowledge and practise that has been kept intact for over a thousand of years. One of their fundamental pillars is called the five element theory. The five elements correspond to the seasons, climates, growth stages and stages of development, colors, meridian and organ systems in the body, among many other things. According to Chinese medicine, all aspects of the human body and mind are also related to the five elements.

Since physical and mental problems can be related to then five elements, this part of Chinese medicine is important for choosing the proper supplement in order to restore balance. In Chinese medicine the mental and emotional aspects are considered just as important as, and inseparable from, the physical aspects of a person.

The Wood element
In nature, the Wood element is related to the spring, and to the young green buds, which have the will of youth: to live and to become. A person with a healthy wood element will naturally feel more enthusiastic with a spark to live and act.

The acupuncture meridians related to the wood element are the liver and gallbladder meridians. The wood element is responsible for maintaining a free flow of energy (qi) in the body. This function is also closely related to the harmonization of emotions and prevents emotional stagnation. It plays a major role in the detoxification process. The wood element governs the tendons, ligaments, nails, small muscles and nerves in the body. The wood element mind houses our drive to achieve and our ability to plan and take decisions. The wood element generates our will to grow. It is therefore the root to most our drives and desires.

According to Chinese medicine, the liver represents our ability for strategic planning, while the gallbladder influences our decisions and judgements, our visions and thoughts, and our mental and physical flexibility.

The Fire element
In nature, the fire element is related to the summer. The summer is the peak of yang forces, as the sun is considered yang. The spring has expanded to its maximal potential and the summer is the time of the year where we experience the most daylight and heat. A person with a healthy fire element will feel happy, light and playful.

The acupuncture meridians related to the fire element are the heart and small intestine meridians. The fire element body controls the cardiovascular system and consciousness. The heart governs the blood vessels, the flow and circulation of blood which function is to nourish the entire body. When the heart is in balance, the blood will flow easily, the heart rate and pulse will be strong and even, and the face will have a healthy, rosy complexion. The heart functions are also related to the brain (as well as the mind), whereas a healthy heart and circulation provides us with consciousness and a clear mind.

The fire element houses our spirit, our expression of, and capacity for joyful emotions. The heart holds the force within us that is responsible for the inner energies of intuition, insights, imagination, optimism, enthusiasm, alertness, and communication. It has the ability to rule, to understand, to see clearly and serve compassionately.

The Earth element
The earth element, is related to mother earth. The nourishing soil that feed growth of all plants and trees. In order to be rich, fertile and feeding, the earth needs to be moist, therefore the climate related to the earth element is humidity or dampness. The earth element holds the power of stability. A person with a healthy earth element will feel centered and peaceful, even through times of change or transitions.

The acupuncture meridians related to the earth element are the spleen and stomach meridians. The spleen and stomach controls the digestion of foods and the extraction of nutrients. The function of the stomach is to digest food and to send the pure parts to the spleen for transformation and extraction into pure essence to form energy (qi) and blood to be utilized by the body. The impure parts will be sent to the small intestine for further separation. The pure parts are then distributed to the lungs for oxygenation, then to the heart, which pumps the blood out in the body for nourishment.

The earth element provides ability to nourish and support others, and to “digest” large amounts of information and extract the essentials. When nourished and uncongested, it also houses our search for harmony and gives us the capacity to think, study, concentrate, and memorize, as well as the ability to digest and assimilate information.

The Metal element
The metal element, is related to the autumn, and it is the time of the year to harvest and collect natures food. The burst of yang forces, from the seeds and buds in the spring, blossoms and frutations during the summer, are weakening, and the time for withering and drying up has come, the fall.

The acupuncture meridians related to the metal element are the lung and colon meridians. The metal element controls the breathing and the production of defensive qi. The function of the lungs is to control breathing. The lungs extract oxygen (pure air qi) for the body, which then mixes with the nutrients (pure food qi) extracted from food and drink by the spleen. The lungs also expel impure qi.

The metal element houses our source of inspiration for new ideas and is where new emotions take shape, since its our inhalation-connection to the universe. The metal element give us the ability to let go of old ideas, beliefs, and attachments, leaving room for new space to grow and evolve, the possibility for wisdom.

The Water element
The water element, is related to the winter. The climate is cold, dark and its power is deep. All living things are contracted with cold. It is the time of the year, where we have to conserve energy, restore essence and gather strength and vitality, so we have the energy to sparkle in the spring. The water element houses our most essential energy. This energy is like the seed of a plant which holds the potential for growth and the continuity of life - life potential.

The acupuncture meridians related to the water element are the kidney and bladder meridians. The water element system main function is storage of essences and govern birth, growth and reproduction. The water element body is said to be the root of life. It is the house of power within us, therefore it is said that strong kidneys lead to a strong and long life. When the water elements energy is strong, sexual and reproductive life is energetic and lasting, the back and joints are strong and free of pain.

The mind will be strong as well - as reflected in one having a great deal of will-power. The water element mind houses our willpower and determination. It is the force within us that is responsible for personal power and the will to succeed.