相生 Generation Cycle
木Wood
→火Fire
→土Earth
→→水Water
→The Generation Cycle
Each element nourishes the next:
- Wood feeds Fire - Wood provides fuel
- Fire creates Earth - Fire produces ash
- Earth bears Metal - Metals form in earth
- Metal carries Water - Metal holds water
- Water nourishes Wood - Water grows trees
詳解 Element Details
木 Wood (Mù)▼
Wood Element
Wood represents growth, expansion, and upward movement. Like trees in spring, Wood energy is about new beginnings, planning, and vision.
| Season | Spring |
|---|---|
| Direction | East |
| Climate | Wind |
| Yin Organ | Liver (肝 Gān) |
| Yang Organ | Gallbladder (膽 Dǎn) |
| Emotion | Anger (怒 Nù) |
| Taste | Sour (酸 Suān) |
| Color | Green/Blue |
| Generates | Fire |
| Controls | Earth |
Health Tips
- Practice gentle stretching to keep tendons flexible
- Express emotions healthily to prevent Liver Qi stagnation
- Eat green leafy vegetables and sour foods in moderation
- Avoid excessive alcohol which damages the Liver
- Get adequate sleep, especially between 1-3 AM
Signs of Imbalance
- Irritability and anger outbursts
- Eye problems or blurred vision
- Headaches, especially at the temples
- Tendon and muscle tightness
- Menstrual irregularities
火 Fire (Huǒ)▼
Fire Element
Fire represents warmth, transformation, and maximum activity. The Heart houses the Shen (spirit/mind) and governs blood circulation.
| Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Direction | South |
| Climate | Heat |
| Yin Organ | Heart (心 Xīn) |
| Yang Organ | Small Intestine (小腸 Xiǎo Cháng) |
| Emotion | Joy (喜 Xǐ) |
| Taste | Bitter (苦 Kǔ) |
| Color | Red |
| Generates | Earth |
| Controls | Metal |
Health Tips
- Maintain emotional balance - avoid excessive excitement
- Practice meditation to calm the Shen
- Eat bitter foods like dark leafy greens
- Stay hydrated in summer heat
- Cultivate meaningful relationships
Signs of Imbalance
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Palpitations
- Speech problems
- Poor circulation
土 Earth (Tǔ)▼
Earth Element
Earth represents stability, nourishment, and transformation. The Spleen transforms food into Qi and Blood.
| Season | Late Summer |
|---|---|
| Direction | Center |
| Climate | Dampness |
| Yin Organ | Spleen (脾 Pí) |
| Yang Organ | Stomach (胃 Wèi) |
| Emotion | Pensiveness (思 Sī) |
| Taste | Sweet (甘 Gān) |
| Color | Yellow |
| Generates | Metal |
| Controls | Water |
Health Tips
- Eat regular, warm, cooked meals
- Avoid excessive cold, raw, or damp foods
- Do not overthink or worry excessively
- Chew food thoroughly
- Maintain regular eating schedules
Signs of Imbalance
- Digestive problems (bloating, loose stools)
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Excessive worry and overthinking
- Muscle weakness
- Poor appetite or cravings for sweets
金 Metal (Jīn)▼
Metal represents contraction, letting go, and refinement. The Lungs govern Qi and respiration.
| Season | Autumn |
|---|---|
| Direction | West |
| Climate | Dryness |
| Yin Organ | Lung (肺 Fèi) |
| Yang Organ | Large Intestine (大腸 Dà Cháng) |
| Emotion | Grief (悲 Bēi) |
| Taste | Pungent (辛 Xīn) |
| Color | White |
| Generates | Water |
| Controls | Wood |
Health Tips
- Practice deep breathing exercises
- Process grief and loss healthily
- Keep skin moisturized in dry weather
- Eat pungent foods like ginger and garlic
- Maintain healthy boundaries
Signs of Imbalance
- Respiratory issues (cough, shortness of breath)
- Skin problems (dryness, eczema)
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Prolonged or suppressed grief
- Weak voice
水 Water (Shuǐ)▼
Water Element
Water represents storage, stillness, and potential. The Kidneys store Jing (essence), the foundation of life.
| Season | Winter |
|---|---|
| Direction | North |
| Climate | Cold |
| Yin Organ | Kidney (腎 Shèn) |
| Yang Organ | Bladder (膀胱 Páng Guāng) |
| Emotion | Fear (恐 Kǒng) |
| Taste | Salty (鹹 Xián) |
| Color | Black/Dark Blue |
| Generates | Wood |
| Controls | Fire |
Health Tips
- Get adequate rest, especially in winter
- Avoid excessive fear and overwork
- Keep the lower back and feet warm
- Eat black foods (black beans, seaweed)
- Practice conservation of energy
Signs of Imbalance
- Lower back and knee weakness
- Hearing problems or tinnitus
- Urinary issues
- Premature aging or hair graying
- Excessive fear or lack of willpower
Note: Individual health situations should be evaluated by qualified practitioners.