The five elements consist of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. When looking at these elements, there are certain attributes that are analyzed. In turn, the analysis that is made will also determine how it is related to various organs. Not only did these five elements determine the relation of the elements to organs, but went on to include things such as how emotions corresponded with these various elements.



The idea of the five elements is to see how everything is interconnected to each other through the universe. Chinese medicine determines that every man is a reflection of what is in the universe, meaning that each individual can be analyzed in direct co-relation to the elements of the universe.

Take for instance if someone is having trouble with their heart or small intestine. According to Chinese medicine, this would directly relate to Fire, meaning that it would be linked with the qualities of summer and the energy of heat. The result of the heart or intestine trouble would be that the sense organ of the tongue would first be affected. The emotion associated with this would be either joy or shock. The heart and the small intestine will also trigger bitter taste that someone will respond to.

The idea is that everything in the external universe is directly aligned with the internal. In order to be completely healthy, or to get holistic health, the five elements principles have to be applied. By doing this, one is able to find the natural solutions for any season or element that they are looking at.

The Practice of QiGong in Chinese Medicine

The use of meditation as a form of healing is one of the most important concepts used in Chinese medicine. From ancient practices, it is believed that meditation links one to their energy, allowing them to remain clear and with a better energy flow. The energy flow of Qi is the one that enables one to have the energy that they need on all levels, leading to a practice of Qigong, which helps one to focus their energy on what is needed.

Qigong is one of the most popular medical meditation practices used for Chinese medicine. From its origins, it has been known to be not only a meditation, but also a self-medicating practice by moving the flow of energy, or Qi. When one practices Qigong, they will focus on specific focal points of the body. This allows them to clear these points and continue to stay balanced, energized and healthy.

Qigong is best known for combining its ideas of meditation, breathing and movement. This begins with a series of breathing exercises that are used in order to begin the flow of energy. This is then combined with exercises that allow the muscles to become tense and relax. These exercises are known to help the muscles to become heated, which in turn, allows for an increase in producing energy and digesting nutrients that are needed throughout the body.

When one is beginning Qigong, there will be a focus on deep breathing as well as meditation of visualizations and clearing of the mind. This purpose is to begin creating a discipline in the rhythms in ones body. The idea is that this will then begin to reflect the rhythms of life that is surrounding a person. The result will be an elimination of tension of nerves, irregularities and dysfunctions in the body. The long term result of this will be strengthening and balance of the body.

The main purpose behind Qigong is to active channels of energy that are in every person. This is a holistic practice to healing that everyone has the ability to practice, either as a meditation or a way to develop a strengthening of the entire system. The combination of meditation techniques with movement allows one to become in sync to the rhythm of their own body and life, giving them a holistic and balanced way to living.