5 Element Theory Flashcards
Generating Sequence
WOOD LV/GB stress can lead to insomnia >
FIRE HT/SI insomnia leads to cravings due to fatigue >
EARTH SP/ST bad diet leads to poor immune system >
METAL LU/LI depleted immune function lead to fertility issues >
WATER KD/BL fertility issues lead to stress
Controlling Sequence
WOOD LV/GB stress leads to overthinking/worry >
EARTH SP/ST constant worry leads to fear >
WATER KD/BL fear leads to anxiety >
FIRE (HT/SI) anxiety leads to depression >
METAL (LU/LI) grief can lead to anger»_space; LV
Insulting Sequence
WOOD LV/GB stress and anger depletes immune system >
METAL LU/LI high fever may lead to delirium >
FIRE HT/SI chronic insomnia may lead to faster aging >
WATER KD/BL constant fear leads to fatigue and poor diet >
EARTH SP/ST poor diet weakens mobility and joints»_space; LV
What is the most common over-controlling pattern seen in clinical practice?
Wood over controlling Earth
> Frustration and irritability (LV) tends to lead to worry and overthinking (SP)
Liver Qi Stagnation can also cause SP Qi Deficiency or ST Qi Heat
What are the symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation?
- irritable
- tight shoulders, temporal headaches
- sighs a lot
- moving rib pain
What are the symptoms of LV over-controls SP?
- fatigue
- bloating
- craving for sugar
- loose stools (IBS)
- worry
What are the symptoms of LV over-controls ST?
- heartburn
- acid reflux
- ulcers
- constant hunger, thirst
- worry
What is the most common insulting pattern seen in clinical practice?
Fire insulting Water
> Can start with chronic insomnia (HT) which leads to faster aging (KD)
What are the symptoms for HT Fire pattern?
- hasn’t slept for years
- heart palpitations
- canker sores on tongue
- constantly agitated
- restlessness
What are the symptoms for HT Fire causing Yin Deficiency?
- dizziness
- tinnitus
- low back aches
- poor memory and fear
- night sweats
- dark scanty urine
Describe the Wood Element.
Yin organ: Liver
Yang organ: Gallbladder
Emotion: irritability, anger
Unbalanced LV/GB Symptoms:
- irritability, anger, dislikes wind, blurred vision, joint issues
Describe the Fire Element.
Yin organ: Heart
Yang organ: Small Intestine
Emotion: joy, excitement
Unbalanced HT/SI Symptoms:
- dislike hot weather, red face, high BP, restless, blood circulation issues
Describe Earth Element.
Yin organ: Spleen
Yang organ: Stomach
Emotion: worry, overthinking
Unbalanced SP/ST Symptoms:
- worry, overthinking, weak muscles, craves sugar, feels worse in damp climate
Describe Metal Element.
Yin organ: Lung
Yang organ: Large Intestine
Emotion: sadness, grief
Unbalanced LU/LI Symptoms:
- dry skin, chronic bleeding, sad, eczema, dry stools, diarrhea after eating spicy foods
Describe Water Element.
Yin organ: Kidney
Yang organ: Bladder
Emotion: fear, shock
Unbalanced KD/BL Symptoms:
- incontinence, craves salty foods, grey hair prematurely, bone density issues, hearing problems, constant fear, feeling cold
