Classification of symptoms according to traditional Chinese medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the five-element theory is a fundamental concept for describing the interactions and relationships between different phenomena. The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element is assigned e.g. organs, tissues, emotions, seasons, colors and functions in the human body and in nature.

5elements_EN

Fire

Organs: heart, small intestine, blood vessels PLUS mental abilities
Season: Summer
Properties: Fire symbolizes warmth, enthusiasm and dynamism.
It is associated with the circulatory system and clarity of speech.

An imbalance in the element “fire” can manifest itself as:

  • Circulatory disorders
  • Circulatory disorders
  • Paleness and tiredness
  • Heart problems
  • Tendency to varicose veins
  • Dizziness
  • Forgetfulness
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Sleep problems
  • Problems with the small intestine

Wood

Organs: liver, gallbladder, muscles, tendons, eyes PLUS metabolism
Season: Spring
Characteristics: Wood symbolizes growth, vitality and expansion.
In the human body, it is associated with the smooth flow of qi and blood.
It is also related to tendons and ligaments.

An imbalance in the element “wood” can manifest itself as:

  • Problems with the metabolism
  • Muscle tension, tendon irritation
  • Stiff joints
  • Pain in the musculoskeletal system
  • Irritability, anger, indecision, frustration
  • Vision problems, dry eyes
  • Feeling of fullness, flatulence
  • Lumpy feeling
  • Headaches, migraines
  • Itching
  • Stress reactions
  • Sleep disorders
  • Trembling, tremor
  • Dizziness

Water

Organs: kidneys, bladder, bones, teeth, ears and hair PLUS reproduction
Season: Winter
Properties: Water is associated with depth, resourcefulness and introspection.
It is important for the urinary system and bones.
Imbalances in the water element can cause anxiety, urinary problems or kidney problems.

An imbalance in the element “water” can manifest itself as:

  • Kidney problems
  • Bladder disorders
  • Water retention, edema
  • Blood pressure problems
  • Hair loss
  • Hormone disorders
  • Disturbances in growth
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Unfulfilled desire to have children
  • Complaints during the menopause
  • Restless sleep
  • Night sweats
  • Feeling cold
  • Pain in the musculoskeletal system
  • Exhaustion, feelings of weakness
  • Fears

Metal

Organs: lungs, colon, skin PLUS immune system
Season: Fall
Properties: Metal reflects organization, order and boundaries.
It regulates the respiratory system and the function of the skin.

An imbalance in the element “metal” can manifest itself as:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hay fever
  • Allergy
  • Impaired immune defense
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • ENT complaints: sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, headaches
  • Disorders of the sense of smell
  • Digestive and excretory disorders in the large intestine
  • Skin problems
  • Sweating disorders
  • Excessive sadness and melancholy

Earth

Organs: spleen, stomach, pancreas and connective tissue PLUS metabolism and blood sugar balance
Season: Late summer
Characteristics: Earth stands for nourishment and care (“Mother Earth”), stability and grounding.
It is important for the function of digestion and the condition of the tissues.

An imbalance in the element “earth” can manifest itself as:

  • Stomach problems, reflux
  • Digestive and excretory disorders, flatulence
  • Diseases of the pancreas
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Taste disorders
  • Cravings for sweets
  • Eating disorders
  • Tendency to hematomas
  • Predisposition to varicose veins
  • Pain in the connective tissue, e.g. fibromyalgia syndrome
  • Water retention
  • Restless sleep
  • Tiredness and feeling of weakness
  • Thinking and brooding

Coming soon

This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.