Five elements: refers to the five substances (the movement and changes of elements) of gold, wood, water, fire and earth. Ancient Chinese thinkers attempted to use these five substances to explain the origin of all things in the world. Traditional Chinese medicine uses the five elements to explain various physiological and pathological phenomena. Superstitious people use the five elements to predict a person's destiny.
The Five Elements theory first appeared in Taoism. It emphasizes the overall concept and depicts the structural relationships and movement forms of things. If Yin and Yang are an ancient theory of the unity of opposites, then the Five Elements can be said to be a primitive general system theory. The Five Elements Theory is a material composition theory in ancient my country. It is similar to the Western four-element theory of water, fire, earth, and air. However, with the development of modern chemistry, the material composition theories of these two theories have been denied.
At the end of the Western Zhou Dynasty in China, there was already a "Five Materials Theory" from a simple materialist point of view. From "Guoyu Zheng Yu" "Earth is mixed with metal, wood, water and fire to form all things" and "Zuo Zhuan" "Five materials are born, and the people use them together, and one cannot be used" to "Shang Shu Hong Fan" " Five Elements: The first is water, the second is fire, the third is wood, the fourth is gold, and the fifth is earth. Water is called moistening, fire is called inflammation, wood is called straightness, metal is called Congge, earth is called salty, and inflammation is called upper. "Bitterness, sourness, leather, sweetness," began to abstract the attributes of the five elements and extrapolate them to other things to form a fixed combination. In the late Warring States Period, the idea that the five elements win (suppress) and generate each other was put forward, and the order of victory (suppression) and generation was fixed, forming a pattern of interrelationships between things, spontaneously reflecting the internal structural relationships and their The idea of ??overall grasp. During this period, the "Inner Canon" applied the Five Elements theory to medicine, which played an important role in researching and sorting out the large amount of clinical experience accumulated by ancient people and forming a unique theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine.
The five elements generate each other: metal generates water, water generates wood, wood generates fire, fire generates earth, and earth generates metal.
Wood makes fire: Because fire uses wood as fuel material, and the wood burns out, the fire will automatically extinguish
Fire makes earth: After fire burns objects, the objects turn into ashes. Ashes are soil;
Gold is born from soil: because gold is contained in soil and stones, and it is extracted after smelting
Gold produces water: because if gold is burned by fire, it will Dissolves into liquid, and liquid belongs to water; water must be channeled and dredged by iron tools
Water produces wood: because water irrigates trees, trees can thrive
The five elements are in conflict with each other: metal overcomes wood, and wood overcomes earth. Earth defeats water, water defeats fire, and fire defeats metal.
Many defeats few, so water defeats fire; because fire is extinguished when it meets water
Essence defeats solid, so fire defeats metal; because fire can dissolve metal
Hardness beats softness, so metal beats wood; because metal-cast cutting tools can saw down trees
Speciality beats looseness, so wood beats earth; because the power of tree roots and saplings is strong and can break through the obstacles of earth
Reality is better than emptiness, and the homeland is better than water. Because earth is waterproof
The five elements of mathematics: metal is seven, wood is eight, water is six, fire is nine, and earth is five.
Through long-term contact and observation, the ancient working people realized that each of the five elements has different properties. "Wood means Quzhi", which means that wood has the characteristics of growing and rising; "Fire means Yanshang" means that fire has the characteristics of heating and upwards; "Tu Yuanjia Wall" means that soil has the characteristics of growing crops and biochemically transforming all things. "Metal means Congge", which means that metal has the characteristics of chilling and transforming; "Water means moistening down" means that water has the characteristics of nourishing and downward. Based on this understanding, the ancients attributed various things in the universe to the five elements. Therefore, conceptually, they are no longer wood, fire, earth, metal, and water themselves, but a large category of various things that are comparable in characteristics. , the abstract properties of phenomena.
The categories of Five Elements thought in the history of Chinese philosophy: "Until now, we have basically analyzed the various meanings of the Five Elements. For the sake of clarity, we will comprehensively list these meanings as follows:
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(1) Refers to the five behavioral principles, which are suspected to be held by Xunzi.
(2) Refers to the five physical properties, as held by Shangshu Hongfan and Zhouzi's Tai Chi diagram.
(3) refers to the five necessary material conditions for human life, as held by Cai Mo in Zuo Zhuan.
(4) are the five classification principles in taxonomy, as held by Lu Shi Chun Qiu.
(5) Refers to the five "forms of existence" that exist through the flow of yin and yang, as held by Baihutong and Huangdi Neijing Suwen.
(6) Refers to wood (plants), fire, soil, metal and running water. Their symbolic meanings are vitality, activity or change, gestation or cultivation, restriction and treasure. This is held by Xiao Ji.
For the above six meanings of the five elements, in addition to (1) and (3), if the remaining four items (2), (4), (5) and (6) are combined, it will be The complete meaning of the five elements in Yin Yang and Five Elements thought.
*Orientation: east, west, south, north, center.
*The five elements drown each other: metal steams water, water drowns wood, wood drowns fire, fire dries earth, and earth covers metal.
*The relationship between the heavenly stems, the five elements and the directions:
A is the wood of the pillar, the east. B is the tree of flowers and fruits, the east.
C is the fire of the sun, the south. Ding is the fire of the lamp, the south.
W is the soil of the city wall, in the middle. I am the pastoral soil, China.
Geng is the gold of the axe, the west. Xin is gold for jewelry, Western.
Ren is the water of the river, north. Gui is the water of rain and dew, in the north.
The five elements corresponding to the Eight Diagrams:
Gold - Qian, Duiqian is heaven, Duiqian is Ze
Wood - Zhen, Xun Zhen is thunder, Xun is Wind
Earth - Kun and Gen Kun are the earth, Gen is the mountain
Water - Kankan is the water
Fire - Lili is the fire
*Earthly branch conflict (excitement):
Zi (rat) and Wu (horse) conflict, Chou (ox) and Wei (sheep) conflict, Yin (tiger) and Shen (monkey) ) are in conflict with each other,
Mao (rabbit) is in conflict with You (rooster), Chen (Dragon) is in conflict with Xu (Dog), and Si (Snake) is in conflict with Hai (Pig).
*Earthly branches harm each other (wearing):
Zi (rat) and Wei (sheep) harm each other, Chou (ox) and Wu (horse) harm each other, Yin (tiger) They harm each other with Si (snake),
Mao (rabbit) harms with Chen (dragon), Shen (monkey) harms with Hai (pig), You (rooster) harms with Xu (dog) .
and Si (Snake) are in a square,
Chen (Dragon) is in a square with Chen (Dragon), Si (Snake) is in a square with Shen (Monkey), Wu (Horse) is in a square with Wu (Horse) ,
Wei (Sheep) and Chou (Ox) are in cross-examination, Shen (Monkey) and Yin (Tiger) are in cross-examination, You (Chicken) and You (Chicken) are in cross-examination,
Xu (dog) and Wei (sheep) are in cross-examination, and Hai (pig) is in cross-examination with Hai (pig).
*Earthly branch combination (harmony):
Earthly branch triple combination:
Zi (rat). Chen (dragon). Shen (monkey) combined with water; Si (snake), You (rooster), Chou (ox) alloy bureau;
Yin (tiger), Wu (horse), Xu (dog) combined fire bureau; Hai (pig), Mao (rabbit) ). Wei (Sheep) combines with the Wood Bureau;
Earthly Branches Liuhe:
Zi (Rat) and Chou (Ox) combine to transform earth, Yin (Tiger) and Hai (Pig) combine Transform water,
Mao (rabbit) and Xu (dog) combine to transform fire, Chen (dragon) and You (rooster) combine to transform metal,
Si (snake) and Shen ( Monkey) combines to form water, Wu (Horse) and Wei (Sheep) combine to form the sun and moon.
*The relationship between the earthly branches, the five elements and the directions:
Zi (rat) belongs to Yang water, north; Hai (pig) belongs to Yin water, north.
Yin (tiger) belongs to the Yang wood, the east; Mao (rabbit) belongs to the Yin wood, the east.
Si (snake) belongs to yin fire, south; Wu (horse) belongs to yang fire, south.
Shen (Monkey) belongs to Yang Metal, the West; You (Chicken) belongs to Yin Metal, the West.
Chen (Dragon) and Xu (Dog) belong to Yang earth and are in the Chinese direction;
Chou (ox) and Wei (Sheep) belong to the yin earth and are in the Chinese direction.
1. What are the characteristics of gold?
Gold doctrine, gold means "conformity", follower means obedience, obedience, reformer means change, reform, so gold has the ability to be flexible. Characteristics of being able to strengthen, expand, transform, and chill. ?
Gold: His nature is strong and his character is fierce. Among the four pillars, those with strong metal will have a square face, white bones and delicate bones, a healthy body and a clear mind. They are loyal, resolute and decisive, not afraid of violence, loyal to justice and wealth, and hate evil as much as hatred. Have self-awareness and a deep sense of integrity. ?
Those who have too much gold in the four pillars are taboo, they will be reckless, brave and unstrategic, aggressive, greedy, unkind and unjust; those who have less than four pillars of gold will be indecisive, greedy, promiscuous, and vicious. ?
2. Characteristics of wood?
Wood Zhuren: Wood is said to be "curved and straight". Curved means bending, and straight means stretching. Therefore, wood has the ability to bend and stretch. Wood accepts the air of water and soil and can grow and develop. Therefore, wood has the gentle and benevolent nature of growing hair upward and slender. ?
Wood: Its nature is straight and its nature is harmonious. Those with strong wood in the four pillars will be kind, gentle, philanthropic, compassionate, helpful, generous, slender, handsome in manner, with thick and shiny hair. Lively, positive and highly motivated. ?
If there is too much wood in the four pillars, the person will be stubborn, extreme, and the one who falls short will be cowardly, jealous, ungrateful, and cold. ?
3. Characteristics of water?
Water governs wisdom: Water is said to "moisten the lower part", which means moistening, and lowering means downward, so water has the tendency of moistening. Next, delve into the hidden properties. ?
Water has a clever and kind nature. Those with strong water in the four pillars have a spirit in their faces, a flexible mind, resourcefulness, ability to understand people, strong adaptability, and clever language. ?
Those who have too much water in the four pillars will be greedy, lustful, scheming, aggressive in speech, and prone to trouble. Those who have less water will be short in stature, have a dark complexion, be capricious, timid, and narrow-minded. ?
4. Characteristics of fire?
Fire officiant: Fire is called "Yan Shang", which means "heat", "shang", "up". Therefore, fire has the property of generating heat, warmth, and upwardness. Fire has the ability to repel cold and keep warm, and it has the ability to temper metals.
Fire has an impatient temper, while its nature is respectful: Those with strong fire in the four pillars will have a bright spirit, be proactive, be courteous and courteous, pay attention to appearance, be enthusiastic and heroic, candid and friendly. ?
Those who have too much fire in the four pillars will have a red face and a dry voice, have an impatient temper, be impulsive, be aggressive, and easily get into trouble. Those who have less fire will have a thin forehead, talk nonsense, be treacherous and jealous, and have a beginning and an end. ?
5. Characteristics of soil?
The soil owner's letter: soil is called "harvest", sowing is a crop and harvesting is a litter. The soil has the ability to carry things and biochemically store things. The homeland carries all directions, is the mother of all things, and has the nature of making profound contributions.
Earth: Its nature is heavy and its affection is strong. Those with strong earth in the four pillars will have a round waist and smooth nose, beautiful eyebrows and eyes, strong eloquence, loyalty, filial piety and sincerity, courage and generosity, words must be followed, actions must be resolute, and joy. Giving is eclectic. ?
If the earth in the four pillars is too high, it will cause jealousy, introversion, stupidity, stubbornness, and ignorance. Those who are not good enough will have a slanted face and a low nose, a depressed look, disbelief, viciousness, stinginess, and selfishness. Self-interested and unreasonable.
1. The basic concept of the Five Elements Theory
The Five Elements are the movement of five substances: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
The Five Elements Theory believes that everything in the world is generated by the movement and changes between the five basic substances of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. At the same time, the relationship between the five elements is used to explain the interconnection between things. It is believed that nothing is isolated and static, but maintains coordination and balance in the constant movement of mutual generation and mutual inhibition. This is the basic meaning of the Five Elements Theory.
2. The basic content of the Five Elements Theory
Characteristics of wood: The ancients called it "Wood means straight and straight". "Bend and straightness" actually refers to the growth shape of trees, with branches being straight and stretching upward toward the periphery. Therefore, it is extended to the things that have the functions or properties of growth, hair growth, organization and comfort, etc., all belong to wood.
Characteristics of fire: The ancients called it "Fire means Yan Shang". "Yan Shang" means that fire has the characteristics of warmth and rising. Therefore, it is extended that things with warming and rising effects belong to fire.
Characteristics of soil: The ancients called it "soil and crops", which means that soil has the function of planting and harvesting crops.
Therefore, it is extended to the fact that things with biochemical, carrying and accepting functions belong to soil. Therefore, there are sayings that "earth contains the four elements" and "earth is the mother of all things".
The characteristics of gold; the ancients called it "gold means Congge". "Congge" means "change". By extension, things that have the functions of cleansing, soothing, and astringing all belong to gold.
Characteristics of water: The ancients said that "water means moistening the lower body". Refers to the moistening and downward properties of water. By extension, things that are cool, moist, and move downwards belong to water.
The five elements attributes of things are classified.
① Classification method: The Five Elements attributes of things are derived by comparing the nature of things with the characteristics of the Five Elements. If something has characteristics similar to those of wood, it belongs to wood; if it has characteristics similar to fire, it belongs to fire, etc. For example, if the five internal organs are assigned to the five elements, the liver governs ascending and belongs to wood, the heart Yang governs warmth and belongs to fire, the spleen governs transportation and transformation and belongs to earth, the lungs govern descending and belongs to metal, and the kidney governs water and belongs to water. . According to the orientation of the five elements, the sun rises in the east, which is similar to the ascending characteristics of wood, so it belongs to wood; the south is hot, which is similar to the flaming characteristics of fire, so it belongs to fire; the sun sets in the west, which is related to the descending of metal. The properties are similar, so it belongs to gold; the north is cold, and the properties are similar to water, so it belongs to water.
②Deduction method. For example: the liver belongs to wood, then the liver governs tendons and the liver opens the eyes. "Tennis" and "eyes" also belong to wood; the heart belongs to fire, then "pulse" and "tongue" also belong to fire; the spleen belongs to earth, then "flesh" and "meat" The "mouth" also belongs to earth; the lungs belong to metal, so "fur" and "nose" also belong to metal; the kidneys belong to water, so "bones", "ears" and "two yin" also belong to water.
③The Five Elements Theory also believes that things belonging to the same Five Elements attributes are related. For example, the east direction, the wind, wood, and sour substances in nature are all related to the liver. Now, the five elements attributes of nature and the human body are briefly listed as follows.
For the human body, it summarizes the various tissues and functions of the human body into five physiological systems centered on the five internal organs.
The five elements are in harmony with each other
(1) Mutual growth and mutual restraint. Mutual generation means that one thing promotes, encourages and supports the growth of another thing; mutual restraint means that one thing inhibits and restricts the growth and function of another thing. Mutual generation and mutual restraint are considered normal phenomena in nature in the Five Elements Theory; they are also normal physiological phenomena in human physiology. It is precisely because of the interdependence and interdependence between things that the natural world can maintain ecological balance and the human body maintain physiological balance. Therefore, it is said that "regulation leads to biochemistry."
The order of the five elements is: wood generates fire, fire generates earth, earth generates metal, metal generates water, and water generates wood.
The order of the five elements' mutual restraint is: wood overcomes earth, earth overcomes water, water overcomes fire, fire overcomes metal, and metal overcomes wood.
Since there is a mutually reinforcing and mutually restraining relationship between the five elements, for any "one element" among the five elements, there are "producing me", "self-producing" and "conquering me". I g" four aspects of connection.
"Birth of me" and "I gave birth to" are compared to the relationship between "mother" and "son" in the "Difficult Sutra". The person who "gives birth to me" is called "mother", and the person who "gives birth to me" is called "son". Therefore, the mutual generation relationship in the five elements can also be called the "mother-child" relationship. Take fire as an example. Since wood generates fire, the person who "gives birth to me" is wood; because fire generates earth, the person who "gives birth to me" is earth. In this way, wood is the "mother" of fire, and earth is the "son" of fire; that is, wood and fire are "mother and son", and fire and earth are "mother and son".
"Conquer me" and "I overcome" are called "what is invincible" and "what is victorious" in the "Nei Jing". That is to say, those who "conquer me" are "invincible", and those who "conquer me" are "victory". Taking fire as an example again, since fire overcomes metal, the one that “conquers me” is gold; since it originally overcomes fire, the one that “conquers me” is water.
Coexistence and mutual restraint are two inseparable aspects. Without birth, there would be no occurrence and growth of things; without restraint, there would be no way to maintain change and development under normal coordination. Only by creating and interfering with each other in sequence, like a ring without a reason, can life and transformation continue, and the dynamic balance between things can be maintained.
(2) Multiplication and insult. The multiplication and mutual abuse of the five elements refers to the abnormal mutual restraint phenomenon that occurs after the normal relationship between the five elements is destroyed.
Multiply: Multiply means to use the strong to bully the weak. The multiplication among the five elements means that a certain "element" of the five elements restrains the "element" being restrained too much, thus causing a series of over-restraint reactions. In the Five Elements, there are also "Xiangyi" and "Xiangji". Multiplication means taking advantage of the situation, and insult means bullying. Multiplying means over-restraint, and Xiangqing (anti-restraint) means that you can counter-restrain yourself.
When a certain "element" among the five elements is too strong, it can cause the restrained "five elements" to be too restrained, making the restrained "one element" weak, thus causing abnormal restraint among the five elements. For example, if wood is too strong, it will restrain earth too much, resulting in insufficient earth. This is called "wood multiplying earth". On the other hand, it can also be that a certain "one element" among the five elements is itself weak, so its "restraint" and "one element"'s mutual restraint will appear to be relatively stronger, and it itself will be weaker. For example: Wood is not too strong, and its power to restrain earth is still within the normal range. However, due to the deficiency of earth itself, the power of wood to overcome earth is relatively enhanced, making earth even more deficient, which is called "earth deficiency and wood vehicle".
Insult: Insult here refers to "reverse insult". The mutual insult in the Five Elements means that because a certain "one element" of the Five Elements is too strong, it counterattacks the "one element" that originally "conquered the self", so counterattack is also called anti-restraint. For example: Wood is originally restrained by metal, but when wood is particularly strong, not only is it not restrained by metal, but it counterattacks (i.e. counterattacks) metal, which is called "wood insulting metal", or an aspect of counterattack. . On the other hand, it may also be that Metal itself is very weak, not only unable to restrain Wood, but instead being insulted by Wood, which is called "Metal Void Wood Insult".
Both multiplication and mutual suppression are abnormal phenomena of mutual restraint. There are differences and connections between the two. The main difference between multiplication and mutual suppression is: the first one is based on the mutual restraint of the five elements. The order of excessive restraint results in an abnormality in the mutual restraint of the five elements; the latter is a phenomenon of restraint in the opposite direction to the order of the five elements in restraint, resulting in an abnormality of the mutual restraint of the five elements. The connection between the two is that when they multiply, they can also insult each other at the same time; when they insult each other, they can also multiply at the same time. For example: when wood is too strong, it can ride on earth and bully metal; when metal is deficient, it can be counterattacked by wood and bullied by fire.
3. Application of the Five Elements Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Explain the physiological functions and interrelationships of the internal organs
①Explain the physiological activity characteristics of the five internal organs, such as the liver is happy and has the function of catharsis, Wood has the property of hair growth, so the liver belongs to "wood"; heart yang has the function of warming, and fire has the property of yang heat, so the heart belongs to "fire"; the spleen is the source of biochemistry, and soil has the property of biochemicalizing all things, so it is The spleen belongs to "earth"; the lung qi governs purification and descending, and metal has the characteristics of purification and convergence, so the lungs belong to "metal"; the kidneys have the function of controlling water and storing essence, and water has the characteristics of moisturizing the lower body, so the kidneys belong to "water" ”,
② Explain the intrinsic connection between the physiological functions of the human body’s internal organs and tissues. For example, the essence of kidney (water) nourishes the liver, the liver (wood) stores blood to benefit the heart, the heat of the heart (fire) warms the spleen, the spleen (earth) transforms into the essence of water and grain to fill the lungs, and the lungs (metal) purify and descend. To help kidney water. This is the relationship between the five internal organs and their mutual benefit. The purification and decline of lung (metal) qi can inhibit the overflow of liver yang; the smoothness of liver (wood) can relieve the congestion of spleen earth; the transportation and transformation of spleen (earth) can prevent the overflow of kidney water; The moisture of water can prevent the heart fire from becoming too strong; the yang heat of the heart (fire) can restrain the lung metal from being excessively purified. This is the mutual restriction relationship between the five internal organs.
③Explain the relationship between the human body and the four seasons and five qi of the external environment as well as the five flavors of diet. In short, the application of the Five Elements Theory to physiology is to explain the unity of the interconnections between the organs and tissues of the human body, as well as between the human body and the external environment.
Explain the pathological influence between the internal organs
For example, liver disease can be transmitted to the spleen, which is caused by wood multiplying earth; spleen disease can also affect the liver, which is caused by earth overpowering wood; the liver and spleen are the same diseases and influence each other. , that is, wood stagnation and earth deficiency or earth obstruction and wood stagnation; liver disease can also affect the heart, which is a mother's disease and the child; it affects the lungs, and it is wood and metal; it affects the kidneys, and it is a child's disease and the mother's disease. This is true for liver disease, and it is also true for lesions in other organs. The relationship between the five elements can be used to illustrate their pathological mutual influence.
The relationship between the Five Elements and other traditional Chinese cultures
In traditional Chinese culture, the Five Elements are closely related to directions, heavenly stems, colors, mythical animals, etc.
East: A, B: Wood: Green: Qinglong
South: C, D: Fire: Red: Suzaku
West: Geng, Xin: Gold ：White: White Tiger
North: Ren, Gui: Water: Black: Xuanwu
Central: Wu, Ji: Earth: Yellow: Huanglin
Used for Diagnosis and treatment of diseases
(1) Application in disease diagnosis
Diagnose diseases of the internal organs based on their color, taste and pulse. If the face is green, the person likes to eat sour food, and the pulse is stringy, it can be diagnosed as liver disease; if the face is red, the taste is bitter, and the pulse is heavy, it can be diagnosed as excessive heart fire. A patient with spleen deficiency will have a green face, which is represented by wood, and earth will be the host; a patient with a heart disease will have a black face, and water will be the host for fire, etc.
The transmission and transformation of diseases of the five internal organs can be diagnosed based on the color, taste and pulse of the internal organs. For example, in a patient with spleen deficiency, if the face is green and the pulse is stringy, it means that liver disease is transmitted to the spleen (wood multiplies earth); in a person with lung disease, if the face is red and the pulse is red, it is heart disease transmitted to the lungs (fire multiplies metal). Diseases in any one of the five internal organs can be transmitted to the other four internal organs. According to the analysis of the five elements theory, there are four transmission relationships: multiplication, mutual insult, mother's disease, child, child's disease and mother.
The prognosis of the disease can be judged from the relationship between color and pulse. For example, if the patient has liver disease, the complexion is blue, and stringy pulse is seen, the color and pulse are consistent. If there are no stringy pulses but floating pulses, it is a pulse that is in harmony with the appearance, and a pulse that overcomes color (metal overcomes wood), which is reversed, indicating a poor prognosis; if a sinking pulse is seen, it is a pulse that generates color, that is, a vein that generates color (water-born). Wood), means smoothness, and the prognosis is good.
(2) Application in disease treatment
① Control the spread of diseases of the five internal organs. If liver disease can spread to the spleen (wood rides on earth), the spleen should be replenished in advance to prevent it from spreading. "When you see liver disease, you know that the liver should transmit it to the spleen, so you should first strengthen the spleen."
②Determine the treatment principles. It can be summarized as the method of "tonifying the mother and purging the child", that is, "if it is deficient, it will nourish the mother, and if it is true, it will purge the child." Tonifying the mother is a treatment for deficiency syndromes that have a mother-child relationship, such as liver deficiency and tonifying the kidney. Because the kidney is the mother of the liver, the kidney tonifying water can produce liver wood. Xiezi is a treatment for symptoms that have a mother-child relationship, such as liver excess and Xiexin. Because the heart is the son of the liver, Xinxinhuo Xiehe helps Xiehehemu.
The treatment principle is determined based on the mutual restraint relationship, which can be summarized as the method of "suppressing the strong and weakening the skin", that is, reducing the strength of the restrained one and making up for the weakness of the restrained one. If the Liver Wood is too strong and the Spleen Earth is present, if the Liver Wood is too strong, it must be purged, and if the Spleen Earth is weak, it must be replenished.
③ Formulate treatment methods. In terms of drug treatment, such as nourishing water and nourishing wood, it is a method of nourishing kidney yin to conserve liver yin. It is suitable for diseases with kidney yin deficiency and liver yin deficiency. Another example is the method of cultivating soil to generate metal, which is a method of strengthening the spleen and replenishing the lungs. It is suitable for diseases where the spleen fails to move well and the lung qi is weak. Another example is the method of supporting the soil and suppressing the wood, which is a method of treating a strong liver and a weak spleen with medicines that soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen.
In addition, in acupuncture and psychotherapy, the restraint of the five elements can be used to select acupoints and regulate emotions. For example, sadness can overcome anger because the lungs belong to metal, and the liver belongs to wood.
In the process of practical application, the Yin Yang and Five Elements theories are often interrelated and inseparable. The combination of Yin Yang and Five Elements theory can not only explain the general relationship between contradictory parties of things, but also explain the more specific and complex relationships between things that are interconnected and mutually restrictive, thus helping to explain complex life phenomena and pathological processes.
The four pillars and the five elements correspond to the organs and parts that need to be replenished
Wood: The liver and gallbladder are the internal and external organs of each other, and they belong to the muscles, bones and limbs. If it is too strong or too weak, it will be worse. Suitable for diseases of the liver, gallbladder, head, neck, limbs, joints, tendons, eyes, nerves, etc.
Fire: The heart and small intestine are the internal and external organs of each other, and they belong to the blood vessels and the entire circulatory system. . If it is too strong or too weak, it is more likely to suffer from diseases in the small intestine, heart, shoulders, blood, menstrual blood, face, teeth, abdomen, tongue, etc.
Earth: The spleen and stomach are the surfaces of each other's internal organs. Li also belongs to the intestines and the entire digestive system. If it is too strong or too weak, it is more likely to suffer from diseases of the spleen, stomach, ribs, back, chest, lungs, belly, etc.
Metal: The lungs and large intestine interact with each other. It is inside and outside the internal organs, and belongs to the trachea and the entire respiratory system. If it is too strong or too weak, it is more likely to suffer from diseases in the large intestine, lungs, navel, phlegm, liver, skin, hemorrhoids, nose and trachea, etc.
Water: The kidneys and bladder are the internal and external organs of each other, and belong to the brain and urinary system. If it is too strong or too weak, it is more likely to affect the kidneys, bladder, shins, feet, head, liver, urinary system, vulva, waist, ears, uterus, Hernia and other diseases.
In martial arts, ancient martial artists used metal, wood, water, fire, and earth (the five elements) to represent the five basic boxing techniques of Xingyiquan: splitting, collapsing, drilling, cannon, and horizontal. , or represents the five steps of advance, retreat, look, hope, and concentration in Tai Chi.
Clinical Application
The Five Elements Theory of Chinese Medicine classifies all parts of the human body into five categories: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. There are vertical connections between similar things: for example, those belonging to wood include liver, gallbladder, eyes, tendons, anger, green, acid, wind, etc. The connection between them is that "the liver opens the eyes to the eyes" and "the liver governs the tendons" , "anger hurts the liver", liver disease is prone to "liver wind", etc.; during examination, cyan is mostly due to liver wind, red is mostly heart fire, yellow is mostly spleen dampness, white is mostly lung cold, and black is mostly kidney deficiency;
When taking medicine, the sour taste goes into the liver, the bitter taste goes into the heart, the sweet taste goes into the spleen, the pungent taste goes into the lungs, the salty taste goes into the kidneys, etc. There are horizontal connections between all kinds of things: that is, using changes such as birth and restraint, taking advantage of and insult to illustrate the interrelationships between the five internal organs under physiological and pathological conditions. For example, a disease in a certain organ can be transmitted from another organ due to the relationship between life and restraint, or it can be transmitted to another organ through the relationship between life and restraint. "When you see liver disease, you know that the liver transmits to the spleen, so you should strengthen the spleen first", "If it is deficient, it will nourish its mother, if it is deficient, it will purge its son", etc. are the specific applications of this theory.
Ren water suppresses Bing fire, Wu earth overcomes water, Yi wood overcomes earth, and Geng metal releases water.